Supplementation of Underfed Twin-Bearing Ewes with Herbal Vitamins C and E: Impacts on Birth Weight, Postnatal Growth, and Pre-Weaning Survival of the Lambs

Abstract

Simple Summary: In twin-bearing ewes, undernourishment during pregnancy lowers the birth weight and increases morbidity and mortality of lambs. One of the causes is oxidative stress, which can be prevented by supplementing antioxidant vitamins. In the present study we tested the effect of supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate on pregnancy outcomes and growth and survival of lambs during early postnatal stages (lactation). The results showed that vitamin supplementation increased offspring birth weight and antioxidant capacity, with a trend towards higher body weight (BW) at weaning. Nutritional supplementation only had a positive effect on birth weight, meanwhile combined supplementation of vitamins and concentrate improves the lamb response. Lambs' survival was not affected by the treatment, although absolute values of survival were higher in vitamin-treated groups. It is concluded that supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate during pregnancy may constitute a good nutritional strategy to improve productivity in sheep herds reared in harsh environmental conditions. Abstract: Twin-bearing pregnancies of sheep reared in harsh environmental conditions result in maternal undernutrition and feto-maternal oxidative stress, leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We assessed the efficiency of supplementation with antioxidant herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate throughout gestation on pregnancy outcomes, pre-weaning growth, and survival of twin lambs from grazing ewes at the Magellan Steppe. Four groups (n = 30 each) of twin-bearing ewes received a base natural prairie (P) diet, supplemented with either herbal vitamins C 500 mg and E 350 IU per day (V) or concentrated food (S); groups were: P, P + V, P + S, and P + VS. Vitamins and concentrate were supplemented until parturition. At birth, lambs were weighed, and blood was drawn for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) evaluation. Lamb body weight (BW) and survival rate were evaluated at mid-lactation (60 days) and at weaning (120 days). Vitamin supplementation resulted in increased lamb birth weight and TAC, with a trend towards higher BW at weaning, while nutritional supplementation only had a positive effect on birth weight. Lamb survival was higher in both vitamin supplemented groups. In conclusion, supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate food during pregnancy may constitute a good nutritional strategy for sheep reared in harsh environmental conditions.

Oxidative Stress and Fetal Growth Restriction Set Up Earlier in Undernourished Sheep Twin Pregnancies: Prevention with Antioxidant and Nutritional Supplementation

“…We recently showed that antioxidant supplementation during the entire gestation period in naturally undernourished ewes kept in Chilean Patagonia counteracted oxidative stress and increased fetal weight near lambing (day 140 of gestation; length of gestation = 148 days) in both single and twin pregnancies [ 18 ]. Furthermore, in a very recent study carried out in our undernourished twin pregnancy model in which the effects of nutritional supplementation (to cover the requirements of pregnancy) and antioxidant supplementation were compared, we found that both types of supplementation significantly improved the lamb birth weight [ 19 ]. In the present pilot study, we aim to contribute to the knowledge of the course of such effects, evaluating the redox status of twin fetuses and verifying whether the effects of nutritional and antioxidant supplementation are already evident at the end of the second term of gestation before starting the accelerated fetal growth.…”

Maternal Supplementation with Herbal Antioxidants during Pregnancy in Swine

“…Specifically, previous studies in sheep with twin pregnancies have shown that maternal oral supplementation with antioxidant vitamins C and E during pregnancy increases these vitamins in the cord blood of near-to-term fetuses, diminishing their oxidative stress and increasing their body weight [ 19 ]. Afterwards, the lambs from supplemented ewes have increased plasma antioxidant capacity and higher body weight at birth, improved survival during the lactation period, and showed a trend towards higher body weight at weaning [ 20 ].…”

Role of Vitamin E in Boosting the Immunity from Neonates to Elderly

“…15 million babies are born premature every year and they need special care just to stay alive [11]. During gestational period, the maternal oral intake of vitamin E increases the weight of foetus [12]. The oral administration of vitamin E was given to children to combat malabsorption disorders.…”