Restricted feed intake in lactating primiparous sows. II. Effects on subsequent litter sex ratio and embryonic gene expression.

摘要

Expression of panels of candidate genes controlling myogenesis, angiogenesis and gender-specific imprinting of development were analysed in embryonic, placental and endometrial tissues recovered at Day 30 of gestation from a subset of primiparous sows that were either feed restricted (Restrict; n=17) or fed to appetite (Control; n=15) during the last week of the previous lactation. Embryos were also sex typed to investigate gender bias in response to treatments. Average embryonic weight was lower in the subset of Restrict compared with Control litters (1.38+/-0.07vs 1.59+/-0.08g, respectively) and the male:female sex ratio was higher (P<0.05) in embryos (litters) recovered from Restrict sows. Treatment affected (P