Effect of ewe birth litter size and estimation of genetic parameters on ewe reproductive life traits.

Ewe lifetime productivity has economic implications for producers because shorter lifetime productivity results in less profit. Productive years of ewes from extensive, range-based systems of the United States West are generally less than ewes from more temperate regions of the United States. Accordingly, ewes from range-based systems, especially those employing shed-lambing strategies, have been selected for increased litter size to offset decreased lifetime productivity. However, the relationship of the ewe's birth litter size (ELSB) has not been considered a potential contributor to lifetime productivity. Longevity (number of productive years, n = 1 per population) and stayability (probability to survive to the next age; ages 2-7 years, n = 6 per population) were investigated to understand ELSB effects on productive life. Columbia, Polypay, Rambouillet, and Targhee breeds were used in this study. Across-breed (n = 11 550) and within-breed (Columbia, n = 4 398; Polypay, n = 4 534; Rambouillet, n = 5 922; Targhee, n = 6 482) analyses were used. Depending on the population, records spanned from 1950 to 2008, where ewe's birth year was included as a fixed effect in the animal model using restricted maximum likelihood estimation procedures. Fixed effects investigated included ELSB (single-, twin-, or triplet-born) and ewe breed (across-breed analyses only). Regardless of trait or population used, heritability ranged from 0.06 ± 0.02 to 0.34 ± 0.03, where stayability at younger ages had the highest estimates. The breed effect was significant in all across-breed analyses (0.0001 ≤ P ≤ 0.038; n = 7), where Polypay, a breed selected for accelerated lambing and increased fertility, averaged shorter productive life or had a lower probability of survival to the next age compared with other breeds (longevity: 0.009 ≤ P ≤ 0.223; stayability: 0.000 ≤ P ≤ 0.842). The ELSB was significant in 60% (n = 5) and 37% (n = 30) of longevity and stayability analyses, respectively. Except for Targhee, all analyses showed ewes born in smaller litter sizes were associated with longer productive lives or higher probability of surviving to the next age, particularly in across-breed analyses (e.g., longevity: single- vs twin-born ewes, P = 0.004; vs triplet-born ewes, P = 0.003). This study provides evidence that increasing prolificacy in ewes from extensive, range-based production systems may impact productive life. Due to the low heritability of these traits, additional investigation into modeling these traits with dominance effects and litter size needs to be conducted.

Timing and duration of nutrient restriction and its impacts on placental development and umbilical blood flow in adolescent sheep.

We hypothesized that nutrient restriction from day 50-90 of gestation decreases umbilical blood flow and that umbilical blood flow would recover to control values upon realimentation during late gestation (d 90 to 130) or remain reduced in ewes that continued to be nutrient restricted. On d 50 of gestation, young nulliparous whiteface ewes (6-8 mo; n = 41) carrying singletons were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: 100% of NRC recommendations (CON) or 60% of CON (RES). On d 90 of gestation, ewes either remained on CON or RES until d 130, or CON ewes were RES from d 90 to 130, or RES ewes were realimented to CON from d 90 to 130. This resulted in 4 treatment groups on day 130: CON-CON, CON-RES, RES-RES, RES-CON. Umbilical blood flow and fetal and placental measurements were obtained via ultrasonography every 10 days from day 50-110. Non-survival surgeries were performed on days 50, 90, and 130 (n = 6-7 ewes/group) where uterine artery and umbilical blood flows were measured during surgery via ultrasonography. Conceptus weights were recorded and placentomes collected to determine binucleate cell numbers. The study was conducted as a completely randomized design arrangement with repeated measures. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. There was a nutritional treatment by day interaction (P < 0.01) with CON ewes having greater umbilical blood flow compared with RES by d 90. Fetal biparietal distance, abdominal width, and kidney area increased (P < 0.05) in CON-RES with all these measurements increasing during late gestation. We partially accept our hypothesis as nutrient restriction during mid gestation decreased umbilical blood flow. However, blood flow did not return to control levels upon realimentation. By d 130, fetal and placental weights were similar between RES-RES and CON-CON. Binucleate cell numbers in the fetal trophoblast were not influenced by nutritional treatments. Our findings suggest that refeeding previously nutrient restricted pregnant adolescent ewes to control levels does not reestablish umbilical blood flow. Adequate placental development during mid gestation could protect the fetus from a decreased umbilical blood flow later in gestation when nutrients were limited by 40%.

