ea0002oc21 | Growth Regulation | SFE2001
Bloomfield F
, Oliver M
, Hawkins P
, Challis J
, Harding J
Objective: to investigate whether periconceptual undernutrition in sheep alters the timing and activation of the fetal HPA axis and thus pregnancy duration. Preterm birth is a major health problem, but its causes are poorly understood.Methods: Twentyeight nulliparous ewes were randomly assigned to an ad libitum (N, n=8) or restricted diet (maternal body weight reduced by 15-20%; UN, N=10) from 61 d before to 30 d after mating. Therea...