U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
                    Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov**
                            
                            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                            
                            A **lock** (                            
                              A locked padlock                                                      
                            
                            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Menu Agricultural Research Service
						
                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 close



Research
                Research Home
                            National Programs
                            Research Projects
                            Scientific Manuscripts
                            International Engagement
                            Scientific Software/Models
                            Databases and Datasets
                            Office of Scientific Quality Review
            Media
                News & Features
                            Multimedia
                            Briefing Room
                            Down on the Farm
                            Press Room
                            Science in Your Shopping Cart
                            Scientific Discoveries
                            Tellus
                            Under the Microscope
            About ARS
                About ARS Home
                            Staff Directory
                            Labs and Research Centers (Map)
                            Headquarter Offices
                            Organizational Chart
                            Employee Services (REE Employees Only)
                            Office of Outreach, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity
            Work With Us
                Work With Us Home
                            ARS Vacancies at USAJOBS
                            Careers at ARS Information
                            Scientific Collaborations
                            Extramural Agreements
                            1890 Faculty Research Sabbatical ProgramSearch small
                    Search
            
            ARS Home
                                About ARS
                                Contact Us




ARS Home Research Publications at this Location





- ARS National Programs
- Search for a scientific manuscript
- Search for a research project
- ARS Software
- Programs and Projects
- Collaborations
- Subjects of Investigation
- Publications

Title:   Author  item
                                            Carroll, Jeffery

                                                         - *Jeff Carroll*
  Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
                                    Publication Type: Abstract Only
                                    Publication Acceptance Date: 2/25/2003
                                    Publication  Date: N/A
                                    Citation: N/AInterpretive Summary:
                                Technical Abstract: It is known that events associated with parturition, such as the rise in fetal cortisol, are necessary for proper growth in neonatal pigs. We have previously reported that pigs born by Caesarian section have impaired growth rates compared to natural-born pigs. The rise in fetal cortisol and the stress associated with birth are necessary to stimulate optimal postnatal growth and development in pigs. Therefore, it may be possible to provide an exogenous glucocorticoid to the neonatal pig to influence the somatotrophic axis and improve growth performance. It is known that chronic glucocorticoid exposure hinders growth, however, we have recently reported that a single administration of dexamethasone (a potent synthetic glucocorticoid) at birth increases growth of neonatal pigs to 18 days of age. Furthermore, we subsequently reported that the beneficial growth effects associated with dexamethasone treatment persist until market age. Continued research in this area demonstrated that the beneficial effects associated with providing exogenous glucocorticoids to the perinatal pig are influenced by several factors such as environmental stressors and sow productivity. Collectively, this series of studies provide significant evidence that glucocorticoids play a major role in postnatal growth and development in the pig. Additionally, this research provides support for our hypothesis that the endocrine system of the perinatal pig can be programmed in a manner which would be beneficial with regard to overall performance and productivity. This information will be of interest to scientists, veterinarians, industry personnel, producers, and swine extension specialists.


Return to top


Connect with ARS Sign up


ARS Home
                            USDA.gov
                            Plain Writing
                            Policies & Links
                            Civil Rights Statements
                            FOIA
                            Accessibility Statement
                            Privacy Policy
                            Non-Discrimination Statement
                            Quality of Information
                            USA.gov
                            WhiteHouse.gov