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Department of Animal Sciences. Fetal Programming: Effects of Gestational Nutrition on Cowherd Fertility and Longevity. Kimberly A Vonnahme, PhD Reproductive Physiologist February 11, 2010. NDSU Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center. Acknowledgements. Collaborators at NDSU Joel Caton
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Department of Animal Sciences Fetal Programming: Effects of Gestational Nutrition on Cowherd Fertility and Longevity Kimberly A Vonnahme, PhD Reproductive Physiologist February 11, 2010
NDSU Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center Acknowledgements • Collaborators at NDSU • Joel Caton • Larry Reynolds • Dale Redmer • Anna Grazul-Bilska • Justin Luther • Carrie Hammer • Greg Lardy • Kasey Carlin • Eric Berg • Other collaborators • Rick Funston—UNL • Bret Taylor—USDA-ARS SES
OUTLINE • What is Developmental Programming? • Can maternal intake really influence the reproductive success of her offspring?
Phenotype • Classic Animal Breeding Example • Phenotype = Genotype + Environment Eg. Milk production = Holstein genetics + Mastitis
Phenotype • Future Animal Breeding Example • Phenotype = Genotype + Environment Eg. Yield grade= Angus genetics + Protein supplementation in utero
Programming • The process through which a stimulusor insultestablishes a permanentresponse • Developmental programming hypothesis • Exposure during a critical period in development may influence later metabolic or physiological functions in adult life
Protein supplementation During Late Pregnancy Impacts on female progeny reproductive success
3 yrs: Gudmundsen Sandhills (n=170 heifer calves) Cows bred No supplement (NoProt) Protein (Prot) 0.45 kg/d 42% CP LG 12/1 – 2/28
3 yrs: Gudmundsen Sandhills (n=170 heifer calves) Cows bred No supplement (NoProt) Protein (Prot) 0.45 kg/d 42% CP LG 12/1 – 2/28 Ave calving date =March 27
3 yrs: Gudmundsen Sandhills (n=170 heifer calves) Cows bred No supplement (NoProt) Protein (Prot) 0.45 kg/d 42% CP LG 12/1 – 2/28 Ave calving date =March 27 Cool season grass hay (HAY) Sub-irrigated meadow (MDW) EL 5/1 – 5/30
What’s Happening?? Ovaries?? Uterus?? Brain??
Future Directions • Time period of supplementation • Specific nutrients that are important • Maternal efficiencies • Factors that impact uterine and placental blood flow
Developmental Programming • IMPORTANT TO ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY: • Growth and nutrient transfer • Reproductive capacity • Aging and lifetime productivity
NDSU Animal Nutrition and Physiology Center Acknowledgements Vonnahme, March 2008
LARSON ET AL., JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE • Objective: Impacts of male progeny from cows • grazing winter range vs. corn crop residue • with or without protein supplementation • Pregnant 3 year olds • 2005 (109 cows) • 2006 (114 cows) • 2007 (116 cows)