1
|
Copping KJ, Hoare A, McMillen IC, Rodgers RJ, Wallace CR, Perry VEA. Maternal periconceptional and first trimester protein restriction in beef heifers: effects on maternal performance and early fetal growth. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:835-850. [PMID: 32527374 DOI: 10.1071/rd19149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of protein restriction during the periconception (PERI) and first trimester (POST) periods on maternal performance, physiology and early fetal growth. Yearling nulliparous heifers (n=360) were individually fed a diet high or low in protein (HPeri and LPeri respectively) beginning 60 days before conception. From 24 to 98 days post-conception (dpc), half of each treatment group changed to the alternative post-conception high- or low-protein diet (HPost and LPost respectively), yielding four groups in a 2×2 factorial design with a common diet until parturition. Protein restriction was associated with lower bodyweight subsequent to reduced (but positive) average daily weight gain (ADG) during the PERI and POST periods. During the POST period, ADG was greater in LPeri than HPeri heifers and tended to be greater in LPost than HPost heifers during the second and third trimester. Bodyweight was similar at term. The pregnancy rate did not differ, but embryo loss between 23 and 36 dpc tended to be greater in LPeri than HPeri heifers. Overall, a greater proportion of male fetuses was detected (at 60 dpc 63.3% male vs 36.7% female). Protein restriction altered maternal plasma urea, non-esterified fatty acids, progesterone, leptin and insulin-like growth factor 1 at critical stages of fetal development. However, profiles varied depending on the sex of the conceptus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina J Copping
- University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew Hoare
- South East Vets, 314 Commercial Street, Mount Gambier, SA 5290, Australia
| | | | - Raymond J Rodgers
- University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Charles R Wallace
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Viv E A Perry
- University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Copping KJ, Hernandez-Medrano J, Hoare A, Hummitzsch K, McMillen IC, Morrison JL, Rodgers RJ, Perry VEA. Maternal periconceptional and first trimester protein restriction in beef heifers: effects on placental parameters and fetal and neonatal calf development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:495-507. [PMID: 32029064 DOI: 10.1071/rd19017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have investigated the effects of nutrition during the periconception and early gestation periods on fetal and placental development in cattle. In this study, nulliparous yearling heifers (n=360) were individually fed a diet high or low in protein (HPeri and LPeri) beginning 60 days before conception. From 24 to 98 days after conception, half of each treatment group was changed to the alternative high- or low-protein diet (HPost and LPost) yielding four groups in a 2×2 factorial design. A subset of heifers (n=46) was necropsied at 98 days after conception and fetoplacental development assessed. Placentome number and volume decreased in response to LPeri and LPost diets respectively. Absolute lung, pancreas, septum and ventricle weights decreased in LPost versus HPost fetuses, whereas the post-conception diet altered absolute and relative liver and brain weights depending on sex. Similarly, changes in fetal hepatic gene expression of factors regulating growth, glucose output and lipid metabolism were induced by protein restriction in a sex-specific manner. At term, neonatal calf and placental measures were not different. Protein restriction of heifers during the periconception and early gestation periods alters fetoplacental development and hepatic gene expression. These changes may contribute to functional consequences for progeny, but this may not be apparent from gross morphometry at birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K J Copping
- The University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - J Hernandez-Medrano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Derby Road, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - A Hoare
- South East Vets, 314 Commercial Street, Mount Gambier, SA 5290, Australia
| | - K Hummitzsch
- The University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - I C McMillen
- The Chancellery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - J L Morrison
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, SA 5001, Australia
| | - R J Rodgers
- The University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - V E A Perry
- The University of Adelaide, Robinson Research Institute, School of Medicine, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Summers AF, Rosasco SL, Scholljegerdes EJ. BEEF SPECIES-RUMINANT NUTRITION CACTUS BEEF SYMPOSIUM: Influence of management decisions during heifer development on enhancing reproductive success and cow longevity1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:1407-1414. [PMID: 30462240 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Profitability of beef cattle producers can be directly tied to the productive lifespan of a cow. Management decisions influencing heifer nutrition and reproduction play a key role in establishing heifer fertility and longevity. Altering feeding strategies to utilize compensatory growth has been reported to have a positive influence on fertility during the first breeding season; however, there are discrepancies in the literature as to the impact this strategy may have on the proportion of heifers attaining puberty prior to entering their first breeding season. Ultimately, this may affect lifetime productivity as heifers born early in the calving season produce more kilograms of weaned calf over their first 6 calves, as well as, remain in the herd longer than those animals born later in the calving season. Thus, incorporation of reproductive technologies to identify fertile animals or aid in improving conception earlier in the breeding season may improve heifer reproductive performance and longevity. Reproductive tract scores have been utilized to identify animals which are more reproductively mature, increasing the likelihood of successful artificial insemination. Antral follicle counts (AFC), which predict the number of follicles in the ovarian reserve, have not only been reported to have a moderate to high heritability, but have also been used to identify animals with greater reproductive potential. Beef heifers classified as high AFC have greater pregnancy rates and longevity than low AFC heifers. Additionally, maternal diet may play a role in influencing reproductive success and ultimately cow longevity. Improving maternal plane of nutrition has been reported to increase female offspring pregnancy rates. Overall, recent research has provided producers with a variety of methods to optimize animal performance while enhancing reproductive success and longevity to ensure profitability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shelby L Rosasco
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces
| | | |
Collapse
|