Effects of Dietary Arginine Supplementation in Pregnant Mares on Maternal Metabolism and Foal Birthweight

Foals born to primiparous dams are smaller and lighter than foals born to multiparous dams, with metabolic and testicular immaturity. These observations may be linked to decreased foeto-maternal nutrient exchange capacity in primiparous placentas. L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide, polyamines and creatine that have been shown to increase vasodilatation, cell proliferation and differentiation, and insulin sensitivity. In pregnant mares, L-arginine supplementation has been shown to increase uterine artery blood flow in late gestation.

Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - June 23, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: P. Chavatte-Palmer, E. Derisoud, M. Robles, C. Dubois, C. Richard, M. Dahirel, J. Calvez, A. Couturier-Tarrade, L. Wimel Source Type: research