Many new stressors are present at weaning, including immune challenges. These stressors can result in an inflammatory response as well as reduced feed intake and growth. An over-production of immune cells can result in increased muscle degradation and reduced protein synthesis. Omega-3 fatty acids have a variety of health benefits to a variety of species, including anti-inflammatory properties. Feeding a high diet of omega-3 fatty acids post-weaning may alter the inflammatory response of the piglets by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. An inflammatory challenge was induced in the piglets while the ratio of omega-6:omega-3 was altered. Different ratios had different responses to the lipopolysaccharide immune challenge. The ideal ratio for an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was 5:1 for omega-6:omega-3.
Effects of Altering the Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio in Starter Diets on Piglet Inflammatory Response (full article)
