Nutritional Level and Type of Feed on the Reproductive Performance of Ewe and Its Effects on Offspring

The amount and source of nutrition are important factors that influence an ewe's reproductive ability, but the effects of diet on the reproductive performance of its offspring are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of maternal nutrition (level of nutrition and source) on the reproductive performance of ewes and their female lamb offspring. Seventy-two Dorper × Santa Inês ewes were allocated in a completely randomized block design, in five treatments: CTL (n = 14) with 100% of requirement, and the energy source was corn; RES (n = 14) with 90% of predicted requirement, and the energy source was corn; SUPP (n = 15) with 110% of requirement, and the energy source was corn; CR (n = 15) treatment SUPP plus chromium propionate; and FAT (n = 14) treatment SUPP plus calcium salts of palm oil. Non-parametric data were evaluated using the Fisher exact test, and parametric data were evaluated using the Tukey test, both at a 5% significance level. There was no difference in pregnancy rate (p = 0.1944) or prolificacy (p = 0.5729) among the treatments; however, the CR diet resulted in a faster return to estrus after lambing (p < 0.001). The RES diet decreased lamb survival (p < 0.005) and reduced offspring reproductive potential. Using chromium positively affected the reproductive parameters of female offspring, whereas FAT adversely affected them. In conclusion, the source and level of dietary energy influence fetal programming in ewes. The restriction negatively affected the reproductive performance of the offspring, and supplementation with chromium propionate improved it.