Placental Development and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Pigs Fed ad Libitum or Restricted during Gestation

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Abstract
Placental metabolism and histochemistry were studied during 3 periods of gestation in pigs fed ad lib or restricted. Placental tissue fatty acid synthesis and esterification were depressed in pigs which were restricted. Palmitate oxidation to CO2 was not influenced by dietary manipulation. Between the gestational age of 45 and 112 days, placental villi increased in length and maternal and chorionic epithelial cells decreased in height. A comparison of maternal and fetal placental cells revealed differences in lipid content and fatty acid synthesis. Apparently, maternal and fetal placentas are capable of responding to maternal nutritional state and may be important in altering metabolites available to the fetus.