Effects of nutrient restriction and subsequent realimentation in pregnant beef cows: Maternal endocrine profile, umbilical hemodynamics, and mammary gland development and hemodynamics.

Our hypothesis was that maternal nutrient restriction would negatively impact the endocrine and metabolic status of the pregnant cow, therefore influencing the mammary gland in preparation for lactation. We further hypothesized that earlier timing of realimentation could prevent negative impacts of nutrient restriction. The objectives were to investigate the influence of nutrient restriction and realimentation during early to late gestation on endocrine profile, umbilical hemodynamics, and mammary gland development and hemodynamics in pregnant beef cows. In Experiment 1, on d 30 of pregnancy cows (initial BW = 667.5 ± 13.4 kg, BCS = 6.2 ± 0.1) were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) 100% NRC requirements from d 30 to 254 of gestation (CCC; n = 6); 2) 60% NRC from d 30 to 85, thereafter being re-alimented to 100% NRC to d 254 (RCC; n = 5); 3) or receive 60% NRC from d 30 to 140, thereafter being re-alimented to 100% NRC to d 254 (RRC; n = 6). Cows were returned to a common outdoor facility for calving thereafter and were fed ad libitum. In Experiment 2, on d 30 of pregnancy, cows (initial BW = 620.5 ± 11.3 kg, BCS = 5.1 ± 0.1) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments including: control (CON; 100% NRC; n = 18) and nutrient restriction (RES; 60% NRC; n = 30). On d 85 of pregnancy, cows were either slaughtered (CON, n = 6 and RES, n = 6), remained on control (CC; n = 12) and restricted (RR; n = 12) treatments, or were realimented to control (RC; n = 11). On d 140 of pregnancy, cows were either slaughtered (CC, n = 6; RR, n = 6; RC, n = 5), remained on control (CCC, n = 6; RCC, n = 5), or were realimented to control (RRC, n = 6). On d 254 of pregnancy, all remaining cows were slaughtered (CCC, n = 6; RCC, n = 5; RRC, n = 6). Mammary hemodynamics and endocrine profile were measured. Serum urea nitrogen, NEFA, as well as fetal parameters were measured in Experiment 1; whereas in Experiment 2, mammary gland development was recorded. In Experiment 1, RRC cows had lower dry matter intake (P = 0.001) and consequently lower BW change (P = 0.06). However, maternal nutrition did not alter mammary hemodynamics, hormonal patterns, and fetal characteristics (P > 0.11). In Experiment 2, CCC cows had increased (P = 0.02) mammary gland blood flow ipsilateral to the gravid horn as well as greater (P = 0.02) mammary gland fat on d 254. Nevertheless, plane of nutrition did not alter hormonal concentrations nor mammary gland characteristics (P > 0.15). These data indicate that nutrient restriction did not alter mammary hemodynamics nor endocrine profile throughout gestation.

Uterine kallikrein and arterial bradykinin activities and uterine arterial proliferation in response to acute estradiol-17ß exposure in ovariectomized ewes.

Estradiol-17ß (E2) increases kallikrein in rodent and human reproductive tissues. Kallikrein specific activity is increased in the porcine uterus when conceptus E2 is secreted at maternal recognition of pregnancy. When kallikrein acts on kininogen to liberate bradykinin, angiogenic and vasoactive factors are released. The uterus of ovariectomized ewes administered E2 undergoes rapid vascular changes via different patterns of angiogenic and vasoactive factors. Our hypothesis was that E2 would increase the specific activity and protein secretion of tissue kallikrein in endometrial explants culture media (ECM) and ewes exposed to E2 would have uterine arteries that would be more sensitive to the vasodilatory effects of bradykinin. Ovariectomized ewes received 100 mg of E2 implants for 0, 12, 24, or 48 h. After treatment, uterine weights were determined, and caruncles were processed for ECM. Uterine weights and uterine weight per ewe body weight were significantly greater in the 12 and 24 h ewes compared with the 0 h ewes, with the 48 h ewes being similar to the 24 h ewes. There were no statistically significant differences in caruncular tissue kallikrein protein secretion among the treatment groups. There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for duration of E2 exposure to influence tissue kallikrein specific activity where kallikrein activity was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the 12 and 48 h ewes compared with the 0 h ewes, with 24 h ewes being intermediate (unprotected F test). Uterine arteries from ewes with E2 for 24 and 48 h had more sensitivity to bradykinin, via the bradykinin receptor 2, than uterine arteries from ewes with 0 or 12 h E2 exposure. We fail to reject our hypothesis as E2 did elicit a positive response in tissue kallikrein specific activity and bradykinin response. Further investigations are needed to determine how kallikrein and bradykinin may be involved in vascular remodeling of the ovine uterus.

