Effects of late pregnancy and early lactation on renal urea handling in Corriedale ewes

The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in renal function in late pregnant and early lactating Corriedale ewes. Compared with the non-productive state, plasma urea concentration was increased by 67% during pregnancy, whereas it decreased by 36% during lactation. Urine flow, urea clearance, renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) during both late pregnancy and early lactation. Filtered load of urea and the amount of urea eliminated were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) only in lactating ewes. No changes were noted in the fractional excretion of urea, the filtration fraction and the urine osmolality during both late pregnancy and early lactation. It was concluded that, as in other breeds, Corriedale ewes can adapt to increased nitrogen requirements during late pregnancy, and especially during early lactation, by increasing the renal conservation of urea. Unlike other breeds, however, Corriedale ewes restrict the urine urea losses mainly by reducing renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, without any modification of the tubular reabsorption of urea during both late pregnancy and early lactation.