Abstract
Maternal resources mediate fetal growth and development. This study analyzes the association between maternal cortisol and testosterone levels in late pregnancy and litter size in sheep. Concentrations of cortisol and testosterone in the plasma and wool were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits in Afec-Assaf ewes with one to four fetuses. Concentrations of cortisol in the plasma at 130 days of gestation, and in wool grown in the last 2 months of gestation were greater (P < 0.05) in ewes lambing two or more lambs, compared to ewes producing a single lamb. Whereas there was no association between litter size and plasma concentration of testosterone at 130 days of gestation (P > 0.05), testosterone concentration in the wool was significantly associated with litter size (P < 0.05). We suggest that elevated cortisol and testosterone levels in ewes with multiple fetuses may serve as a mechanism to lower fetal weight, thereby decreasing fetus-related metabolic load in prolific sheep.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
More From: Livestock Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
