Insulin-secreting ability in Pietrain and Large White pigs

summary Mesomorphic, stress-sensitive Pietrain pigs were found to have a lower insulin secretory response to intravenous tolbutamide, glucose and arginine, when compared with ectomorphic, stress-resistant Large White pigs. Pietrain pigs have also been observed to be insulin-insensitive in comparison with Large White pigs. The combination of a low production of and low sensitivity to insulin in the Pietrain breed could account for their enhanced sensitivity to lipolytic agents and for their reduced ability to deposit body fat.