| Summary: | Two experiments evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation on maternal
reproductive parameters. In Experiment 1, 16 mares were assigned to dietary treatments: control,
flaxseed, or linseed meal for 16 wk. Blood samples were analyzed for progesterone (P4), serum
chemistry panel values, and fatty acids. Flaxseed supplementation increased (P < 0.01) alphalinolenic
acid concentration, but treatment had no other effects. In Experiment 2, 45 multiparous
ewes were allotted to dietary levels of metabolizable protein (MP): 60% (MP60), 80% (MP80),
or 100% (MP100) from d 100 to d 130 of gestation. At d 130 ewes were slaughtered and tissues
harvested. There was a day x fetal number interaction for P4, estradiol 17β, and thyroxine (T4)
along with a treatment x fetal number interaction for T4. There was a day effect for cortisol and
triiodothryonine. Results indicate dietary supplementation alters maternal parameters including
hormones and fatty acids.
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