Caffeine and glucose improve growth of low birthweight piglets

Australian researchers determined whether supplementing caffeine and/or glucose to piglets at birth is beneficial for their viability, growth, thermoregulatory ability, and survival. The risk of piglet mortality is highest during the first 3 days of life, especially for low birthweight piglets. Therefore, interventions are necessary to support pre-weaning survival. Caffeine is a methylxanthine that improves neurological impairment, provides neuroprotection to neonates, improves metabolic vari