The effect of nutritional stress on the plasma progestagen levels and embryonic mortality in twin pregnancies of mares.

The study examines the impact of nutritional stress on the progestagen hormone levels and potential embryonic mortality in twin pregnancies of mares.

Objective Description

This research investigates the consequences of restricting food intake on twin pregnancies in thoroughbred mares, specifically looking at changes in progestagen plasma levels and the resulting embryonic mortality.

Research Methods

• The experiment was conducted on two mares confirmed to be pregnant with twins through rectal palpation.
• The researchers subjected these mares to nutritional stress by drastically reducing their daily food intake.

Results

• The reduction in nutritious consumption led to a significant decrease in the levels of progestagen, a pregnancy-supporting hormone, in the blood of these mares.
• This nutritional stress resulted in the death of either one or both of the twin embryos.

Conclusions

• The findings highlight that undernourishment or nutritional stress during pregnancy may pose a significant risk to embryonic survival in mares.
• It demonstrates that maintaining optimal nutrition and hormone levels are crucial for the survival and healthy development of the embryos.

Significance

• This study offers valuable insights into the care and management of pregnant mares carrying twin embryos.
• It signifies the importance of sufficient nutrition during pregnancy and the potential harm that a lack of proper nutrition can inflict on the embryos.
• The depreciation of progestagen levels identified in this study may also offer a biological indicator of nutritional stress during pregnancy.