Protein synthesis in pigs: how gilts, barrows and intact male respond to this process?

Abstract

Muscle protein synthesis in pigs can be considered a key factor in promoting lean gain. However, this is a complex process depending on several enzymes, ribosomal proteins and may be affected by environmental factors, besides nutritional and hormonal. In this sense, sexual hormones may have anabolic action in protein synthesis, leading different rates of muscle deposition in barrows, intact males and gilts. Aiming to use the anabolic effect of testosterone, the immunocastration practice is being applied to pig production in many countries, allowing males to show the same growth performance and carcass traits as intact males. In this sense, sex plays an important role on protein synthesis, providing differences in the amino acids requirements, according to its condition (intact males, gilts and barrows) due to differences in carcass protein deposition.