Effect of variable long-term maternal feed allowance on the development of the ovine placenta and fetus

Placenta
S P QuigleyJ A Owens

Abstract

Maternal feed allowance during pregnancy can affect the development of the ovine placenta and fetus. The impact of variations in feed allowance prior to as well as throughout pregnancy has received less attention. Ewes were offered 0.6 (R), 1.2 (C) or 1.8 (AL) maintenance requirements from 89 days before conception until day 133 of pregnancy. Ewes were euthanised on days 50, 92 and 133 of pregnancy. Ewe live weight and body condition score, maternal and fetal metabolic and hormonal profiles, fetal body dimensions and organ weights, and the number, weight and morphology of placentomes were measured. Maternal live weight and condition score were lower in R compared to AL ewes at all stages of pregnancy (P<0.05). Plasma glucose and albumin concentrations of R ewes were significantly reduced (P<0.05) at mid and late gestation, respectively. Placental components were generally unresponsive to long term variations in maternal feed allowance. However, placental weight was significantly (P<0.05) correlated with fetal weight at days 50 (r=0.59) and 133 (r=0.69) of gestation. By late gestation growth-retarded singleton fetuses from R ewes were 19% lighter (P<0.05), with reduced abdominal (9%) and thoracic (10%) girths (P<0.05) but of sim...Continue Reading

Citations

Jun 1, 2011·The Journal of Physiology·P M CoanA L Fowden
Mar 3, 2009·Experimental Physiology·Abigail L Fowden, Alison J Forhead
Jun 16, 2005·The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice·Daniel L Grooms, Carole A Bolin
Nov 23, 2018·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Francisco SalesVíctor H Parraguez

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