Intestinal development of bovine foetuses during gestation is affected by foetal sex and maternal nutrition

Influence of Maternal Nutrition and One-Carbon Metabolites Supplementation during Early Pregnancy on Bovine Fetal Small Intestine Vascularity and Cell Proliferation

To investigate the effects of nutrient restriction and one-carbon metabolite (OCM) supplementation (folate, vitamin B12, methionine, and choline) on fetal small intestine weight, vascularity, and cell proliferation, 29 (n = 7 ± 1 per treatment) crossbred Angus beef heifers (436 ± 42 kg) were estrous synchronized and conceived by artificial insemination with female sexed semen from a single sire. Then, they were allotted randomly to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main factors of nutritional plane [control (CON) vs. restricted feed intake (RES)] and OCM supplementation [without OCM (-OCM) or with OCM (+OCM)]. Heifers receiving the CON level of intake were fed to target an average daily gain of 0.45 kg/day, which would allow them to reach 80% of mature BW by calving. Heifers receiving the RES level of intake were fed to lose 0.23 kg/heifer daily, which mimics observed production responses in heifers that experience a diet and environment change during early gestation. Targeted heifer gain and OCM treatments were administered from d 0 to 63 of gestation, and then all heifers were fed a common diet targeting 0.45 kg/d gain until d 161 of gestation, when heifers were slaughtered, and fetal jejunum was collected. Gain had no effect (p = 0.17) on the fetal small intestinal weight. However, OCM treatments (p = 0.02) displayed less weight compared to the -OCM groups. Capillary area density was increased in fetal jejunal villi of RES - OCM (p = 0.02). Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) positivity ratio tended to be greater (p = 0.08) in villi and was less in the crypts (p = 0.02) of the RES + OCM group. Cell proliferation decreased (p = 0.02) in villi and crypts of fetal jejunal tissue from heifers fed the RES + OCM treatment compared with all groups and CON - OCM, respectively. Spatial cell density increased in RES - OCM compared with CON + OCM (p = 0.05). Combined, these data show OCM supplementation can increase expression of VEGFR2 in jejunal villi, which will promote maintenance of the microvascular beds, while at the same time decreasing small intestine weight and crypt cell proliferation.

Differential average daily gain of pregnant Holstein × Gyr dairy heifers causes placental adaptations to support fetal growth and development

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of differential average daily gain targets of dairy heifers throughout gestation on placental hemodynamics, uterine involution, colostrum production of the heifers, and effects on newborn calf weight and immunity transfer. Fourteen Holstein × Gyr heifers with an average body weight of 446 ± 46.7 kg and age of 25 ± 3.9 mo were randomly assigned to the following treatments: moderate body weight gain (MOD, n = 7), where heifers were fed to achieve 0.50 kg/d; and high body weight gain (HIG, n = 7), where heifers were fed to achieve 0.75 kg/d. Target average daily gains were established based on common tropical dairy production systems. The heifers received a total mixed ration feed twice daily starting at 70 d of gestation. Placentome vascularization was assessed using a color Doppler ultrasound at 180, 210, and 240 d of gestation. After calving, cotyledons were counted and sampled to analyze the mRNA expression of placental angiogenesis markers. After birth, calves were weighed and fed colostrum, and transfer of passive immunity efficiency was assessed. A significant increase in cotyledons was detected for MOD placenta soon after expulsion (81.5 ± 12.91 vs. 63.6 ± 10.52). Placentome vascularization at the final third of gestation increased for MOD heifers compared with HIG. Greater mRNA expression after membrane expulsion of VEGFB and IGFR1 in cotyledons and a greater estradiol concentration in circulation 1 d before calving was found for MOD heifers compared with HIG heifers; however, uterine involution postpartum was not different between treatment groups. Greater colostrum production was observed in HIG heifers (3.9 ± 1.05 vs. 2.2 ± 1.57 L) but with lower quality (25.2 ± 0.51 vs. 29.5 ± 0.65 Brix). No differences were observed in birth weight or transfer of passive immunity efficiency between treatments; however, HIG calves had significantly greater vitality scores than MOD calves. The results of this study indicate that a moderate feeding regimen enhances placental blood flow by increasing angiogenesis, which suggests improved nutrient transfer to the fetus without major effects on its development during the neonatal stage, colostrum production, or uterine involution in the heifers.

