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Dias HRS, Camargo AJDR, Oliveira GF, Mourão AM, Saraiva NZ, Camargo LSDA, Müller MD, Martins CE, Nogueira LAG, Brandão FZ, Oliveira CS. Reproductive development of dairy heifers in an integrated livestock-forest system during the summer. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230100. [PMID: 38025998 PMCID: PMC10681129 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the cortisol, body and reproductive development of prepubertal Holstein and Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers at 27 months of age maintained in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system for 60 summer days compared to the monoculture system in full sun (FS). The ILF system promoted changes (P=0.02) in the cortisol levels of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers and did not affect weight gain in any of the breed groups studied. Animals in ILF system presented a lower (P=0.006) vulvar development for the rima height parameter and similar for the vulva width parameter. The ovarian follicular population of Holstein-Gir ¾ heifers in the ILF system was lower (P=0.004); however, for the Holstein heifers, no statistical difference was found, and numbers were higher (P=0.08) in the ILF system. None of the other ovarian parameters studied had any changes, and we also found important racial differences. Weight gain (P=0.003), vulvar development (P<0.001), and mean follicular size (P=0.008) were higher in the Holstein-Gir ¾ animals. Based on such results, the effect of the ILF system at 27 months of age on stress and reproductive parameters in the Holstein breed is considered positive, although negative effects have been detected on reproductive parameters in the Holstein-Gir ¾ breed.
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Todini L, Barile V, Barbato O, Terzano GM. Feedlot rearing versus pasture grazing enhances plasma leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations but does not anticipate puberty in dairy buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) heifers. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2117104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Todini
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | | | - Olimpia Barbato
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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AL-ABBASI HHH, MAHDI AS, ALKAFAJY IHS, AL-WAZEER AAM. Comparison between Iraqi Jenoubi heifers and bulls fed on date palm pollen to accelerate puberty and sexual maturit. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v92i12.125478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to compare puberty and sexual maturity in Iraqi Jenoubi bulls and heifers that were fed date palm pollen (DPP) in their diets. Ten Jenoubi heifers and ten bulls, 6-month-old were divided randomly into two treatments: DPP treatment (T1) supplemented with 2 g of DPP/ head/day and control treatment (T2) was not supplemented with DPP. In heifers, the overall mean value of control group was significantly lower (27.53, 0.96 ng/ml and 9.44 pg/ml) than treatment group (70.42, 18.27 ng/ml and 19.16 pg/ml) for FSH, LH and estrogen, respectively in puberty period. Similar trend was noticed for hormone concentrations (FSH, LH, Estrogen and Testosterone) for bulls at puberty and maturity age. In bulls, T1 was significantly higher (155 and 212.5 kg) than control group (139.5 and 196 kg) for body weight in puberty and maturity age respectively, and in heifers T1 was significantly higher (150.33 and 206.66 kg) than control group (142 and 198.66 kg) for body weight in puberty and maturity age respectively, and same trend was observed for body condition score (BCS). It can be concluded that adding date palm pollen to ration of heifers and bulls accelerates puberty and maturity in heifers and bulls. But the acceleration in heifers was more than in bulls.
