Pre‐partum nutrition extremes impair post‐partum maternal glucose utilization in sheep

Abstract

This study determined whether malnourishment and obesity during gestation affect post‐partum maternal glucose utilization. At 120 days prior to gestation, ewes had free access to feed (induction of obesity) or received 100% of NRC nutrient requirements (control group). Beginning on day 45 of gestation, 50% of the obese ewes were restricted to 65% of NRC nutrient requirements. Following parturition, all but 6 ewes (who remained to have free access to feed) were re‐alimented to 100% of NRC nutrient requirements. At post partum day (PPD) 1 and 150, a glucose tolerance test was administered to ewes. At PPD 1 and 150, glucose uptake by both the obese and nutrient‐restricted (NR) ewes was impaired (P<0.05) in comparison with control ewes. Concentrations of glucose in plasma were greater (P<0.05) for NR and obese ewes than control ewes at 10 min post glucose administration, as well as at 15 min for NR ewes and at 30 min for obese ewes. These results indicate that both nutritional extremes negatively reduce glucose utilization by mothers and that this problem cannot be ameliorated by realimentation over a period of 5 months post‐partum. Supported by NIH and USDA grants and TAMU Faculty of Nutrition.Grant Funding Source: NIH and USDA