Forsberg, Mats
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
The mink is a seasonal breeder with a propensity for seasonal fatness, and it is very responsive to changes in energy supply. The objectives of the present study were first, to validate a multispecies leptin assay for mink (Mustela vison) plasma, and second, to evaluate how plasma leptin and insulin concentrations responded to energy restriction and body-weight loss and refeeding with restoration of body reserves. The study was performed with six very fat yearling females (initial mean body weight 1451 (SD 119) g, i.e. approximately 300 g more than for a female in normal body condition). The animals were fed in restricted amounts (about 35 % metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance) in order to reach a very lean body condition. The target weight of 800 g was reached after about I month of restriction. The animals were then refed ad libitum until almost complete weight recovery. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 24, 34 (end of restriction), 44, 55 and 71 (end of experiment) and analysed for plasma concentrations of leptin and insulin. Three females were mated on day 44. Leptin and insulin concentrations mirrored each other and clearly reflected changes in body weight. Significant (P
Published in
British Journal of Nutrition
2002, volume: 87, number: 2, pages: 101-105
Publisher: C A B I PUBLISHING
SLU Authors
UKÄ Subject classification
Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/BJN2001500
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/199