Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-5wvtr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-17T17:05:05.787Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Energy and nitrogen metabolism of rabbits during pregnancy, lactation, and concurrent pregnancy and lactation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

G. G. Partridge ,
G. E. Lobley  and
R. A. Fordyce
G. G. Partridge
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
G. E. Lobley
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
R. A. Fordyce
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

1. In an experiment twenty-four cross-bred does were used, six in each of four physiological states: non-pregnant (NP), pregnant (P), lactating (L) or concurrently pregnant and lactating (CPL). They were offered a diet of high nutrient density (crude protein (nitrogen × 6.25) 272 g/kg dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy 15.5 MJ/kg DM) at one of two intakes on a scale based on metabolic body-weight (kg body-weight0.75). The study lasted for 24 d and was divided into three consecutive 8 d periods: ‘early’, ‘mid-’ and ‘late’ pregnancy or lactation, or concurrent pregnancy and lactation.

2. Around the mid-point of each period the does were placed for 24 h in a gradient-layer calorimeter, and measurements of energy exchange were made. N balance was also measured throughout each period of the study.

3. Milk output in L and CPL does was measured by weighing the does immediately before and after suckling once each day. Milk samples were taken from a parallel group of does and the estimates of milk composition applied to the experimental group.

4. Milk yields and composition were similar for L and CPL does in early and mid-lactation, but in late lactation the milk output from CPL does declined rapidly. This was the period of maximal fetal growth rates. Energy and N retention increased in P and CPL does in late pregnancy.

5. Regression analysis was carried out to summarize the relations between metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and energy retention (ER; MEI-heat loss) in each physiological state. The equations were:

NP: ER = 0.67 (se 0.057) MEI – 208,

P: ER = 0.67 (se 0.095) ME1 – 224,

L: ER = 0.90 (se 0.022) ME1 – 441,

CPL: ER = 0.85 (se 0.036) ME1 – 387,

where all variables are expressed in kj/kg body-weight0.75 per d.

Type
Papers on General Nutrition
Information
British Journal of Nutrition , Volume 56 , Issue 1 , July 1986 , pp. 199 - 207
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 1986

References

REFERENCES

Close, W. H., Noblet, J. & Heavens, R. P. (1985). British Journal of Nutrition 53, 267–279.Google Scholar
Eriksson, S. (1952). Kungliga. Lantbrukshögskolans Annaler 19, 7–108.Google Scholar
Hudson, D. G. & Hull, D. (1975). Biology of the Neonate 27, 71–79.Google Scholar
Lang, J. (1981). Nutrition Abstracts and Reviews, Series B 51, 197–225, 287–302.Google Scholar
Lebas, F. (1972). Annales Zootechnie 21, 129–131.Google Scholar
Lebas, F. (1975). Annales Zootechnie 24, 267–279.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lee, R. C. (1939). Journal of Nutrition 18, 473–500.Google Scholar
Mount, L. E. (1979). Adaptation to thermal environment. London: Edward arnold.Google Scholar
National research council (1977). Nutrient requirements of rabbits. Washington, DC: National academy of sciences.Google Scholar
Partridge, G. G. & Allan, S. J. (1982). Animal Production 35, 145–155.Google Scholar
Partridge, G. G., Allan, S. J., Findlay, M. & Corringall, W. (1984). Animal Production 39, 465–472.Google Scholar
Partridge, G. G., Fuller, M. F. & Pullar, J. D. (1983). British Journal of Nutrition 49, 507–516.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pullar, J. D. (1969). In International encyclopaedia of food and nutrition, vol. 17, Nutrition of animals of agricultural importance, part 1, pp. 471–490 [Cuthbertson, D. P., editor]. Oxford: Pergamon press.Google Scholar
Reyne, Y., Prud'hon, M., Debicki, A.-M. & Goussopoulos, J. (1977). Annales Zootechnie 27, 211–223.Google Scholar
Spreadbury, D. (1978). British Journal of Nutrition 39, 601–613.Google Scholar