Influence of Different Regimes of Moderate Maternal Feed Restriction during Pregnancy of Primiparous Rabbit Does on Long-Term Metabolic Energy Homeostasis, Productive Performance and Welfare

In this study, a maternal feed restriction (MFR; 105 g/d) in primiparous rabbit does was applied from day 0 to 7 post artificial insemination (AI) (R07, n = 96), 21 AI (R721, 92), (R021, 94) or fed ad libitum during whole pregnancy (Control, n= 92). Feed intake (FI) measured after MFR over. On 28 of gestation, fetoplacental development evaluated (n 11/group) and the productive parameters remaining dams were analyzed. Plasma free tri-iodothyronine (T3) thyroxine, glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), corticosterone analyzed gestation lactation 5/group). After MFR, all groups significantly increased their voluntary FI. The longer was, lower weight length fetuses, but no long-term effects over litter performance observed. R021 had lowest T3 highest NEFA concentrations showed insulin resistance at end lactation, energy homeostasis balanced groups. did not affect concentrations. conclusion, ration setting slightly involved metabolism animals, overall metabolic condition, welfare compromised.