Abstract
We investigated the influence of restricted maternal nutrition between 28 and 77 d of gestation on placental weight and appearance, and on fetal weight and conformation. Single-bearing ewes were fed either twice [i.e. controls (n = 19)] or half [i.e. nutrient-restricted (n = 28)] their energy requirements from 28 to 77 d of gestation, after which all ewes were fed to fully meet the energy requirements for maintenance and pregnancy. Close to term (145 ± 1 d) placental weight was higher in the nutrient-restricted group [nutrient-restricted, 416.3 ± 12.6 g; controls, 347.4 ± 17.6 g (p < 0.01)], as was the abundance of everted placentomes. There was no significant difference in total fetal weight, or weights of individual organs between groups, but crown-rump length was significantly greater in lambs born to nutrient-restricted ewes [nutrient-restricted, 50.4 ± 0.4 cm; controls, 48.2 ± 0.6, cm (p < 0.01)]. Fetal to placental weight ratio was lower in the nutrient-restricted group [nutrient-restricted, 9.51 ± 0.23; controls, 10.81 ± 0.39 (p < 0.01)]. A stronger relationship between the total weight of the fetal component of the placental and fetal weight was observed in controls (r2 = 0.50) than in nutrient-restricted ewes (r2 = 0.18). In conclusion, maternal nutrient restriction over the period of rapid placental growth results in a larger placenta and altered placental to fetal weight ratio if ewes are subsequently fed to requirements for the remainder of gestation.
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Abbreviations
- ME:
-
metabolizable energy
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Supported by the Wellcome Trust and by a Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Studentship (L.H.).
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Heasman, L., Clarke, L., Firth, K. et al. Influence of Restricted Maternal Nutrition in Early to Mid Gestation on Placental and Fetal Development at Term in Sheep. Pediatr Res 44, 546–551 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199810000-00013
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199810000-00013
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