scholarly journals Effect of plane of nutrition during the first 12 weeks of life on growth, metabolic and reproductive hormone concentrations, and testicular relative mRNA abundance in pre-weaned Holstein Friesian bull calves

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen P Coen ◽  
Kate Keogh ◽  
Colin J Byrne ◽  
Pat Lonergan ◽  
Sean Fair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Mrna Abundance ◽  
Metabolic Status ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Holstein Friesian

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the effect of nutrition during the first 12 wk of life on aspects of the physiological and transcriptional regulation of testicular and overall sexual development in the bull calf. Holstein Friesian bull calves with a mean ±SD age and bodyweight of 17.5 (2.85) days and 48.8 (5.30) kg, respectively, were assigned to either a high (HI; n=15) or moderate (MOD; n=15) plane of nutrition and were individually fed milk replacer and concentrate to achieve overall target growth rates of at least 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. Throughout the trial, animal growth performance, feed intake, and systemic concentrations of metabolites, metabolic and reproductive hormones were assessed. Additionally, pulsatility of reproductive hormones (luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (TT) was recorded at 15 min intervals during a 10-h period at 10 wk of age. At 87 ± 2.14 days of age, all calves were euthanized, testes weighed, and testicular tissue harvested. Differential expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) candidate genes involved in testicular development was examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. All data were analysed using the MIXED procedure in Statistical Analysis System (SAS) using terms for treatment as well as time for repeated measures. Blood metabolites and metabolic hormones generally reflected the improved metabolic status of the calves on the high plane of nutrition though the concentrations of reproductive hormones were not affected by diet. Calves offered HI had greater mean (SED) slaughter weight (112.4 v 87.70 (2.98) kg; P < 0.0001) and testicular tissue weight [29.2 v 20.1 (2.21) g; P = 0.0003], than MOD. Relative mRNA abundance data indicated advanced testicular development through up-regulation of genes involved in cellular metabolism (SIRT1; P = 0.0282), cholesterol biosynthesis (EBP; P = 0.007), testicular function (INSL3; P = 0.0077) and Sertoli cell development (CLDN11; P = 0.0054) in HI compared with MOD calves. In conclusion, results demonstrate that offering dairy bred male calves a high plane of nutrition during the first three months of life not only improves growth performance and metabolic status, but also advances testicular development consistent with more precocious sexual maturation.

scholarly journals Role of early life nutrition on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis of the bull

Reproduction ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Marie English ◽  
David A. Kenny ◽  
Colin J Byrne ◽  
Helga Sauerwein ◽  
Christiane Urh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Arcuate Nucleus ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Ghrelin Receptor ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of nutrition during the first 18 weeks of life on the physiological and transcriptional functionality of the hypothalamic, anterior pituitary and testes in Holstein Friesian bull calves. Holstein Friesian bull calves with a mean (±S.D.) age and bodyweight of 19 (±8.2) days and 47.5 (±5.3) kg, respectively, were assigned to either a HIGH (n=10) or LOW (n=10) plane of nutrition, to achieve an overall target growth rate of 1.2 or 0.5 kg/day, respectively. At 126±1.1 days of age, all calves were euthanised. Animal performance (weekly) and systemic concentrations of metabolic and reproductive hormones (at four week intervals) were assessed. Testicular histology, targeted gene and protein expression of the arcuate nucleus, anterior pituitary and testes were also assessed using qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Testicular tissue from post pubertal 19 month old Holstein Friesian bulls (n=10) that were reared under similar conditions was also available for comparative gene expression analysis. The metabolites and metabolic hormones generally reflected the improved metabolic status of the calves on HIGH bull calves (P<0.001). Only ghrelin receptor was upregulated in the anterior pituitary (P<0.05) and arcuate nucleus (P<0.10) in LOW compared to HIGH bull calves. Calves offered a high plane of nutrition were heavier at slaughter (P<0.001), had larger testes P<0.001), larger seminiferous tubule diameter P<0.001), more mature spermatogenic cells P<0.001) and more Sertoli cells (P<0.05) in accordance with both morphological and transcriptional data. This study indicates that a high plane of nutrition during early calf-hood alters gene expression which advances testicular development and hastens spermatogenesis

scholarly journals PSIX-26 Effect of enhanced nutrition during early life on the transcriptional profile of the arcuate nucleus region of the hypothalamus in Holstein Friesian bull calves