Acute effects of estradiol-17ß on plasma volume and uterine cell proliferation in sheep.

Ovarian steroids play an important role in increasing plasma volume in pregnant females and preparing the uterus for implantation. We hypothesized that a short duration of increased estradiol-17ß (E2) would increase plasma volume and uterine cell proliferation in ovariectomized ewes. Adult non-pregnant Romanov ewes (n = 15) were ovariectomized. After ovariectomy, ewes were individually housed and were offered water at ad libitum intake and were fed a pelleted diet at maintenance once daily according to body weight. After at least 30 days post-ovariectomy ewes were fasted and received an implant placed in the axillary region that contained 100 mg of E2 (E2; n = 8) or a sham implant with no E2 (CON, n = 7). After 24 h, ewes were weighed prior to plasma volume measurement procedures. Plasma volume was determined using the Evans blue dye method. Blood samples were taken at 0 (pre dye injection), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after dye injection. After the final blood collection, ewes were euthanized with an overdose of sodium pentabarbital and uterine weights were recorded. Uterine cross-sections were fixed in formalin for immunohistochemical localization of Ki67 (a marker of proliferating cells) followed by image generation of luminal epithelium and endometrial stroma (5 areas each/tissue section) and analysis to determine the proportion of proliferating cells. Plasma volume tended to be greater in E2 vs CON (2.75 ± 0.11 vs. 2.54 ± 0.12 L, P = 0.07) and uterine weights were greater in E2 vs CON (27.25 ± 2.35 vs. 17.35 ± 2.51 g, P < 0.01). Water intake after implant placement was similar in E2 and CON (3.85 vs. 4.87 ± 0.67 L; P = 0.28). Cell proliferation in the luminal epithelium was greater in E2 vs CON (6.55 vs. 1.2 ± 1.75%, P = 0.02) and stromal cells tended to be greater in E2 vs CON (0.59 vs 0.37 ± 0.06%, P = 0.07). Our results demonstrate that E2-treatment tends to increase plasma volume acutely and increases uterine cell proliferation in ewes.

Effects of nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation from mid-to-late gestation on maternal and fetal small intestinal carbohydrase activities in sheep.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation during mid-to-late gestation on maternal and fetal small intestinal carbohydrase activities in sheep. Ewes were randomly assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Ewes were fed to provide 100% (adequate; ADQ) or 60% (restricted; RES) of nutrient recommendations, and diets were supplemented with either no melatonin (control; CON) or 5 mg melatonin/d (melatonin; MEL). This resulted in 4 treatment groups: CON-ADQ (n = 7), CON-RES (n = 8), MEL-ADQ (n = 8), MEL-RES (n = 8). Treatments began on day 50 of gestation, and ewes were euthanized on day 130 for tissue collection. The maternal and fetal small intestine were collected and assayed for small intestinal carbohydrase activities. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS with fetal sex, melatonin, nutrition, and the melatonin by nutrition interaction included in the model statement. There were no melatonin by nutrition interactions for maternal or fetal small intestinal protein concentration or carbohydrase activities (P ≥ 0.11). Dietary melatonin supplementation decreased (P = 0.03) maternal small intestinal protein concentration by 22.7% and increased (P = 0.03) maternal small intestinal glucoamylase, isomaltase, and maltase activity per gram protein by 45.5%, 41.3%, and 40.6%, respectively. Nutrient restriction from mid-to-late gestation did not influence (P ≥ 0.46) maternal small intestinal protein concentration, or maltase, isomaltase, and lactase activity. Maternal glucoamylase activity per gram intestine increased (P = 0.05) with nutrient restriction by 49.1%. Melatonin supplementation and maternal nutrient restriction did not influence (P ≥ 0.15) fetal small intestinal protein concentration, or glucoamylase, isomaltase, and lactase activity. Maternal nutrient restriction from mid-to-late gestation decreased (P = 0.05) fetal maltase activity per gram intestine by 20.5% but did not influence fetal maltase activity per gram protein. These data indicate that some maternal and fetal carbohydrases are influenced by nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation in sheep. More information is needed to understand how nutritional and hormonal factors regulate digestive enzyme activity in ruminants to design improved maternal nutrition programs to optimize fetal growth and development while maintaining maternal productivity.

