Changes in body weight, serum protein and albumin were followed during defined periods of protein-calorie malnutrition in the pig. Pregnant pigs fed protein restricted diets gained less weight (P<.05) during gestation and their respective fetuses weighed less compared to the controls (P<.05). There was growth retardation in the progeny of dams severely protein malnourished during gestation (P<.05). Restricting protein intake during postnatal life resulted in growth retardation (P<.05) during the depletion period. Serum protein and albumin were reduced in protein deprived pregnant pigs and their fetuses (P<.05) but no significant differences were observed in serum protein levels in the progeny of malnourished dams postnatally compared to the control group. Protein deficiency, but not energy restriction, from 3 to 11 weeks of age led to reduced serum protein and albumin levels during the depletion period.
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Atinmo et al. (1976) studied this question.