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 332-333
Author(s):  
Kate Keogh ◽  
Stephen P Coen ◽  
Pat Lonergan ◽  
Sean Fair ◽  
David A Kenny
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Arcuate Nucleus ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Bull Calf ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Hypothalamic Function ◽  
Hpt Axis

Abstract Improved nutrition and metabolic status during early life are known to advance sexual development in the bull calf. This is mediated through complex neuroendocrine signaling at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis resulting in precocious testicular development and spermatogenesis. The arcuate nucleus region (ARC) of the hypothalamus is centrally involved in the integration of peripheral metabolic cues with GnRH neuronal function and gonadotropin pulsatility which in turn stimulate testicular development. However, the precise molecular mechanisms regulating the influence of prevailing nutritional status on hypothalamic function are yet to be fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to evaluate differentially expressed genes (DEG) within the ARC of bull calves offered contrasting planes of nutrition during the first 12 weeks of life, to coincide with the characteristic transient gonadotropin rise. Holstein-Friesian bull calves with a mean (+SD) bodyweight and age of 48.8(5.3) kg and 17.5(2.8) days, respectively, were assigned to either a high energy (H; n = 15) or moderate energy (M; n = 15) plane of nutrition designed for growth rates of 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. At 12 weeks of age all calves were euthanized and the ARC harvested. RNA was isolated from all ARC samples and RNAseq analysis conducted. As expected, H calves were heavier at euthanasia (H=112 kg; M=88 kg, P &lt; 0.001). RNAseq analysis resulted in the identification of 83 DEG (P.adj&lt; 0.1; fold change &gt;1.5), all of which were down-regulated in H compared to M calves. DEG were enriched for biological pathways associated with immune function including complement system and acute phase response signaling (P.adj&lt; 0.01). However, no DEG identified were directly involved in reproductive developmental processes. Results from this study suggest that the typically positive effect of enhanced nutrition on reproductive development may not be apparent within the ARC at 12 weeks of age.

204 An Investigation into the Role of Dietary Essential Fatty Acids Ratios and Linoleic Acid Level on Growth Performance and Inflammation of Grow-finish Pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 63-63
Author(s):  
Spenser Becker ◽  
Laura L Greiner
Keyword(s):  
Linoleic Acid ◽  
Synovial Fluid ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Acid Level ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Linoleic Acid Level

Abstract The objective was to investigate the effects of dietary linoleic acid level and the ratio of linoleic acid:linolenic acid (n6:n3) on the growth performance and inflammatory status of grow-finish pigs. A total of 300 growing pigs (BW = 41.1 ± 6.3 kg) were randomly assigned to either a high (30 g/kg; HLA) or low (15 g/kg; LLA) linoleic acid level with a high (20:1; HR), moderate (12:1; MR) or low (4:1; LR) n6:n3 in a 2 x 3 factorial design. Diets were fed across three 28-day phases and were balanced for dietary metabolizable energy. Pigs were housed 5 pigs per pen. Blood samples were collected on weeks 1, 3, 6, and 12, and synovial fluid was collected from the hock joint on weeks 1 and 12 for inflammatory marker analysis. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with initial body weight as a covariate, pen as the experimental unit, and linoleic acid level, ratio, and their interaction as fixed effects. Compared to HLA, LLA pigs had increased BW (P &lt; 0.05) at d56 (103.2 vs. 101.3kg) and tended to have increased BW at d84 (P &lt; 0.10; 129.1 vs. 127.8kg). Pigs receiving LR tended to have higher d84 BW compared to MR (P &lt; 0.10; 129.1 vs. 127.3kg). There was no effect of linoleic acid ratio interaction for growth performance. In phase 2, pigs receiving LR had higher feed intake (P &lt; 0.05) compared to MR. Pigs receiving HR performed intermediate of LR and MR. Overall, C-reactive protein was reduced in the plasma of pigs receiving HLA (P &lt; 0.05; 19.3 vs. 26.2mg/mL). Across all treatments, CRP was reduced in synovial fluid and plasma in week 12 vs. week 1 (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, LLA and a low ratio of n6:n3 improved final pig BW, and HLA is potentially beneficial in improving inflammation.