Effects of fetal and maternal genotype on placentome morphology in sheep.

Both maternal and fetal genotypes contribute to conceptus development. The objective was to determine how placentome number, size, and type and fetal weight was influenced after reciprocal embryo transfer in Columbia and Romanov sheep. Reciprocal embryo transfer was conducted between Columbia and Romanov ewes where a single embryo was transferred into Romanov and Columbia recipients [Romanov embryo in a Romanov uterus (RinR, n = 9); Romanov embryo in a Columbia uterus (RinC, n = 7); Columbia embryo in a Columbia uterus (CinC, n = 8); Columbia embryo in a Romanov uterus (CinR, n = 4)]. On day 130 of gestation, fetuses were weighed and placentomes were morphologically typed, weighed, and measured. Regardless of maternal genotype, Romanov fetuses were smaller (P < 0.05) compared to Columbia fetuses. Moreover, CinC fetuses were larger (P < 0.05) than CinR fetuses. There was a tendency (P = 0.12) for a fetal by maternal genotype interaction on total placentome weight, but main effects were significant for fetal genotype (P = 0.04) and maternal genotype (P < 0.01). The number of Type A placentomes was greater than any other types. Type A placentomes had a greater (P < 0.05) contribution to total placentome weight within the Romanov uterus, or when associated with a Romanov fetus, than within the Columbia breed, in which placentome type was evenly distributed. The hypothesis that the Romanov uterus would limit the growth of a Columbia conceptus is accepted; however, the Romanov conceptus did not experience augmented growth when transferred into a Columbia uterus as predicted.

Effects of maternal nutrient restriction followed by realimentation during early and mid-gestation in beef cows. II. Placental development, umbilical blood flow, and uterine blood flow responses to diet alterations.

The objectives were to examine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction followed by realimentation during early to mid-gestation on placental development and uterine and umbilical hemodynamics in the beef cow. On day 30 of pregnancy, multiparous, non-lactating beef cows (620.5 ±â€¯11.3 kg) were assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments: control (C; 100% National Research Council [NRC] recommendations; n = 18) and restricted (R; 60% NRC; n = 30). On day 85, cows were slaughtered (C, n = 6; R, n = 6), remained on control (CC; n = 12) and restricted (RR; n = 12), or were realimented to control (RC; n = 11). On day 140, cows were slaughtered (CC, n = 6; RR, n = 6; RC, n = 5), remained on control (CCC, n = 6; RCC, n = 5), or were realimented to control (RRC, n = 6). On day 254, all remaining cows were slaughtered. Heart rate and umbilical and uterine hemodynamics [blood flow, resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI)] were determined via Doppler ultrasonography. As expected umbilical blood flow increased and fetal heart rate decreased as gestation advanced. Umbilical PI in RRC cows was less (P = 0.01) compared to RCC and CCC. During late gestation, RCC cows had greater (P = 0.02) ipsilateral and total uterine blood flow vs. CCC and RRC. There was an increase in the number and weight of placentomes from R cows (P ≤ 0.02) compared to C cows (i.e. day 85). There were more placentomes (P = 0.03) in RR vs. CC and RC cows, but placentome weight was not affected (P = 0.18) by maternal dietary treatment at day 140. Maternal nutrient restriction during early to mid-gestation increased the weight (by day 85) and number (day 85 and 140) of placentomes, and did not reduce fetal weight compared to control cows. A longer realimentation period may enhance uterine blood flow and individual placentome size during later gestation, which may compensate for reduced nutrients experienced early in gestation.

Uteroplacental secretion of progesterone and estradiol-17ß in an ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction.

