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Effects of Early Pregnancy in Growth, Body Composition and Efficiency in Mice^{1, 2,}

North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27607

Abstract

Growth, body composition and energetic efficiency of early-pregnant (EP), normal-pregnant (NP) and virgin mice fed ad libitum were studied. Mean mating ages were 29.4 ± .45 and 51.5 ± .29 days for EP and NP females, respectively. Protein, fat and ash weights and caloric value at parturition were greater in NP than in EP females, as were the percentages of protein and fat. However, EP females had higher (P<.01) gains from mating to parturition in protein, ash and moisture, while feed intake was similar. Body composition of litters at birth from EP and NP females did not differ significantly, when expressed on either a weight or percentage basis. Pregnant females (exclusive of their litters), when compared to virgins of the same age, demonstrated a greater (P<.01) protein and ash gain and efficiency, but a reduced fat content. Thus, EP females were able to adjust physiologically to pregnancy at an early age and still exhibited the accelerated growth observed in virgin females of the same age.

¹ Paper No. 4669 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh. The use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station of the products named, nor criticism of similar ones not mentioned.

² The technical assistance of Ms. Billie Jean Edwards and Ms. Deborah McCall is acknowledged.

³ Department of Animal Science.

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