Macroscopic and microscopic characterization of term placentas from nutritionally restricted goats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the morphological, macroscopic, and microscopic characteristics in term placentas of goats, nutritionally restricted in the prepubertal period and during the second and third of pregnancy gestation. Samples were collected from the placentas of goats separated into 3 treatments: control (C) n= 9; prepubertal feed restriction (PPFR) n = 5; pregnancy feed restriction (PFR) n=5. The placental cellular structure was studied using Masson's trichrome staining. The ultrastructural analysis was performed by high-resolution light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The present study revealed the effect of prepubertal and gestational feed restriction on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics in goat placentas with decreases in cotyledonary weight, height, and size in placentas from nutritionally restricted goats in both groups, PPFR and PFR. The smaller size and the change in the shape of the cotyledons could suggest compensatory mechanisms for prepubertal and gestational feed restriction to ensure placental and kid development.