scholarly journals PSIV-6 Effect of a Phytogenic Water Additive on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites and Gene Expression of Amino Acids Transporters in Nursery Pigs Fed with Low Protein Diets

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 281-282
Author(s):  
Cedrick N Shili ◽  
Mohammad Habibi ◽  
Julia Sutton ◽  
Jessie Barnes ◽  
Jacob Burchkonda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Mrna Abundance ◽  
Protein Diet ◽  
Low Protein Diet ◽  
Blood Calcium ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Protein Diets ◽  
Standard Protein

Abstract Moderately low protein (MLP) diets can help decrease nutrient excretion from the swine production. However, MLP diets negatively impact growth performance. We hypothesized that supplementing MLP diets with phytogenics may reduce the negative effects of these diets on growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a phytogenic water additive (PWA; Herbanimal®) on growth performance, blood metabolite and gene expression of amino acids transporters in pigs fed with MLP diets. Forty-eight weaned barrows were allotted to six dietary treatments (n = 8) for 4 weeks: &gt;CON-NS: standard protein diet-no PWA; CON-LS: standard protein diet-low PWA dose (4 ml/L); CON-HS: standard protein diet-high PWA dose (8 ml/L); LP-NS: low protein diet-no PWA; LP-LS: low protein diet-low PWA dose (4 ml/L); LP-HS: low protein diet- high PWA dose (8 ml/L). Feed intake and body weight were recorded daily and weekly, respectively. At week 4, blood and tissue samples were collected and analyzed for metabolites using a chemistry analyzer and amino acid transporters using qPCR, respectively. The data were analyzed by univariate GLM (SPSS®) and the means were separated using paired Student’s t-test corrected by Benjamini-Hochberg. Pigs fed CON-HS improved the average daily gain and serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations compared to CON-NS. Pigs fed LP-LS had higher serum phosphorus and blood urea nitrogen compared to the pigs fed with LP-NS. The mRNA abundance of SLC7A11 in the jejunum was lower in CON-LS and CON-HS compared to CON-NS. Additionally, mRNA abundance of SLC6A19 in the jejunum of pigs fed with LP-LS was higher compared to LP-NS and lower in CON-HS relative to pigs fed with CON-LS. In conclusion, PWA improved the growth performance of pigs fed standard protein diets but not low protein diets. Further, the PWA improved the concentrations of blood calcium and phosphorous in pigs fed MLP diets. Funding: Agrivida and Animal Health and Production and Animal Products: Improved Nutritional Performance, Growth, and Lactation of Animals from the USDA-NIFA.

scholarly journals 191 Effects of injectable vitamin C at weaning and prior to transit on growth performance and immune function of beef steers

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 152-153
Author(s):  
Aubree M Beenken ◽  
Erin L Deters ◽  
Colten W Dornbach ◽  
Stephanie L Hansen ◽  
Joshua C McCann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Diarrhea Virus ◽  
Plasma Ascorbate ◽  
Antibody Titers

Abstract Ninety-one early-weaned (65 ± 11 d) Angus steers (92 ± 4 kg) were blocked by age to a 2 × 2 factorial examining effects of injectable vitamin C (VC) at weaning and/or prior to transport to the feedlot on antibody titers and growth performance. Injections (20 mL/steer) of VC (250 mg sodium ascorbate/mL) or saline (SAL) were given at time of weaning on d 0 (WEAN) and/or prior to a 6 hr trucking event to a feedlot on d 49 (TRANS). Steers were given booster vaccinations on d 0. Steers were weighed on d 0, 1, 14, 48, 49, 64, 106, and 107. Blood was collected (12 steers/treatment) on d 0, 1, 2, 14, 49 (pre- and post-transit), 50, and 51. Data were analyzed via Proc-Mixed of SAS (experimental unit = steer; n = 22–23/treatment) with fixed effects of block, WEAN, TRANS, and WEAN × TRANS. Plasma ascorbate concentrations for weaning (d 0, 1, and 2) and transit (d 49-pre-trucking, 49-post-trucking, 50, and 51) were analyzed as repeated measures (repeated effect = day). Plasma ascorbate concentrations were greater on d 1 and 2 for steers that received VC at weaning (VC = 19.6, SAL = 8.8 ± 1.26 µM; WEAN × day P &lt; 0.01). Similarly, ascorbate concentrations were greater on d 49 post-trucking, 50, and 51 for steers that received VC pre-transit (TRANS × day P = 0.01). Treatments did not affect bodyweight or average daily gain throughout the trial (P &gt; 0.32). There were no effects of treatment on serum Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 2 antibody titers on d 14 or 51 (P &gt; 0.33). An injection of VC administered to early weaned beef steers at weaning or pre-transit increases plasma ascorbate concentrations but does not improve growth performance or antibody response to vaccination booster.

