Macroscopic and microscopic characterization of term placentas from nutritionally restricted goats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the morphological, macroscopic, andmicroscopic characteristics in term placentas of goats, nutritionally restricted in theprepubertal period and during the second and third third of pregnancy gestation. Sampleswere collected from the placentas of goats separated into 3 treatments: control C, n= 9;prepubertal feed restriction PPFR, n = 5; pregnancy feed restriction (PFR) n=5. Theplacental cellular structure was studied using Masson's trichrome staining. Theultrastructural analysis was performed by high‐resolution light microscopy and transmissionelectron microscopy. The present study revealed the effect of prepubertal and gestationalfeed restriction on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics in goat placentas withdecreases in cotyledonary weight, height, and size in placentas from nutritionally restrictedgoats in both groups, PPFR and PFR. The smaller size and the change in the shape of thecotyledons could suggest compensatory mechanisms for prepubertal and gestational feedrestriction to ensure placental and kid development.