Using a mid to late gestation model of intrauterine growth restriction, uteroplacental secretion of progesterone and estradiol-17ß were examined. From day 50 to 130 of gestation, 31 ewe lambs were allocated to receive 100% (ADQ) or 60% (RES) of nutrient requirements. At day 130, umbilical and uterine artery blood flows were determined and blood samples were collected from maternal saphenous artery, gravid uterine vein, umbilical vein, and umbilical artery. Uteroplacental secretion of progesterone was increased in RES compared to ADQ fed dams. There was a net secretion and net metabolism of estradiol-17ß in RES, and ADQ fed dams, respectively. In relation to steroid synthesis, cotyledonary abundance of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was greater in RES compared with ADQ fed dams, while abundance of aromatase was not different between dietary treatments. Caruncular aldo-keto reductase 1C abundance was less in RES compared to ADQ fed dams. The increase in progesterone secretion, therefore, is due in part to an increase in synthesis and a decrease in placental catabolism. Caruncular cytochrome P450 3A, which catalyzes the conversion of estrogens to catechol-estrogens, was in lesser abundance in RES compared to ADQ fed dams. Opposite responses in estradiol-17ß uteroplacental secretion compared with metabolism may be mediated through placental estrogen metabolism via cytochrome P450 enzymes.

PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Alterations in uteroplacental hemodynamics during melatonin supplementation in sheep and cattle.

Compromised placental function can result in fetal growth restriction which is associated with greater risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Large increases in transplacental nutrient and waste exchange, which support the exponential increase in fetal growth during the last half of gestation, are dependent primarily on the rapid growth and vascularization of the uteroplacenta. The amplitude of melatonin secretion has been associated with improved oxidative status and altered cardiovascular function in several mammalian species; however, melatonin mediated alterations of uteroplacental capacity in sheep and cattle are lacking. Therefore, our laboratories are examining uteroplacental blood flow and fetal development during maternal melatonin supplementation. Using a mid- to late-gestation ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction, we examined uteroplacental blood flow and fetal growth during supplementation with 5 mg/d of dietary melatonin. Maternal nutrient restriction decreased uterine arterial blood flow, while melatonin supplementation increased umbilical arterial blood flow compared with non-supplemented controls. Although melatonin treatment did not rescue fetal weight in nutrient restricted ewes; we observed disproportionate fetal size and fetal organ development. Elevated fetal concentrations of melatonin may result in altered blood flow distribution during important time points of development. These melatonin specific responses on umbilical arterial hemodynamics and fetal development may be partially mediated through vascular melatonin receptors. Recently, we examined the effects of supplementing Holstein heifers with 20 mg/d of dietary melatonin during the last third of gestation. Uterine arterial blood flow was increased by 25% and total serum antioxidant capacity was increased by 43% in melatonin supplemented heifers vs. non-supplemented controls. In addition, peripheral concentrations of progesterone were decreased in melatonin supplemented heifers vs. non-supplemented controls. Using an in vitro model, melatonin treatment increased the activity of cytochrome P450 2C, a progesterone inactivating enzyme, which was blocked by treatment with the melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole. Elucidating the consequences of specific hormonal supplements on the continual plasticity of placental function will allow us to determine important endogenous mediators of offspring growth and development.

Supplementation of metabolizable protein during late gestation and fetal number impact ewe organ mass, maternal serum hormone and metabolite concentrations, and conceptus measurements.

To examine the effects of maternal metabolizable protein (MP) supplementation during late gestation on serum hormone and metabolites and organ masses, multiparous ewes (n = 45) carrying singletons or twins were allotted randomly (within pregnancy group) to 1 of 3 treatments: 60% (MP60), 80% (MP80), or 100% (MP100) of MP requirements. Blood samples were drawn before the initiation of diets (day 100) and before slaughter (day 130) for chemistry panel analysis and weekly for hormone analysis including progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17ß (E2). At day 130, ewe organ masses were recorded. Despite being fed isocaloric diets, MP60 ewes gained less weight throughout pregnancy compared with MP80 and MP100 ewes which were similar. Although diet did not impact E2 or P4 concentrations, ewes carrying twins had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of both as gestation advanced. Albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and total protein were reduced (P < 0.05) in MP60 compared with MP100 ewes near term. There was a diet by fetal number interaction (P = 0.03) for lactate dehydrogenase. Twin-carrying MP80 ewes had greater lactate dehydrogenase compared with all other groups on day 130 of gestation. Ewes that were fed MP80 had greater body weight on day 130 of gestation compared with MP60 ewes. Kidney and heart weights were lighter in MP60 ewes compared with MP80 ewes. There was a maternal diet by fetal number interaction (P = 0.05) on fetal weight per unit empty ewe body weight. In ewes carrying singletons, MP60 ewes supported less fetal weight compared with MP100. In contrast, MP60 ewes supported more fetal mass compared with MP100 ewes when carrying twins. The level of protein, and not just total energy, in the diet appears to impact some aspects of the maternal system. Moreover, it appears some measurements of mobilizing maternal body resources are enhanced in ewes carrying twins.

