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Effect of Energy Intake during Pregnancy and Lactation on Body Composition in Rats¹

Animal Science Department, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27650

A paired feeding experiment involving high (H) and low (L) feeding levels during pregnancy and lactation was conducted using bred and open female rats to determine the effects on body composition. Pregnant rats contained a higher percentage of water in the fat-free body (FFB) than that of non-pregnant rats indicating tissue hydration. Composition of the FFB and fatfree dry matter (FFDM) was not altered by feeding level during pregnancy. During lactation, the feeding levels were either continued H-H and L-L or were changed to H-L or L-H within the lactating or open (non-lactating) pairs. Composition of the FFB and of the FFDM was altered by feeding level during lactation. A high energy intake resulted in a greater proportional loss of ash than of protein during lactation. In contrast, neither the composition of FFB nor FFDM was altered in the non-lactating rats on similar energy intake regimes. The lactating females had a higher percentage of water in FFB than the non-lactating rats. Although there was variation in water content of FFB and in the composition of FFDM, the correlation between percentage of body water and body fat after the adjustment for effects of pregnancy, lactation, energy and their interaction, was high (r = -0.98).

KEY WORDS: • body composition • reproductive cycle • energy intake • pregnancy • lactation

¹ Paper No. 6207 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agr. Res. Serv., Raleigh. Use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement of the products mentioned.

² Present address: Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart University Bangkhen, Bangkok 9 Thailand.

³ Supported in part by the Rockefeller Foundation, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036.

⁴ To whom reprint requests should be sent.

Manuscript received 19 November 1979.