Development of the Conceptus in the Bovine

Abstract

Growth of fetuses, fetal membranes and fetal fluids was characterized by least squares analysis for 254 conceptuses ranging 25-278 days of gestation. Prior to 100 days of gestation, increases in allantoic fluid volume and chorio-allantoic membrane weight preceded those of fetal weight, amnioallantoic membrane weight and amniotic fluid volume. The relative rate of growth of components suggests a prerequisite of chorio-allantoic membrane expansion for subsequent fetal growth. Male fetuses were heavier than female fetuses as early as 100 days of gestation. Rate of growth of all fetuses was maximal at 230 days of gestation with a peak rate of > 200 g/day. Growth rate then declined to < 100 g/day by term.