Impact of energy and protein restriction on energy expenditure of gestation in twin-bearing ewes

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

This study aimed to investigate the impact of energy and protein restriction on energy expenditure of gestation (EEgest) in twin-bearing ewes. Multiparous twin-bearing ewes were fed either adequate (A: n = 10) or restricted to 60% of energy and protein requirements (R: n = 10) during the last 6 weeks of gestation. Whole-body energy expenditure (EE) and retained energy (RE) were calculated from respiratory gaseous exchange combined with nitrogen balance at 7, 5 and 2 weeks prepartum. Twin lamb birth weight was lower in the R group compared to those in the A group (7.9 ± 0.31 vs 9.3 ± 0.19 kg, P < 0.01). The EEgest was lower in the R group than the A group (4.6 vs 5.9 MJ/day, SE = 0.30, P < 0.01). Between 5 and 2 weeks prepartum, EEgest contribution to the whole-body EE significantly (P < 0.01) increased from 39% to 45% and from 34% to 40% in the A and R groups, respectively. Based on kg conceptus weight, both EEhomeorhetic (from 292 to 270 kJ/kg/day, SE = 6.2, P < 0.001) and EEconceptus (from 259 to 177 kJ/kg/day, SE = 23.8, P < 0.02) decreased between weeks 5 and 2 prepartum. The EEconceptus tended to be lower (P = 0.06) in the R group than the A group both at 5 weeks (219 vs 298 kJ/kg/day, SE = 32.8) and 2 weeks (from 138 to 217 kJ/kg/day, SE = 30.1) prepartum. In conclusion, energy and protein restriction reduced energy expenditure of gestation calculated per kg conceptus weight. The decrease may be associated with energy expenditure of conceptus growth and maintenance.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftAnimal Science Journal
Vol/bind79
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)218-225
Antal sider8
ISSN1344-3941
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2008

ID: 8104947