The development of the gravid uterus of Santa Ines ewes and ewe lambs under two nutritional planes

摘要

The Santa Ines is the most common ovine breed in Brazil, and there is a lack of information about the nutrient requirements for this genotype. As a result of the inhospitable environment where this breed was established, the metabolism of these animals evolved different strategies to reserve and utilize nutrients which may influence its requirements. The most significant drain of nutrients of pregnant ewes is the gravid uterus (GU) mainly during the last third of gestation because of the increased fetus growth rate (Rattray et al, 1974). The objective of this study was to measure the weight and composition of the GU of Santa Ines ewes and ewe lambs (primiparous ewes).