Diet induced changes in organ weights and uncoupling protein gene expression in piglets

Abstract

Miller and Payne (1962) reported poor energy efficiency of piglets fed a low protein diet when compared to piglets fed restricted amounts of a high protein diet. Subsequent studies have established that the poor efficiency of energy utilization is due to increased metabolic rate of pigs fed low protein diets. In this study we examined the role of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) and of internal organ mass in the poor energy efficiency of piglets fed low protein diets. Increased expression of UCPs as well as increased internal organ mass have been speculated to play important roles in metabolic rate of animals.