Effects of L-arginine Supplementation to Early Pregnant Mares on Conceptus Development and Growth

Endometrial gland secretions are the sole source of nutrients for the developing embryo during the preimplantation period. The importance of the amino acid L-arginine (ARG) for conceptus growth has been demonstrated in various species. L-arginine is an integral part of embryo derived polyamines, an adequate substrate for nitric oxide synthase (up-regulation of endometrial blood flow) and stimulates protein synthesis by the embryo. In the present study, we have investigated if oral L-arginine supplementation stimulates early conceptus growth in mares.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research