Poor maternal nutrition during gestation in sheep alters key hormonal systems involved in energy homeostasis and appetite in the offspring.

Disturbances in maternal nutrient availability through increased or decreased abundance of specific or total nutrients during pre-natal development can have negative impacts on offspring growth. These changes are likely mediated, at least in part, by hormonal systems that control energy homeostasis and appetite. Regulation of insulin signaling is critical to ensuring appropriate glucose homeostasis.

Effects of astaxanthin on gut microbiota of polo ponies during deconditioning and reconditioning periods.

To determine the effects of astaxanthin (ASTX) supplementation on the equine gut microbiota during a deconditioning-reconditioning cycle, 12 polo ponies were assigned to a control (CON; n = 6) or supplemented (ASTX; 75 mg ASTX daily orally; n = 6) group. All horses underwent a 16-week deconditioning period, with no forced exercise, followed by a 16-week reconditioning program where physical activity gradually increased. Fecal samples were obtained at the beginning of the study (Baseline), after deconditioning (PostDecon), after reconditioning (PostRecon), and 16 weeks after the cessation of ASTX supplementation (Washout).

Restricted- and over-feeding during gestation decreases growth of offspring throughout maturity.

To determine the effects of poor maternal nutrition on the growth and metabolism of offspring into maturity, multiparous Dorset ewes pregnant with twins ( = 46) were fed to either 100% (control; = 13), 60% (restricted; = 17), or 140% (over; = 16) of National Research Council requirements from day 30 ± 0.02 of gestation until parturition. Offspring of these ewes are referred to as CON ( = 10 ewes; 12 rams), RES ( = 13 ewes; 21 rams), or OVER ( = 16 ewes; 13 rams), respectively.