Undernutrition of ewe lambs in utero and in early post-natal life does not affect hypothalamic–pituitary function in adulthood

Borwick, S.C.; Rae, M.T.; Brooks, J.; McNeilly, A.S.; Racey, P.A.; Rhind, S.M.

Abstract

The effect of undernutrition in utero, during late gestation (from day 100), and early neonatal life on hypothalamic–pituitary function was investigated in female lambs born to ewes fed rations calculated to provide either 100% (high; H) or 70% (low; L) of the energy requirements to sustain a twin pregnancy. Following parturition in early spring, ewes and lambs were maintained on pasture with sward heights of 6 cm (H) or 4 cm (L) until week 8 of lactation and then sward heights of 5 cm (H) or 3 cm (L) until weaning at week 14. Mean lamb birth weights were 18% lower in L than H animals (P

Citation

Borwick, S., Rae, M., Brooks, J., McNeilly, A., Racey, P., & Rhind, S. (2003). Undernutrition of ewe lambs in utero and in early post-natal life does not affect hypothalamic–pituitary function in adulthood. Animal Reproduction Science, 77(1-2), 61-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4320%2802%2900261-0

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 26, 2002
• Online Publication Date: Jan 17, 2003
• Publication Date: 2003-05
• Deposit Date: Jul 27, 2016
• Journal: Animal Reproduction Science
• Print ISSN: 0378-4320
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 77
• Issue: 1-2
• Pages: 61-70
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4320%2802%2900261-0
• Keywords: Nutrition; Hypothalamus; Pituitary; Sheep pregnancy; Pregnancy
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/317816
• Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378432002002610