Plasma insulin and glucagon responses to acute challenges of acetate, propionate, n-butyrate and glucose in growing gilts (Sus scrofa)

A supraphysiological dose (2.5 mmol kg^-1 body weight) of acetate, propionate, n-butyrate or glucose was intravenously injected to measure plasma insulin and glucagon responses in growing gilts. Plasma insulin concentrations remained constant after injection of the volatile fatty acids. Plasma glucagon concentrations increased (P < 0.05) after n-butyrate injection following an initial temporary decrease (P < 0.05), and showed a similar tendency after acetate or propionate injection. These results suggest that a supraphysiological dose of acetate, propionate or n-butyrate may stimulate a plasma glucagon response in growing piglets.