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Rajesh I, Gobikrushanth M, Carrelli JE, Oba M, Ambrose DJ. Repeatability of anogenital distance measurements from birth to maturity and at different physiological states in female Holstein cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:2699-2707. [PMID: 35033344 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The inverse association between anogenital distance (AGD; the distance from the center of the anus to the base of the clitoris) and fertility, its moderate heritability, and high variability reported in dairy cattle make AGD a promising candidate for further exploration as a reproductive phenotype. In addition to heritability, repeatability (i.e., consistency in measurements taken at different time points) is important for a reproductive phenotype to be considered useful in genetic selection. Therefore, our primary objective was to determine the repeatability of AGD from birth to breeding age (≈16 mo) in Holstein heifer calves, and during different stages of the estrous cycle, gestation, and lactation in Holstein cows. We also determined the associations among AGD, height (at the hip), and body weight (BW) at birth. In calves (n = 48), we recorded BW (kg) and height (cm) at birth and measured AGD (mm) at approximately 0, 2, 6, 9, 12, and 16 mo of age. In cows, AGD was measured at different stages of the estrous cycle (proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus; n = 20), gestation (30, 90, 180, and 270 d; n = 78), and lactation (30-300 d in milk in 30-d increments; n = 30). Calf height and BW at birth had a weak positive association with AGD at birth. The AGD increased linearly from birth to breeding age, but there was no association between the AGD at birth and at breeding age in heifers. Although any 2 consecutive AGD measurements were correlated, 6 mo was the earliest age at which AGD was moderately correlated (r = 0.41) with that of breeding-age heifers. The AGD was neither influenced by the different stages of estrous cycle nor lactation and remained highly repeatable (r ≥ 0.95). Although AGD measurements at 30, 90, and 180 d of gestation (126.9, 126.7, and 127.7 mm, respectively) were strongly correlated (r ≥ 0.97) with each other, AGD at 270 d of gestation (142.8 mm) differed from AGD at all earlier stages of gestation. In summary, AGD measured at birth did not reflect AGD at breeding age in heifers, but AGD measurements in cows had high repeatability at all stages of the estrous cycle, gestation, and lactation, except at 270 d of gestation. Therefore, AGD could be measured reliably at any of the aforesaid physiological states in cows due to its high repeatability, except during late gestation. The earliest gestational stage when pregnancy-associated increase in AGD occurred, however, could not be definitively established in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Rajesh
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - M Gobikrushanth
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2P5, Canada; Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - J E Carrelli
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - M Oba
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - D J Ambrose
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2P5, Canada; Livestock and Crops Research Branch, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton T6H 5T6, Canada.
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Cardoso CL, King A, Chapwanya A, Esposito G. Ante-Natal and Post-Natal Influences on Neonatal Immunity, Growth and Puberty of Calves-A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051212. [PMID: 33922339 PMCID: PMC8144962 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The objective of this review is to give the reader an overview of interactions between immunity, growth and puberty in calves and highlight how these influence future performances. The risk of morbidity and mortality is high during the first four weeks of age. Adaption to extra-uterine life starts early during embryonic development and is underpinned by optimal maternal nutrition. It is known that colostrum is paramount to neonate nutrition and passive immunity. Good colostrum management allows the calf to develop coping mechanisms to efficiently utilize feed resources for optimal growth. A deeper understanding of these interactions paves the way for developing strategies to improve immune responses to environmental pathogens, optimal growth and timely attainment of puberty in calves. The literature reviewed here shows that there are opportunities to enhance future performance of cattle paying attention to the interaction of nutrition and immunity at early developmental stages. This then guarantees efficient neonate nutrition and profitable cattle production. Abstract Calf immunity, growth and puberty are important factors affecting heifer productivity. The first four weeks of age are critical for reducing calf morbidity and mortality. It is well documented that colostrum is paramount to neonatal nutrition and passive immunity, however, adaptation to extra-uterine life starts early during embryonic development. Therefore, successful calf rearing strategies are underpinned by adequate maternal nutrition during gestation, and good colostrum management. A deeper understanding of these interactions paves the way for developing strategies to improve immune responses to environmental pathogens, optimal growth and timely attainment of puberty in calves. The literature reviewed here shows that there are opportunities to enhance the future performance of cattle paying attention to the interaction of nutrition and immunity at each developmental stage. Therefore, the objective of this review is to give the reader an overview of interactions between immunity, growth and puberty in dairy calves and highlight how these influence future performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia L. Cardoso
- Ruminant Health and Production, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, 0110 Pretoria, South Africa;
| | - Ailbhe King
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Farm Road, 42123 Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Farm Road, 42123 Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (A.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Giulia Esposito
- RUM&N Sas, Via Sant’Ambrogio, 42123 Reggio Emilia (RE), Italy
- Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-328-973-5009
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Characteristics of the Oxidative Status in Dairy Calves Fed at Different Milk Replacer Levels and Weaned at 14 Weeks of Age. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020260. [PMID: 33567587 PMCID: PMC7915232 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A paradigm shift in the way of rearing heifer calves from restricted feeding and early weaning towards greater feed allowances and later weaning ages is ongoing. We aimed at characterizing the oxidative status in Holstein heifer calves fed with milk replacer (MR) at either a restrictive (RES) or a high (HIGH) level for 14 weeks. We compared two groups: HIGH (10 L MR/d, n = 18) and RES (5.7 L/d, n = 19) from day five until week 14 of life. In blood samples collected at birth, and then fortnightly from week 8–16, and in week 20, the antioxidative capacity measured as ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), oxidative damage of lipids measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and oxidative damage of proteins measured as advanced oxidation products of proteins (AOPP), free radicals measured as reactive oxidative metabolites (dROM), and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, as well as leptin, adiponectin and haptoglobin were assessed. The time course of these variables during the first 20 weeks of life showed characteristic patterns; group differences were limited to adiponectin, AOPP, and FRAP. RES calves had lower growth rates, showed signs of hunger, but did not differ from HIGH in their intake of solid starter feed and in health status. This work characterizes the changes in oxidative status of dairy calves with increasing age and confirms the benefits of a high feeding plane with regard to welfare and development.
