Metabolic and reproductive parameters in prepubertal gilts after omega-3 supplementation in the diet

• Metabolic and reproductive parameters were evaluated for gilts fed fish oil as an omega-3source.
• Cholesterol serum levels tended to be lower after supplementation with omega-3 for 45 days.
• Triglycerides and IGF-1 serum levels were unaltered for supplemented gilts.
• Immunolabeling for leptin and its receptor was more intense in oocytes of supplemented gilts.
• Supplementation with omega-3 may help to accelerate puberty in gilts.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids may benefit reproductive performance of female swine. This study evaluated metabolic and reproductive parameters of prepubertal finishing gilts fed with fish oil as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids (6.88 g/d) (n = 12) over a period of 45 d. Gilts in the control group were fed soybean oil (n = 13). Body weight and backfat were determined at 15-d intervals. Serum levels of leptin, IGF-1, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides were measured at the beginning (D0) and at the end of the period (D45). Immunolabeling intensity for leptin and its receptor (ObRb) was assessed in oocytes of preantral follicles. Gilts fed omega-3 presented slightly heavier uteri (P = 0.09) than control gilts, but there was no effect on body weight and backfat (P > 0.05). Cholesterol serum levels tended to be lower at D45 for omega-3 supplemented gilts than for controls (P = 0.06). Triglycerides and IGF-1 serum levels were lower at D45 than at D0 for control gilts (P < 0.05), but unaltered for supplemented gilts. Insulin levels were unaffected by supplementation (P > 0.05), but were greater at D45 than at D0 in both treatments (P < 0.05). Immunolabeling for leptin and ObRb in oocytes included in preantral follicles was more intense for supplemented gilts than for control gilts (P < 0.05). Omega-3 supplementation was associated with reduced serum cholesterol level and more intense staining for leptin in oocytes of prepubertal gilts, which suggests some involvement on triggering puberty.