Energy and protein requirements for maintenance of Hu sheep during pregnancy

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This study aimed to determine the effect of stage and level of feed intake on energy metabolism, carbon-nitrogen (C-N) balance, and methane emission to determine energy and protein requirements for maintenance of maternal body including pregnancy tissues during pregnancy using the method of C-N balance. Twenty-one ewes carrying twin fetuses were randomly divided into three groups of seven ewes each in the digestion and respirometry trial at d 40, 100, and 130 of gestation, respectively. Three groups were fed a mixed diet either for ad libitum intake, 70 or 50% of the ad libitum intake during pregnancy. The results showed that the apparent digestibility of C and N were increased as feeding levels decreased at each stage of gestation. The daily net energy requirements for maintenance (NEm) were 295.80, 310.09, and 323.59 kJ kg−1 BW0.75 (metabolic body weight) with a partial efficiency of metabolisable energy utilization for maintenance of 0.664, 0.644, and 0.620 at d 40, 100, and 130 of gestation, respectively. The daily net protein requirements for maintenance were 1.99, 2.35, and 2.99 g kg−1 BW0.75 at d 40, 100, and 130 of gestation, respectively. These results for the nutritional requirements of the net energy and protein may help to formulate more balanced diets for Hu sheep during pregnancy.