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Rosadiuk JP, Bruinjé TC, Moslemipur F, Fischer-Tlustos AJ, Renaud DL, Ambrose DJ, Steele MA. Differing planes of pre- and postweaning phase nutrition in Holstein heifers: I. Effects on feed intake, growth efficiency, and metabolic and development indicators. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1136-1152. [PMID: 33069415 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of pre- and postweaning planes of nutrition on feed and metabolizable energy (ME) intake, growth, concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in blood and rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) from birth to 25 wk of age in Holstein heifers. Heifer calves (n = 36) were randomly assigned to receive either a low (5 L/d of whole milk) or high (10 L/d of whole milk) preweaning plane of nutrition from 1 to 7 wk of age, and either a low (70% concentrate dry total mixed ration) or high (85% concentrate dry total mixed ration) postweaning plane of nutrition from 11 to 25 wk of age. From birth to 25 wk of age, feed intake was recorded daily, and body measures were obtained weekly. Circulating hormone and metabolite concentrations were measured biweekly and total ruminal VFA, fecal starch, and body condition were assessed monthly. Overall, average daily gain and body weight were greater for heifers offered increased planes of nutrition during both the pre- and postweaning phases. Heifers offered the high preweaning plane had greater milk intake (7.7 ± 0.1 vs. 4.5 ± 0.1 L/d) but lower starter intake (0.3 ± 0.04 vs. 0.7 ± 0.04 kg/d) during the preweaning phase than those offered the low plane. High preweaning plane heifers also had greater ME intake from wk 1 to 7, but less ME intake at wk 9 (5.3 ± 0.3 vs. 6.6 ± 0.2 Mcal/kg) than those offered the low plane. Furthermore, overall glucose (118.8 ± 2.9 vs. 110.1 ± 2.9 mg/dL) and IGF-1 (101.6 ± 3.6 vs. 75.9 ± 3.6 ng/mL) concentrations were greater for high versus low preweaning plane heifers, although circulating insulin and BHB did not differ between preweaning plane groups. However, heifers offered the high preweaning plane had reduced total rumen VFA concentrations compared with heifers offered the low plane in the preweaning phase (47.3 ± 2.0 vs. 55.6 ± 2.1 mM). During the postweaning phase, dry matter intake and ME were consistently greater in heifers offered the high postweaning plane. Overall insulin (2.0 ± 0.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.1 ng/mL), glucose (97.1 ± 0.6 vs. 92.1 ± 0.6 ng/mL), IGF-1 (178.0 ± 4.8 vs. 155.8 ± 4.8 ng/mL), and BHB concentrations (8.8 ± 0.2 vs. 8.1 ± 0.2 ng/mL) were greater in heifers offered the high than the low postweaning plane. In addition, heifers offered the high postweaning plane had increased VFA concentrations in the postweaning phase (73.4 ± 1.3 vs. 63.9 ± 1.3 mM) compared with heifers offered the low postweaning plane. The results indicated that increasing the pre- and postweaning planes of nutrition along with energy levels positively influenced several indicators associated with heifer development before 25 wk of age. Nevertheless, there was limited interaction in growth and development indicators between the 2 phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Rosadiuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5
| | - T C Bruinjé
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5; Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1H 2W1
| | - F Moslemipur
- Department of Animal Science, Gonbad Kavoos University, PO Box 163, Golestan, Iran, 49717-99151
| | - A J Fischer-Tlustos
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1H 2W1
| | - D J Ambrose
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5; Livestock Research Branch, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6H 5T6
| | - M A Steele
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2P5; Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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