Effects of realimentation after nutrient restriction during mid- to late gestation on pancreatic digestive enzymes, serum insulin and glucose levels, and insulin-containing cell cluster morphology.

This study examined effects of stage of gestation and nutrient restriction with subsequent realimentation on maternal and foetal bovine pancreatic function. Dietary treatments were assigned on day 30 of pregnancy and included: control (CON; 100% requirements; n = 18) and restricted (R; 60% requirements; n = 30). On day 85, cows were slaughtered (CON, n = 6; R, n = 6), remained on control (CC; n = 12) and restricted (RR; n = 12), or realimented to control (RC; n = 11). On day 140, cows were slaughtered (CC, n = 6; RR, n = 6; RC, n = 5), remained on control (CCC, n = 6; RCC, n = 5) or realimented to control (RRC, n = 6). On day 254, the remaining cows were slaughtered and serum samples were collected from the maternal jugular vein and umbilical cord to determine insulin and glucose concentrations. Pancreases from cows and foetuses were removed, weighed, and subsampled for enzyme and histological analysis. As gestation progressed, maternal pancreatic α-amylase activity decreased and serum insulin concentrations increased (p ≤ 0.03). Foetal pancreatic trypsin activity increased (p < 0.001) with advancing gestation. Foetal pancreases subjected to realimentation (CCC vs. RCC and RRC) had increased protein and α-amylase activity at day 254 (p ≤ 0.02), while trypsin (U/g protein; p = 0.02) demonstrated the opposite effect. No treatment effects were observed for maternal or foetal pancreatic insulin-containing cell clusters. Foetal serum insulin and glucose levels were reduced with advancing gestation (p ≤ 0.03). The largest maternal insulin-containing cell cluster was not influenced by advancing gestation, while foetal clusters grew throughout (p = 0.01). These effects indicate that maternal digestive enzymes are influenced by nutrient restriction and there is a potential for programming of increased foetal digestive enzyme production resulting from previous maternal nutrient restriction.

Supplementation of distiller's grains during late gestation in beef cows consuming low-quality forage decreases uterine, but not mammary, blood flow.

Positive effects have been observed in offspring from beef cows supplemented with corn dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) during late gestation. The hypothesis of this study was that late gestational DDGS supplementation to beef cows would increase blood flow (BF) to the gravid uterus and mammary gland thus impacting birthweight and post-natal growth of the offspring. Experiment 1 investigated mammary gland BF in multiparous cows during late pregnancy. Beef cows were fed a control (CON1) diet of low-quality hay (n = 5) or a supplement diet (SUP1) of low-quality hay with DDGS [1.7 g/kg of body weight (BW); n = 6]. In Experiment 2, multiparous late pregnant beef cows were fed either a control (CON2) diet of a low-quality hay (n = 4) or a supplement diet (SUP2) of low-quality hay with DDGS (1.7 g/kg of BW; n = 5). Uterine and mammary gland BF were recorded every 21 days during late gestation. In Experiment 1, there were no effects of diet or day on mammary gland hemodynamics. In Experiment 2, total and ipsilateral uterine BF was less (p ≤ 0.04) in SUP2 vs. CON2 cows and similar BF to contralateral horns. Mammary gland BF was unaltered by maternal supplementation. Even when measured in two different years in two different environments, mammary gland BF remained unaltered to DDGS supplementation. Investigations on the mechanism that may impact uterine BF during late gestation remain to be known.

