Two experiments were conducted in order to determine the influence of nutritional deficit on foetal survival and growth in rabbits does. All females were mated within 12 h of parturition and all the young were removed at that time. In experiment 1, females were fed close to ad libitum (C1, n = 20), or restricted to 100% (M1, n = 20) or 75% (R1, n = 19) of the maintenance energy requirement. On d 28 of gestation, foetal mortality was similar in the 3 groups, whereas foetal weight and protein content of the litters were reduced in feed-restricted groups (P < 0.001). In experiment 2, females were fed ad libitum (C2, n = 12) or were restricted to the same level as in R1 (R2, n = 13). Blood samples were collected on d 17 and 28 of gestation before and after (1 and 3 h) a standardized meal. Pre- and postprandial concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and urea were lower in the R2 than in the C2 females (P < 0.01). Preprandial concentrations of glucose were similar in both groups at d 17, and higher in the R2 groups than in the C2 group at d 28. The postprandial concentration of glucose was higher 1 h after the meal and lower 3 h after the meal in the R2 group (P < 0.01). Progesterone was significantly higher in the R2 females at d 17 (P < 0.001). These results suggest that nutrient deficit may be responsible for reduced foetal growth in concurrently pregnant and lactating does.