The growth of lambs before and after birth in relation to the level of nutrition

Abstract

SUMMARY In the investigation described in this third part of the work, we have studied the effect of imposing two extreme levels of diet upon the pregnant ewe during two periods, one of early and one of late, gestation. In order to build up a comprehensive picture of the effect of these treatments we have been concerned, first, with the changes that they have wrought in the tissues and organs of the mother's body; secondly, with the effect upon the growth and development of the genital tract and its major components, and lastly with the way in which the growth of the tissues and organs of the foetus have responded to the different nutritive levels. While the latter has been our primary concern, the former have been studied in some detail so that we may view the effects produced as a whole, and gain an understanding of any competition that may have occurred between maternal and foetal tissues.