Deposição de cálcio e fósforo no útero de ovelhas Santa Inês

Abstract

Pregnancy is the most critical phase for female ruminant since ensure full fetal development depends on several factors (feeding, type of pregnancy, parity order, body condition score, among others). This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional restriction, number of fetuses and parity order on the mineral composition in Santa Inês ewes during pregnancy. For this it was used 83 ewe in the third parity order and 38 primiparas divided into ad libitum and restricted regimen in 15% NDF and CP as NRC requirements (edition 1985 for ewes and 2007 for ewes lambs). The levels of Ca and P in the gravid uterus were evaluated with the comparative slaughter technique to determined mineral retention. For this evaluation, the animals were slaughtered at different gestational ages (ewe: 0, 90, 110, 130 and 140 days; ewe lambs: 0, 100, 130 and 140 days of gestation). All components were weighed, sampled and had their mineral content quantified in order to get the composition and consequently, the minerals demand for pregnancy. The exponential growth model and Gompertz model were adjusted for mass growth profiles and minerals accumulation, with different functions of variance, as also information and likelihood criteria evaluation. Diet effect and number of fetuses were recorded in all models, but the resulting models were no more likely than models with parity order effect. The exponential model was the best fit for the variables having an exponential variation during pregnancy. The minerals requirement is different between categories and the studied variables throughout pregnancy. The requirements of calcium and phosphorus for pregnant ewe and ewe lambs showed to be above the NRC (2007) recommendations.