Maternal insulin sensitivity in midpregnancy does not determine birth weight after embryo transfer between large and small breed sheep

Embryo transfer of large sheep breed embryos (Suffolk) into small breed ewes (Cheviot) constrains birth size, but the maternal factors influencing fetal growth restriction are unknown. We hypothesized that reciprocal embryo transfer crosses between breeds of divergent size would affect pregnancy-related development of maternal insulin resistance in midgestation, thereby influencing fetal growth. Following superovulation, embryos were surgically collected 6 d postmating and transferred to recipients on the same day.

Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - August 28, 2014 Category: Endocrinology Authors: M.H. Oliver, A.L. Jaquiery, P.R. Kenyon, S.J. Pain, C.M. Jenkinson, H.T. Blair, J.G.B. Derraik, F.H. Bloomfield Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research