Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the impaired growth and development of the mammalian embryo/foetus or its organs during pregnancy. IUGR may have permanent stunting effects on muscle growth and the development of the progeny. This study aims to investigate how IUGR affects piglets growth performances during lactation and body composition at weaning (age=25.2±1.2 d). Two days (±1) after birth, each piglet (n=268) was classified as either normal (score 1), mild IUGR (score 2) or IUGR (score 3) by two different observers. The classification was based on the morphological characteristics of the head. IUGRs can be recognized by their dolphin-like shape, bulging eyes, hair without direction of growth and wrinkles perpendicular to the mouth. Body weight was recorded individually once a week. Bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass (LM) and fat tissue mass (FM) of each piglet were determined right after weaning (age=29.6±0.7 d) using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. IUGR score had a significant impact on the growth performances. At weaning, piglets with score 1 weighed 505 and 876 g more than those with scores 2 and 3, respectively (P≤0.01, P-value of the contrast). Additionally, the score affected the BMC, LM and FM, with score 1 showing 11% and 19% higher BMC, 9% and 17% higher TLM, 9% and 18% higher TFM than scores 2 and 3, respectively (P≤0.01). Nevertheless, there was no difference between scores in the proportions of BMC, LM, and FM on total mass. Likewise, the ratio between total fat mass and total lean mass did not differ between scores. In conclusion, IUGR condition affects growth performances from birth to weaning, but not the relative body composition at weaning.
