Abstract

VICENTE-PEREZ, Ricardo et al. Peri-Conceptional undernutrition in twin bearing ewes: Effect on early fetal growth and birth weight. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2017, vol.4, n.12, pp.419-429. ISSN 2007-901X.  https://doi.org/10.19136/era.a4n12.1293.

A total of 48 Katahdin x Pelibuey multiparous ewes were used to evaluate the effect of nutritional restriction (40 %) before (30 d, RT), after (50 d, TR) or both periods (80 d, RR) compared with a control group on maternal body status, early fetal growth and lamb birth weights. Only twin bearing ewes were selected at d 50 of pregnancy for fetal measurements by ultrasonography and record of birth weight. Compared with control ewes, lower (p < 0.05) weight and body condition score had RT and RR ewes at mating time, likewise, TR and RR ewes at d 50 post-conception. There were mainly differences between fetuses from control and RT ewes, being higher (p < 0.05) the vesicular, abdominal and fetal area, as well as crown-rump length and birth weight for RT fetuses. In conclusión, preconception undernutrition positively altered the early fetal growth and lamb birth weights in hair ewes pregnant with twins.

Keywords : Fetal growth; cotyledons; twin pregnancy; crown-rump length; nutritional restriction.

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