Supplementation of corn dried distillers' grains plus solubles to gestating beef cows fed low-quality forage: II. Impacts on uterine blood flow, circulating estradiol-17ß and progesterone, and hepatic steroid metabolizing enzyme activity.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing dried distillers' grains plus solubles (DDGS) during late gestation on uterine blood flow (BF), circulating steroid hormones and hepatic steroid metabolizing enzymes, and calf and placental weights. Multiparous beef cows were randomly divided into a control group (CON; = 15) consuming a diet containing 90% corn stover and 10% corn silage (DM basis) for ad libitum intake and a treatment group (SUP; = 12) consuming the same diet and DDGS (0.3% of BW). Corn silage inclusion was increased to 30% as gestation progressed to meet increasing caloric requirements. Ipsilateral and contralateral uterine BF and cross-sectional area (CSA) of each uterine artery were measured by Doppler ultrasonography on d 180, 216, and 246 of pregnancy. Contralateral BF and CSA increased ( < 0.01) as gestation advanced. Ipsilateral BF and CSA was affected by a treatment × day of gestation interaction ( < 0.05). A main effect of treatment ( = 0.02) and day ( < 0.01) was observed for total BF; BF increased over time and SUP cows had greater BF than CON cows. Circulating concentrations of both progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17ß (E2) were affected by an interaction of treatment and day ( < 0.01). Concentrations of circulating E2 steadily increased throughout the study and were greater in CON cows than in SUP cows by d 242. Concentrations of P4 also increased over time; P4 of CON cows was greater than that of SUP cows by d 242. Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) activity increased with advancing gestation ( < 0.01). There was greater UGT activity ( < 0.05) and a trend for greater CYP1A activity ( = 0.06) in SUP cows than in CON cows. Activity of cytochrome P450 3A was greater ( < 0.01) in SUP cows and decreased ( < 0.05) with advancing gestation. Supplementing DDGS to cows fed low-quality forage during late gestation increased uterine BF but decreased circulating E2 and P4 concentrations and altered hepatic steroid metabolizing enzyme activity. It was anticipated that enzyme activity would reflect circulating hormone levels; however, our data suggests the observed increases in BF are not driven by alterations in hormone concentration. Therefore, further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

TRIENNIAL REPRODUCTION SYMPOSIUM: Developmental programming of fertility.

The 2015 Triennial Reproduction Symposium focused on developmental programming of fertility. The topics covered during the morning session included the role of the placenta in programming of fetal growth and development, effects of feeding system and level of feeding during pregnancy on the annual production cycle and lifetime productivity of heifer offspring, effects of litter size and level of socialization postnatally on reproductive performance of pigs, effects of postnatal dietary intake on maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and onset of puberty in heifers, effects of housing systems on growth performance and reproductive efficiency of gilts, and effects of energy balance on sexual differentiation in rodent models. The morning session concluded with presentation of the American Society of Animal Science L. E. Casida Award for Excellence in Graduate Education to Dr. Michael Smith from the University of Missouri, Columbia, who shared his philosophy of graduate education. The afternoon session included talks on the role of epigenetic modifications in developmental programming and transgenerational inheritance of reproductive dysfunction, effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on fetal development and long-term physiology of the individual, and potential consequences of real-life exposure to environmental contaminants on reproductive health. The symposium concluded with a summary talk and the posing of 2 questions to the audience. From an evolutionary standpoint, programming and epigenetic events must be adaptive; when do they become maladaptive? If there are so many environmental factors that induce developmental programming, are we doomed, and if not, what is or are the solution or solutions?

Nutrient restriction and realimentation in beef cows during early and mid-gestation and maternal and fetal hepatic and small intestinal in vitro oxygen consumption.

Objectives were to determine the effects of advancing gestation, maternal nutrient restriction during early and mid-gestation, and realimentation on fetal liver and jejunal mass and energy use in both dams and fetuses. On day 30 of pregnancy, multiparous, non-lactating beef cows (initial BW=621±11.3 kg and body condition score=5.1±0.1) were assigned to one of the two dietary treatments: control (CON; 100% requirements; n=18) and restricted (R; 60% requirements; n=28). On day 85, cows were slaughtered (CON, n=6; R, n=6), and remaining cows continued on control (CC; n=12) and restricted (RR; n=12) diets, or were realimented to the control diet (RC; n=11). On day 140, cows were slaughtered (CC, n=6; RR, n=6; RC, n=5), remaining cows continued on the control diet (CCC, n=6; RCC, n=5), or were realimented to the control diet (RRC, n=6). On day 254, all remaining cows were slaughtered. Maternal liver O2 consumption linearly increased (P⩽0.04) and jejunal weight (g/kg) linearly decreased (P=0.04) as gestation advanced in CON groups. Fetal BW, and hepatic and small intestinal absolute mass, protein content and O2 consumption linearly increased (P⩽0.04) as pregnancy advanced in CON groups. However, mass and O2 consumption relative to BW linearly decreased (P⩽0.001) in the fetal liver in CON groups. When analyzing the effects of dietary treatment, at day 85, fetal jejunal O2 consumption (mol/min per kg BW) was lower (P=0.02) in the R group when compared with the CON group. At day 140, maternal hepatic weight (g) was lower (P=0.02) in RC and RR cows when compared with CC, and fetal jejunual O2 consumption (mmol/min per mg tissue and mmol/min per g protein) was greater (P⩽0.02) in RC when compared with RR. At day 254, maternal hepatic O2 consumption (absolute and relative to BW) was lower (P⩽0.04) in the RCC cows when compared with RRC. Fetal hepatic weight was lower (P=0.05) in the CCC group when compared with RCC and RRC. The changes in response to nutrient restriction and realimentation in both the dam and fetus may indicate an adaptation to a lower amount of available nutrients by altering tissue mass and metabolism.