scholarly journals Larger Testes and Higher Inhibin B Levels in Finnish than in Danish Newborn Boys

2006 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 2732-2737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina M. Main ◽  
Jorma Toppari ◽  
Anne-Maarit Suomi ◽  
Marko Kaleva ◽  
Marla Chellakooty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Genetic Difference ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Inhibin B ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Context: Recent studies showed that male reproductive health problems, such as cryptorchidism, hypospadias, testicular cancer, and low sperm quality, are more prevalent in Denmark than in Finland. Objectives: We hypothesized that, if fetal testicular dysgenesis contributed to these observations, differences in gonadal development and the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis would already be detectable perinatally. Thus, we investigated healthy newborn boys in both countries. Design: This was a prospective, longitudinal population-based study. Setting: Two primary obstetric centers were included at the University Hospitals of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Turku, Finland. Participants: The participants of the study included 633 Danish and 1044 Finnish boys, born at term with appropriate weight for gestational age. Interventions: Ultrasound determination of testis size at 0, 3, and 18 months and blood sampling (n = 727) at 3 months were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: Testicular volume and reproductive hormones were measured. Results: Testis volume was significantly higher at all ages in Finnish than in Danish boys (medians, 98 vs. 95, 185 vs. 119, and 188 vs. 136 mm3, respectively; P &lt; 0.00001). Testis growth from birth to 3 months was larger in Finnish than in Danish boys (mean, 75 vs. 26 mm3; P &lt; 0.0001). Serum hormone levels were higher in Finnish than Danish boys for inhibin B (median, 456 vs. 385 pg/ml; P &lt; 0.0001), FSH (1.33 vs. 1.21 IU/liter; P &lt; 0.036), and SHBG (143 vs. 136 nmol/liter; P &lt; 0.022). Inhibin B was significantly positively correlated to testicular volume (r = 0.25; P &lt; 0.006). Conclusions: The larger testes and higher inhibin B levels most likely represent a bigger volume of seminiferous tubules in Finnish compared with Danish boys. Although this phenomenon may be attributable to a genetic difference between the two countries, it may also reflect environmental factors influencing testicular development.

scholarly journals Effects of Low-Stress Weaning on Calf Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Gubbels ◽  
R. R. Salverson ◽  
K. M. Cammack ◽  
J. K. Grubbs ◽  
K. R. Underwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Covariance Structure ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Haptoglobin Concentration ◽  
Wire Fence ◽  
Α Level

