Implications of growth rates and compensatory growth on puberty attainment in Nellore heifers

Author(s):Show less -

Miszura, A. A. ^[1] ; Ferraz, M. V. C. ^[2] ; Cardoso, R. C. ^[3] ; Polizel, D. M. ^{[1, 4]} ; Oliveira, G. B. ^[1] ; Barroso, J. P. R. ^[1] ; Gobato, L. G. M. ^[1] ; Nogueira, G. P. ^[5] ; Biava, J. S. ^[4] ; Ferreira, E. M. ^[4] ; Pires, A. V. ^{[1, 4]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Vet & Anim Sci, Dept Nutr & Anim Prod, Duque Caxias North Ave 225, BR-13635000 Pirassununga, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Amazonas, Dept Anim Sci, Macurany Ave, BR-69152240 Parintins, Amazonas - Brazil

^[3] Texas A&M Univ, Dept Anim Sci, 2471 TAMU, College Stn, TX 77843 - USA

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Coll Agr Luiz Queiroz, Dept Anim Sci, Padua Dias Ave 11, POB 09, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[5] Sao Paulo State Univ UNESP, Coll Vet Med, BR-16050680 Aracatuba, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: DOMESTIC ANIMAL ENDOCRINOLOGY; v. 74, JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of growth rates and compensatory growth on puberty attainment in Nellore heifers. Nellore heifers (n = 120), weaned at 8 0.75 mo of age, were blocked by sire and BW (180 +/- 8.6 kg) and assigned randomly to receive 1 of 4 treatments over a 10-mo period. Treatments included ad libitum feeding (high gain, HG), feed intake to gain 0.6 kg/d (medium gain, MG), restricted feeding (0.2 kg/d) for 4 mo followed by ad libitum feeding for 6 mo (compensatory gain, CG), and alternating periods of ad libitum and restricted feeding for 2 mo each throughout the trial (alternated CG, ACG). Puberty was assessed weekly by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected at 8, 11, and 18 mo of age and at puberty to determine circulating concentrations of leptin. At 18 mo of age, nonpubertal heifers were treated with a puberty induction protocol using an intravaginal progestin device. There was no treatment effect (P = 0.17) on the percentage of heifers pubertal by 18 mo of age (HG: 66, MG: 40, CG: 58, and ACG: 52%), BW at puberty, and age at puberty. However, HG heifers had higher ADG (P < 0.01), dry matter intake (P < 0.01), and leptin concentrations (P = 0.03) than heifers from other groups. The response to the puberty induction protocol was similar (P = 0.90) among treatments. Regarding sire effects (genetic effects), there was an effect (P = 0.03) on the percentage of heifers pubertal by 18 mo of age and a tendency (P = 0.07) of sire effect in response to the puberty induction protocol. Compensatory growth appears to be an effective managerial approach to decrease feeding costs and stimulate puberty in Nellore heifers. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/14136-4 - Technological innovations to increase productivity in beef cattle: nutritional and genetic interrelationships about puberty, reproduction and production. Protocols for TAI. Gene expression in reproductive processes
• Grantee: Alexandre Vaz Pires
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants