[Energy metabolism in fasting and subsequent refeeding].

A metabolism trial with six adult sows was conducted to study the effect of fasting and realimentation on heat production, energy retention, and utilization of energy. Complete balance measurements by indirect calorimetry (CN-method, RQ-method) were carried out from the 8th to the 10th day of fasting, and thereafter from the 1st to the 7th day and from the 33rd to the 36th day of the realimentation phase. Previous to fasting and during the time of refeeding the energy supply was adapted to maintenance requirement. Heat production rose by 20% after refeeding the animals. This heat increment corresponded to 2.2 MJ/kg feed dry matter, or 12% of the energy intake, respectively. The stimulation of heat production induced by refeeding occurred spontaneously within one day. After the first day of refeeding a plateau was reached, which in the course of the steady energy supply was still present even after the 5th week of realimentation. Residual effects of fasting in the mode of a compensatory heat production were not observed. Therefore, a constant utilization of efficiency of metabolizable energy for maintenance was estimated at 82%. The change of body energy during the entire experimental period resulted in a loss of 198 MJ corresponding to about 5% of the body weight.