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare the influence of two low stress weaning methods with conventional weaning on post-weaning performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers.Materials and MethodsAngus × Simmental crossbred steer calves (n = 90) from a single source were stratified by body weight and dam age into three groups; one treatment was randomly assigned to each group: ABRUPT (calves isolated from dams on the day of weaning), FENCE (calves separated from dams via a barbed wire fence for 7 d prior to completely weaning), and NOSE (nose-flap inserted and calves remained with dams for 7 d prior to completely weaning). At d +7 post-weaning calves were transported to a commercial feedlot where they received standard step-up and finishing rations typical for a Northern Plains feedlot. To understand the influence of each weaning method on haptoglobin (an acute-phase protein), blood samples were collected via coccygeal venipuncture at d –7 (PreTreat), 0 (Weaning), and +7 (PostWean) from a subsample of calves (n = 10 per treatment) and analyzed using a bovine haptoglobin ELISA kit. Body weights (BW) were recorded on study d –34 (PreWean), –7 (PreTreat), 0 (Weaning), 7 (PostWean), 32 (Receiving), 175 (Ultrasound), and 253 (Final) and average daily gains (ADG) were calculated between each time period. On d 175 post-weaning BW were recorded, and ultrasound fat thickness and intramuscular fat were determined and utilized to project marketing dates. Carcass measurements were recorded at the time of harvest and included hot carcass weight, 12th rib backfat, ribeye area, USDA Yield Grade and Quality Grade, and marbling score. Haptoglobin, BW, and ADG data were analyzed as repeated measures using the ante-dependence covariance structure in the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) for effects of weaning treatment, day, and their interaction; birth weight was included as a covariate for ADG and BW. Carcass traits were analyzed for the effect of weaning treatment using the MIXED procedure. Separation of least-squares means was performed using LSD with a Tukey’s adjustment and assuming an α level of 0.05.ResultsWeaning method interacted (P < 0.0001) with time period for ADG and BW. Calf BW increased in all treatments until the PostWean period, wherein BW decreased (P < 0.0001) in ABRUPT and NOSE and was maintained (P > 0.05) in FENCE. From the Receiving to Final time periods BW increased similarly (P > 0.05) for all treatments. Calf ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in calves in the NOSE treatment at Weaning than ABRUPT or FENCE. In the PostWean period, the FENCE calves had ADG that was not different (P > 0.05) than zero but was greater (P < 0.0001) than the negative ADG of ABRUPT and NOSE calves. During the Receiving period ADG was greater (P < 0.05) for ABRUPT compared to NOSE and FENCE. Time influenced (P < 0.001) haptoglobin concentration. No difference in haptoglobin was observed between the PreTreat and Weaning or PostWean periods; however, haptoglobin concentration was greater (P < 0.001) at PostWean compared to Weaning. Weaning method did not influence (P > 0.05) carcass measurements.ConclusionCollectively these data suggest low stress weaning methods do not significantly improve post-weaning growth performance or carcass merit compared to calves weaned using conventional methods.

scholarly journals Some factors influencing milk somatic cell count of Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss cows under the Mediterranean climatic conditions

2009 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Koç ◽  
K. Kizilkaya
Keyword(s):  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Somatic Cell Count ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Brown Swiss ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the influencing factors on somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk of Holstein Friesian (HF) and Brown Swiss (BS) cows raised on three dairy farms under the Mediterranean climatic conditions in Turkey. For a two-year period, farms were visited monthly to measure daily milk yield (DMY) and collect milk samples from each cow during the morning and evening milking. Total of 1 429 SCC readings from 67 HF and 16 BS cows were analyzed by using repeated measures. Breed (P<0.01), lactation number (LN) (P<0.01), milking time (MT) (P<0.05), lactation month (LM) (P<0.01) and the interactions of breed-LM (P<0.05), herd-LM (P<0.01) and LN-LM (P<0.01) effects on SCC were statistically significant as did the co-variable DMY effect (P<0.01). The effect of herd and herd-MT interactions on SCC were statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The SCC means for BS and HF cows were 5.464±0.060 (291 072 cells/ml) and 5.654±0.029 (450 817 cells/ml), respectively. The SCC mean for morning milking (338 065 cells/ml) was 25 850 cells/ml lower than that of evening milking. The LN4 had the highest SCC mean (490 908 cells/ml) and was statistically different from those of LN1 (P<0.01) and LN2 (P<0.05). The SCC level was the highest in the first LM (601 174 cells/ml) and this level then decreased in the later months. Possible reasons for the difference in SCC means between the breeds are different resistance mechanisms against mastitis, different morphological conformations of udders and different milk yields between these two breeds. The insignificant differences found among herds show the similarities of management, milking hygiene and barn conditions. In order to decrease SCC in milk and increase udder health, some precautions need to be taken like improving milking management, hygiene and barn conditions, milking the cow at uniform intervals, feeding the cows after the milking and applying a mastitis control program.

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