Energy restriction initiated at different gestational ages has varying effects on maternal weight gain and pregnancy outcome in common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract

With relatively high fertility and short lifespan, marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) may become useful primate models of prenatal nutritional effects on birth condition and adult disease risk. The present study determined the effects of energy restriction to 75 % of expected ad libitum consumption during mid-(day 66) or late (day 99) gestation on maternal weight, fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes in this species. Mid-restriction reliably induced the loss of pregnancy before term, at 92 d, on average. Of the late-restricted pregnancies, four of seven were normal term length while three were preterm deliveries, at 101, 117 and 132 d. Control females had a mean mid-pregnancy weight gain of 0·67 g/d while mid-restricted females lost 2 0·65 g/d, on average. Control pregnancies averaged a 1·06 g/d gain during late pregnancy, while energy-restricted females lost 20·67 g/d, on average. Restriction-related weight change was highly variable, ranging from þ0·55 to 2 2·56 g/d for mid-restriction pregnancies and from þ0·79 to 2 3·91 g/d for late-restriction pregnancies. For mid-restriction pregnancies, the number of restriction days was best explained by linear weight change and total weight loss while the number of restriction days in late pregnancy was best explained by linear weight change alone. In late-restriction pregnancies, smaller females had higher daily weight losses. Restrictions did not induce litter-size reduction or growth restriction in those infants that were delivered at term but the size of aborted fetuses suggested that at least some pregnancies lost preterm may have involved impaired intra-uterine growth.

Pattern of maternal serum corticotropin‐releasing hormone concentration during pregnancy in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

“…The study animals were housed at the Southwest National Primate Research Center in San Antonio, Texas, in social groups consisting of a mated pair and up to six offspring from previous litters. Further details on the housing and management of this population are provided in Tardif et al [1998aTardif et al [ , 2004.…”

Reproduction and Aging in Marmosets and Tamarins

“…Ovulation number and litter size have been shown to be determined by maternal body size [48] and females who lost mass during pregnancy as a result of nutritional restriction aborted if restrictions were at mid-term, and they experienced more frequent pre-term deliveries if restrictions were at late-term [49]. Maternal body size was also related to infant growth as supported through lactation [47].…”

Integration of proximate and evolutionary explanation of reproductive strategy: The case of callitrichid primates and implications for human biology

“…Further information on the relation of callitrichid maternal energy state on gestation was gained from a study of energy restriction in common marmosets during mid and late gestation (Tardif et al, 2004). This study found that marmosets are particularly sensitive to mid gestation restriction but showed no infant growth restriction if restriction was done in late pregnancy and the infants carried to term.…”