The Effects of Prenatal Diet on Calf Performance and Perspectives for Fetal Programming Studies: A Meta-Analytical Investigation

Simple Summary

Prenatal nutrition can reshape an animal’s developmental trajectory, with persistent long-term consequences for the progeny. In prenatal life, the effects induced by the intrauterine conditions can be expressed as changes in offspring growth and meat quality. Thus, there are diverse sources of variations that contribute to the variations reported for fetal-programming responses in beef cattle, making it difficult to interpret and apply the results. In this sense, finding a common factor among the studies with which to group them may offer an opportunity to quantify the fetal-programming effects holistically and to obtain more applicable responses. With the increasing number of publications, it is important to summarize the quantitative measurements available in the scientific literature. In the present study, data from 35 publications were used. We verified that there is a gap related to the effects of maternal nutrition to females, at the beginning of gestation, and in zebu and crossbred animals, indicating new perspectives for future fetal-programming studies. In summary, our findings highlight an association between prenatal energy and protein supply and its effects on the offspring birth weight, weaning weight, and the daily weight gain of pregnant beef cows during pregnancy.

Abstract

This meta-analysis aimed to identify knowledge gaps in the scientific literature on future fetal-programming studies and to investigate the factors that determine the performance of beef cows and their offspring. A dataset composed of 35 publications was used. The prenatal diet, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) during pregnancy, and calf sex were elicited as possible modulators of the beef cows and their offspring performance. Then, the correlations between these variables and the outcomes of interest were investigated. A mixed multiple linear regression procedure was used to evaluate the relationships between the responses and all the possible explanatory variables. A knowledge gap was observed in studies focused on zebu animals, with respect to the offspring sex and the consequences of prenatal nutrition in early pregnancy. The absence of studies considering the possible effects promoted by the interactions between the different stressors’ sources during pregnancy was also detected. A regression analysis showed that prenatal diets with higher levels of protein improved the ADG of pregnant beef cows and that heavier cows give birth to heavier calves. Variations in the BW at weaning were related to the BW at birth and calf sex. Therefore, this research reinforces the importance of monitoring the prenatal nutrition of beef cows.

Maternal Supply of Ruminally-Protected Lysine and Methionine During Close-Up Period Enhances Immunity and Growth Rate of Neonatal Calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplying ruminally-protected lysine (RPL), methionine (RPM), or the two in combination (RPML) to transition dairy cows on the immunity and performance of their offspring. Eighty heifer calves (n = 20 calves per group) were assigned to four treatments based on their dam diet; basal diet (CON), a basal diet with lysine [RPL, 0.33% of dry matter (DM)], a basal diet with methionine (RPM, 0.16% DM), or with the combination (RPML). Calves were fed colostrum from their dams within 2 h of birth. Calves were then fed milk only (d 2-22), a combination of milk and milk replacer (d 23-25), and milk replacer (d 25-60). Starter feed was fed to the calves twice daily after liquid feeding. Calves blood samples were collected after calving on 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 5 and 7 d after birth. Data were analyzed by SAS software v9.4. Providing ruminally-protected amino acids (RPAA) to transition cows improved colostrum quality compared to the CON (Brix; P < 0.01). Serum total protein concentrations were higher in calves from supplemented cows than in calves from unsupplemented cows (P < 0.01). Calves born to dams in the RPM, RPL, and RPML groups had higher plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations 0, 12, 24, and 48 h and 7 d after birth than those born to dams in the CON group (P < 0.05). The percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer was increased with RPM and RPL or the two in combination (P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the percentage of calves with adequate passive immunity transfer between the RPM and RPL groups (P = 0.21). Calves from cows that receive supplemental RPAA have a greater average daily gain (ADG) than those born to cows in the CON group (P < 0.01). These results indicate that maternal supplementation with RPM or RPL or the two in combination during the periparturient period could be an alternative strategy to improve the performance of calves, especially in accelerated growth programs in calves.

Maternal Nutrition and Developmental Programming of Male Progeny

Simple Summary

The objective of the following review is to describe available literature on the interaction between maternal nutrition and developmental programming in male offspring. The majority of current research focuses on female offspring or fails to take offspring sex into account, though sexual dimorphisms in response to maternal diet are well-recognized. This leaves a large gap in the understanding of male developmental programming. This review will specifically discuss the impacts of maternal dietary energy and protein on bull and ram growth, development, and reproductive capacity in later life.

Abstract

Poor maternal nutrition can cause several maladaptive phenotypes in exposed offspring. While non-sex-specific and female-specific adaptations are well-documented, male-specific outcomes are still poorly understood. Of particular interest are the outcomes in bulls and rams, as developmental programming directly impacts long-term productivity of the animal as well as human food security. The following review discusses the impact of poor maternal dietary energy and protein on bull and ram developmental programming as it relates to growth, development, and reproductive capacity. The review also highlights the importance of the timing of maternal dietary insult, as early-, mid-, and late-gestational insults can all have varying effects on offspring.

