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Fetal programming through early weaning shapes the metabotype of Nelore heifers

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Author(s):
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Yaseen, Anjaleena ; Gongora, Ana Laura dos Santos Munhoz ; Nishimura, Thiago Kan ; Ribeiro, Gabriel Henrique ; Pina Santos, Eduardo Solano ; Nunes, Alanne Tenorio ; Hussain, Tarique ; Hameed, Amjad ; Colnago, Luiz Alberto ; Leme, Paulo Roberto ; Netto, Arlindo Saran ; Pugliesi, Guilherme ; Consolo, Nara Regina Brandao
Total Authors: 13
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLoS One; v. 20, n. 8, p. 15-pg., 2025-08-22.
Abstract

This study investigated the effects of fetal programming induced by early weaning (EW) of the previous calf on the serum metabotype of Nelore heifers. A 2 x 2 factorial design was employed, considering maternal category (multiparous vs. second-parity) and weaning strategy [EW vs. conventional weaning (CW)]. A total of 55 heifers were evaluated, including 25 born to cows subjected to EW (15 multiparous, 10 second-parity) and 30 born to cows subjected to CW (15 multiparous, 15 second-parity). Serum samples were collected from heifers at an average age of 14 months prior to the initiation pf the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol, and metabolomic profiling was conducted using H-1-NMR spectroscopy. Data analysis was performed using R software and MetaboAnalyst 6.0. The effects of weaning strategy and maternal category were assessed through partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and differential abundance analysis, while enrichment analysis was applied to identify biological pathways associated with the observed metabolic changes. The results demonstrated significant effects of weaning strategy, maternal category, and their interaction on the serum metabotype. Heifers born to second-parity cows subjected to EW exhibited elevated concentrations of glutamate, acetate, citrate, and hippurate compared to those subjected to CW, whereas no significant differences between weaning strategies were observed in heifers born to multiparous cows. Weaning strategies modulated metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism, amino acid utilization, and gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, heifers born to multiparous cows displayed higher serum levels of phenylalanine, creatine phosphate, and glutamine, indicating enhanced nutrient availability for growth, development, and metabolic programming compared to their counterparts born to second-parity cows. These findings underscore the potential of EW to improve metabolic efficiency and nutrient reallocation, particularly under conditions of limited feed availability or heightened physiological demands. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the metabolic programming of beef cattle, supporting strategies to optimize weaning protocols and enhance productivity in cattle production systems. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/18937-0 - Earlier weaning of calves from Nellore cows and its effects on the fetal programming and on the produtive and reprodutive performance of the next progeny
Grantee:Paulo Roberto Leme
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 25/00509-8 - DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATIONS OF NMR AND INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIES IN THE ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Grantee:Luiz Alberto Colnago
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 22/07906-4 - Metabotype investigation of programmed heifers by early-weaning and its effect on puberty
Grantee:Larissa Christina Montezano
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
FAPESP's process: 20/08845-3 - The metabolomic approach to improve Nellore beef tenderness: a concept of metabotype and biomarkers
Grantee:Nara Regina Brandão Cônsolo
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants