Ascorbate Effect of Lithium on Protein and Lipid Metabolism in Pigs

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a new anti-stress drug on protein and lipid metabolism in the cultivation and fattening of pigs. The experiment was carried out on 5 groups of pigs of Irish Landrace breed (4 experimental and 1 control) with 10 heads in each in the period from 60 to 210 days of age. Animals of 1, 2, 3 and 4 experimental groups daily during the entire period of rearing and fattening received lithium ascorbate in the form of powder at a dose of 10, 5, 2 and 0.5 mg/kg of live weight, respectively. Weighing was carried out before the introduction of the drug, for the 4^th month and before slaughter. Before setting the animals in the experiment and on the 180^th day of the experiment, blood samples were taken. Triacylglycerols, total protein and globulins, and fractions of lipoproteins were determined in blood plasma. Acting on protein and lipid metabolism, lithium ascorbate activates the functions associated with the participation of α-, β - globulins in the transport of lipids, as well as in the performance of γ-globulins protective functions. Lithium ascorbate has a positive effect on lipid-cholesterol metabolism and, as a result, contributes to the increase in live weight and quality of meat. With the introduction of feed lithium ascorbate from the 60^th day prior to slaughter at a dosage of 10, 5 and 2 mg/kg of body weight, lithium ascorbate exhibits a pronounced adaptogenic and stress-protection properties, prevents the accumulation of lipoproteins of low and very low density and activates the production of high-density lipoproteins. And in the control animals, it is is observed in the reverse reaction. The use of lithium ascorbate affects protein synthesis. Given that γ-and β-globulins serve as raw materials for the production of immunoglobulins, it can be noted that the animals treated with lithium ascorbate had the best opportunities for humoral specific protection for 180 days of experience, which contributes to the increase of nonspecific immunity and resistance. The revealed effects of lithium ascorbate indicate the prospects for the development of new effective ways to increase stress resistance, nonspecific resistance and productivity of animals using drugs based on organic lithium salts.