Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-94fs2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-07T19:56:50.093Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Foetal development in red deer (cervus elaphus) 2. Chemical composition of the foetus and associated tissues

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

C. L. Adam ,
I. McDonald ,
C. E. Moir  and
R. I. Smart
C. L. Adam
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
I. McDonald
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
C. E. Moir
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
R. I. Smart
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
Get access

Abstract

The concentrations of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), fat and ash were determined for 18 singleton red deer foetuses of known gestational ages within the range 72 to 224 days (term = 233 days) and for their associated placentae and empty uteri. In addition, concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Na and K were determined for the foetuses. The amniotic and allantoic fluids were analysed for DM, CP and ash content.

Concentrations of all measured components in the foetal fluids increased with foetal age (except for amniotic ash concentration which decreased) and linear regressions were fitted. Concentrations in the empty uterus remained constant. Given the equations previously fitted relating the weight of these tissues t o foetal age, the weights of their chemical constituents could then be calculated at various stages.

Concentrations of all measured components in the foetus increased with foetal age (except for foetal K which remained constant). In the placenta, concentrations of DM and CP tended to increase while those of fat and ash decreased. The actual weights of the chemical constituents were related to both foetal age and foetal weight by further regression analysis in the form of extended Gompertz equations.

Estimates are made of the daily rates of accretion of chemical components in the foetus and adnexa and these provide data against which to assess the additional nutrient demands of pregnancy in the red deer hind.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 46 , Issue 1 , February 1988 , pp. 139 - 146
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1988

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Adam, C. L., McDonald, I., Mom, C. E. and Plnnie, K. 1988. Foetal development in red deer (Cervus elaphus). 1. Growth of the foetus and associated tissues. Animal Production 46: 131–138.Google Scholar
Adam, C. L., Moir, C. E. and Atkinson, T. 1986. Induction of early breeding in red deer (Cervus elaphus) by melatonin. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 76: 569–573.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Agricultural Research Council. 1980. The Nutrient Requirements of Ruminant Livestock. Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux, Slough.Google Scholar
Atkinson, T., Fowler, V. R.Garton, G. A. and Lough, A. K. 1972. A rapid method for the accurate determination of lipid in animal tissues. Analyst, London 97: 562–568.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Blaxter, K. L.Kay, R. N. B.Sharman, G. A. M., Cunningham, J. M. M. and Hamilton, W. J. 1974. Farming the Red Deer. Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Edinburgh.Google Scholar
Davidson, J., Mathieson, J. and Boyne, A. W. 1970. The use of automation in determining nitrogen by the Kjeldahl method, with final calculations by computer. Analyst. London 95: 181–193.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gitelman, H. 1967. An improved automated procedure for the determination of calcium in biological specimens. Analytical Biochemistry 18: 521–531.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gitleman, H., Hurt, C. and Lutwak, L. 1966. An automated spectrophotometric method for magnesium analysis. Analytical Biochemistry 14: 106–120.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
McDonald, I., Robinson, J. J., Fraser, C. and Smart, R. I. 1979. Studies on reproduction in prolific ewes. 5. The accretion of nutrients in the foetuses and adnexa. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 92: 591–603.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rattray, P. V., Garrkit, W. N., East, N. E. and Hinman, N. 1974. Growth, development and composition of the ovine conceptus and mammary gland during pregnancy. Journal of Animal Science 38: 613–626.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Roach, A. G. 1965. Application of Technicon auto-analyser equipment to the routine determination of calcium and phosphorus in animal feedstuffs. In Automation in Analytical Chemistry, Technicon Symposia, pp. 137–141.Google Scholar
Robbins, C. T. and Mokn, A. N. 1975. Uterine composition and growth in pregnant white-tailed deer. Journal of Wildlife Management 39: 684–691.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Robinson, J. J., McDonald, I., Frasi., R. C. and Crofts, R. M. J. 1977. Studies on reproduction in prolific ewes. 1. Growth of the products of conception. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 88: 539–552.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Robinson, J. J., McDonald, I., Fraser, C. and Gordon, J. G. 1980. Studies on reproduction in prolific ewes. 6. The efficiency of energy utilization for conceptus growth. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 94: 331–338.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Robinson, J. J., McDonald, I., McHattie, I. and Pennie, K. 1978. Studies on reproduction in prolific ewes. 4. Sequential changes in the maternal body during pregnancy. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 91: 291–304.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wenham, G., Adam, C. L. and Moir, C. E. 1986. A radiographic study of skeletal growth and development in fetal red deer. British Veterinary Journal 142: 336–349.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed