Effect of Protein Deficiency during Gestation and Lactation on Body Weight and Composition of Offspring

Abstract

The effects of feeding a 7% wheat protein diet either during gestation or lactation, or both, on body weight and composition of offspring of rats at birth and weaning and the lactation performance of dams were studied. The difference between litter size, birth weight and body composition of the progeny of rats receiving the 18% mixed protein and the 7% wheat protein diet was negligible. The 7% wheat protein diet fed during gestation and lactation severely affected the quantity of milk produced but not the concentration of protein in the milk. Pups born to and suckled by mothers receiving the 7% wheat protein diet suffered 100% mortality. Pups born to rats receiving the 18% mixed protein diet but suckled by mothers receiving the 7% wheat protein diet showed very high mortality and the lowest weaning weight. Among those born to mothers receiving the 7% wheat protein diet but suckled by rats receiving the 18% mixed protein diet, the mortality was less and the weaning weight higher than in those of the above group. The highest weaning weight was shown in rats born to and suckled by mothers receiving the 18% mixed protein diet. The body fat, protein and ash content at the time of weaning in those rats stressed by protein deficiency during the prenatal or preweaning period was lower than those of the control rats.