Effect of zinc deficiency on parturition in the rat

Abstract

A need for Zn for normal parturition in the rat has been demonstrated by use of a very low- Zn diet (1 ppm Zn). A deficiency develops even though the females are fully grown and on a diet with adequate Zn until day 1 of gestation, indicating that the Zn stores are not available in amounts adequate for the stress of pregnancy and parturition. Since parturition in pair-fed controls is normal except for lactation failure, the effect is due to a lack of Zn itself and not to the anorexia which develops in Zn deficiency.