Effect of rumen-protected methionine supplementation to beef cows during the periconception period on performance of cows, calves, and subsequent offspring

Maternal nutrition affects the development of the fetus and postnatal performance of the calf. Methionine may play a critical role in developmental programming and is likely deficient in beef cows fed low-quality forage. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of metabolizable methionine supply to lactating beef cows during the periconception period on performance of cows, calves, and subsequent offspring. This project involved two consecutive production cycles commencing at calving in which dietary treatments were fed to cows during the periconception period along with measurements on cows and initial calves in Production Cycle 1, and measurements on subsequent calves in Production Cycle 2. Brangus-Angus crossbred lactating beef cows (N = 108; age = 6.4 (2.8) year) were stratified by previous calving date and assigned to one of three supplements: (1) control, molasses plus urea at 2.72 kg/day as fed, (2) fishmeal, 2.27 kg/day molasses plus urea plus 0.33 kg/day as fed of fishmeal, and (3) methionine, 2.72 kg/day of molasses plus urea plus 9.5 g/day of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid. Cows were fed supplements and low-quality limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) hay while grazing dormant bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) pastures during the 115-day periconception period from December 2014 to April 2015 in Production Cycle 1 only. Body weight change and milk yield of cows were measured during the periconception period in Production Cycle 1. Body weight of calves was measured at birth and weaning in both production cycles. Following weaning in Production Cycle 2, eight subsequent steer calves per treatment were individually housed for a 42-day metabolism experiment. Treatment did not affect (P > 0.10) BW change of cows, but cows fed methionine tended (P = 0.09) to produce more energy-corrected milk than control and fishmeal. Treatment did not affect (P > 0.10) 205-day adjusted weaning weight of calves in either production cycle. During the metabolism experiment, subsequent calves from dams fed fishmeal and methionine gained faster (P < 0.05) and had greater (P < 0.05) gain:feed than control calves. Methionine calves tended (P = 0.06) to have greater apparent total tract NDF and ADF digestibility and lesser (P < 0.05) blood glucose concentration than control and fishmeal calves. These data indicate that maternal methionine supply during the periconception period plays an important role in programming future performance of the offspring.

Late gestation supplementation of corn dried distiller's grains plus solubles to beef cows fed a low-quality forage: III. effects on mammary gland blood flow, colostrum and milk production, and calf body weights

Objectives were to investigate the effects of supplementation with corn dried distiller's grains plus solubles (DDGS) to late gestating beef cows on arterial blood flow to the mammary glands during late gestation and early lactation; colostrum and milk production; dystocia and immunity; and calf BW. Cows were fed a control (CON; n = 15; 5.1% CP; 36.2% ADF) diet consisting of 90% corn stover and 10% corn silage on a dry basis offered ad libitum or CON diet with supplementation of DDGS (0.30% of BW; SUP n = 12). Mammary gland blood flow was assessed on day 245 of gestation. At parturition, maternal and calving parameters were assessed; colostrum and jugular blood was sampled; and dams were weighed. Mammary gland blood flow and milk production was measured on day 44 of lactation. Calves were weighed fortnightly for 8 wk and at weaning. Colostrum production tended to be greater in SUP dams than in CON dams (837 vs. 614 ± 95 g, P = 0.10). Calves of SUP dams were heavier at birth and 24 h (0 h, 43.2 vs. 39.8 ± 1.0 kg, P = 0.02; 24 h, 44.0 vs. 40.4 ± 1.1 kg, P = 0.02). At birth and 24 h, blood pCO2 was greater in calves born to SUP dams (6.82 vs. 6.00 ± 0.41 kPa, P = 0.04). Serum IgG did not differ (P = 0.21) at 24 h. Ipsilateral mammary gland blood flow of SUP cows was greater than CON cows (2.76 vs. 1.76 ± 0.30 L/min; P = 0.03); however, when summed with contralateral, total blood flow was similar (P = 0.33). Hemodynamic measures on day 44 of lactation were similar (P ≥ 0.32). Milk production tended to be increased (13.5 vs. 10.2 ± 1.2 kg/d, P = 0.07) in SUP vs. CON cows. Despite similar BW through 56 d, calves from SUP cows were heavier (P = 0.04) at weaning (309.7 vs. 292.0 ± 6.0 kg). In conclusion, we accept our hypothesis that DDGS supplementation during gestation influenced mammary blood flow, milk production and calf weights. These findings implicate maternal nutrition's leverage on both nutrient and passive immunity delivery to the calf early in life as well as potential advantages on long-term performance.