Maternal Nutrition Affects Nitrogen Isotopic Signature in Blood Plasma of Beef Cattle Dams and Their Offspring

Author(s)

Meciano, Gabriela de Pauli ; Schalch Junior, Fernando Jose ; Gebim Polizel, Guilherme Henrique ; Fernandes, Aricia Christofaro ; Cracco, Roberta Cavalcante ; Netto, Arlindo Saran ; Gomes, Rodrigo da Costa ; Brandao Consolo, Nara Regina ; de Almeida Santana, Miguel Henrique

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: METABOLITES; v. 12, n. 12, p. 9-pg., 2022-12-01.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of gestational supplementation strategy on nitrogen isotopic signature in blood plasma of beef cows and their progeny. The study comprised 15 pregnant Nellore cows divided into three different supplementation protocols: NP) non-programmed group; PP) cows receiving protein-energy supplement in the last third of pregnancy; and FP) cows receiving protein-energy supplement throughout the gestational period. Blood plasma from cows was sampled at the beginning of gestation, in the prepartum, and postpartum periods as well as from their calves at 30 and 180 days of age, for the analysis of stable isotope ratios 15 N/14 N. At pre- and postpartum periods, cows fed PP and FP presented greater abundance of delta 15 N compared to NP (p < 0.05) at pre- and postpartum. All three groups showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the postpartum period. The delta 15 N values of calves at 30 days of age differed between the NP group and PP and FP groups (p < 0.05), with no difference (p > 0.05) at 180 days of age. The different gestational supplementation strategies influenced isotopic fractionation of nutrients of cows and their calves after birth, indicating effects on nutritional metabolism and cumulative behavior on isotope abundance related to consumption during gestation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/12105-2 - Fenomics of fetal programming effects on beef cattle production: a systemic approach
• Grantee: Miguel Henrique de Almeida Santana
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/20754-3 - Metabolic effects of fetal programming in Nellore dams and calves evaluated by nitrogen isotopic fractionation
• Grantee: Gabriela de Pauli Meciano
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation