title: The effects of subnutrition on the components of the gravid uterus in the doe.
abstract: The effects of subnutrition on the caprine fetus and the other products of pregnancy were investigated in does. Two groups of does were fed on rations calculated to provide 100 and 25% of their energy and protein requirements for maintenance from 19 days before mating until 60 days after mating. Estrus was synchronized in does using PGF(2x). Approximately 60 days after natural mating, pregnant does were slaughtered, and the products of pregnancy were measured. Fetuses from the feed-restricted group were significantly lighter (P<0.05), had shorter crown-rump length (P<0.05), and the uterus contained a smaller volume of fetal fluids (P<0.02). Curved crown-rump length tended to be shorter and fetal placental membranes and cotyledons tended to be lighter (P<0.1) in the feed-restricted group. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the head length, number of placentomes, and weight of empty uterus. The number of fetuses affected the number of placentomes (P<0.001), weight of empty uterus (P<0.001), mass of total fetal fluids (P<0.001) and weight of ovaries (P<0.05), but not fetal measurements. Gestation length was found to significantly (P<0.001) affect all the fetal measurements but none of the placental measurements except for the total weight of cotyledons (p<0.001). The results of the study demonstrated detrimental effects of underfeeding on the caprine fetus and placenta.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies Veterinary Field Station, Easter Bush Roslin Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland.
authors.forename: A U
authors.initials: AU
authors.lastname: Mani
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: McKelvey