| Abstract: | In prenatally underfed guinea pigs the following data were obtained: 1. On the 1st day of life the mean body weight of 18 underfed animals was significantly reduced as compared to that of 18 control animals. This difference was not compensated by postnatal feeding ad libitum but persisted up to the 36th week of life (day of sacrificing). 2. The mean food intake per day estimated over 10 days during the 5th month of life was also significantly diminished in the prenatally underfed animals. 3. A significant positive correlation was found between the body weight at birth and the adult body weight, adult body length and adult body weight/body length, when the parameters of the experimental plus control animals were evaluated together. These findings suggest that in guinea pigs, which are born in a relatively mature stage, the prenatal nutrition can influence body weight, body length and body weight/body length ratio as well as food intake in adulthood. |
