Shearing during late pregnancy increases size at birth but does not alter placental endocrine responses in sheep

摘要: Shearing during the latter half of pregnancy is a common practice to improve flock health and productivity. Previous studies have demonstrated that shearing pregnant ewes at mid or late associated with an increase in lamb birth weight. In present study, we used singleton Polypay × Dorset sheep, investigate potential roles placental function changes maternal metabolism underlying this increased weight response. Two groups were randomly established blocked enrollment by animal BW, body condition score subcutaneous adipose tissue depth. The shorn (SH; n = 18) not (C; 20) gestational day (GD) 107 ± 1 (mean SEM). Weekly plasma samples collected between birth, but only six assayed for progesterone, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG1), glucose non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). At sex, weight, newborn mass index (BMI) recorded. Maternal BW mid- late-pregnancy was similar groups. resulted BMI (P < 0.05) regardless fetal sex did affect concentration PAG1 progesterone from GDs 100 142. After (GD100) up lambing, females had higher circulating concentrations 0.05), NEFA, compared control group. PAG1, NEFA across differ according sex. Across pregnancy, positively 0.001), concentrations. conclusion, both sexes upon pregnancies. Despite being alter endocrine Whether other factors are altered may influence remain be investigated.