Evaluation of Maternal Nutrition Effects in the Lifelong Performance of Male Beef Cattle Offspring

Author(s)

Cracco, Roberta Cavalcante ; Ruy, Isabela Modolo ; Polizel, Guilherme Henrique Gebim ; Fernandes, Aricia Christofaro ; Furlan, Edison ; Baldin, Geovana Camila ; Santos, Gianluca Elmi Chagas ; Santana, Miguel Henrique de Almeida

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: VETERINARY SCIENCES; v. 10, n. 7, p. 11-pg., 2023-07-01.

Abstract

Simple Summary This study examined the effects of different prenatal nutrition treatments on pregnant cows and their calves. The cows were divided into three groups: NP (no supplementation), PP (supplementation during the last three months of pregnancy), and FP (supplementation throughout pregnancy). After calving, all cows and calves received the same environmental and nutritional conditions. Measurements such as body weight, body condition score, ribeye area, backfat thickness, and rump fat thickness were taken at various stages. The results showed some differences in cow weight, fat thickness, and body condition during pregnancy and postpartum. However, the effects of prenatal nutrition on the calves' weaning weight and growth rates were minimal. Overall, the study concluded that prenatal nutrition had a limited impact on postnatal performance in beef cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different prenatal nutrition treatments on pregnant cows and their progeny. One hundred and twenty-six pregnant Nellore cows (455.3 & PLUSMN; 8.1 kg) were allocated in three different nutritional treatments during pregnancy: NP-control, PP-protein-energy supplementation in the last 3 months of pregnancy, and FP-the same supplementation throughout pregnancy. After parturition, all cows and calves received the same environmental and nutrition condition. The body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BFT), and rumpfat thickness (RFT) were collected on four occasions during pregnancy in the cows and from birth to finishing in calves. All data (cows and calves) were submitted to an analysis of variance (p < 0.05) using a linear model (MIXED procedure; SAS software). The BW, RFT, and BCS from the cows showed significant differences in the middle third of pregnancy and pre-delivery and RFT postpartum (p < 0.05). For the offspring, the weaning weight showed a tendency (NP lighter than others). In terms of gain, the PP group tended to be higher in RFT at calving (p = 0.06), in REA at finishing (p = 0.09), and in ADG in the same period (p = 0.09). The prenatal nutrition strategies had little or no effect on the beef cattle postnatal performance. (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: 20/11515-5 - Nutriepigenetics of muscle development in fetal programed beef cattle
• Grantee: Roberta Cavalcante Cracco
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master