Supplementation of corn dried distillers grains plus solubles to gestating beef cows fed low-quality forage: I. Altered intake behavior, body condition, and reproduction.

To investigate the effects of corn dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) supplementation to cows fed corn stover and silage during late gestation, 27 multiparous beef cows (674 ± 17 kg; BCS, 5.6 ± 0.1) were divided randomly into 2 pens equipped with electronic feeders. For 10 wk, both groups were fed the basal diet for ad libitum intake while 1 group was supplemented (SUP; = 12) with DDGS at 0.3% of BW (DM basis). Following parturition, all cows received the same diet for an additional 8 wk. During gestation, SUP cows gained BW ( < 0.01), and there was no change in BCS ( 0.79). Nonsupplemented (CON) cows tended to lose BW ( 0.06) and lost BCS ( < 0.01) during gestation. Supplemented cows consumed more forage ( 0.01) and total feed than CON cows. An interaction of treatment and day was observed for time spent consuming forage ( < 0.01); SUP cows consumed forage faster than CON cows ( ≤ 0.01) early in gestation. Control cows ate more meals than SUP cows ( = 0.06) from d 201 to 218 of gestation. Supplemented cows tended ( = 0.09) to consume larger meals than CON cows and spent more ( < 0.01) time eating than CON cows around d 240 of gestation. Calves born to SUP cows tended ( = 0.06) to be heavier than calves born to CON cows. During lactation, both groups gained ( < 0.01) BW. Body condition score was less ( < 0.05) in CON cows than it was in SUP cows at the end of the study. Dry matter intake during lactation increased ( < 0.01) over time but was not influenced ( = 0.44) by treatment. Supplemented cows spent more time ( < 0.01) eating than CON cows after wk 4 of lactation, and they ate faster than CON cows until wk 3 of lactation whereas CON cows ate faster than SUP cows after wk 6 of lactation ( 0.01). The number of meals increased with advancing lactation ( < 0.01) and CON cows averaged more meals daily than SUP cows ( = 0.01). Conversely, meal size decreased as lactation advanced ( < 0.01), and SUP cows consumed larger meals than CON cows ( = 0.05). Supplementation with DDGS during gestation influenced intake behavior during gestation and lactation as well as the maintenance of maternal BW and BCS and calf birth BW.

Influence of nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation of pregnant ewes on maternal and fetal pancreatic digestive enzymes and insulin-containing clusters.

Primiparous ewes (n=32) were assigned to dietary treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement to determine effects of nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation on maternal and fetal pancreatic weight, digestive enzyme activity, concentration of insulin-containing clusters and plasma insulin concentrations. Treatments consisted of nutrient intake with 60% (RES) or 100% (ADQ) of requirements and melatonin supplementation at 0 (CON) or 5 mg/day (MEL). Treatments began on day 50 of gestation and continued until day 130. On day 130, blood was collected under general anesthesia from the uterine artery, uterine vein, umbilical artery and umbilical vein for plasma insulin analysis. Ewes were then euthanized and the pancreas removed from the ewe and fetus, trimmed of mesentery and fat, weighed and snap-frozen until enzyme analysis. In addition, samples of pancreatic tissue were fixed in 10% formalin solution for histological examination including quantitative characterization of size and distribution of insulin-containing cell clusters. Nutrient restriction decreased (P⩽0.001) maternal pancreatic mass (g) and α-amylase activity (U/g, kU/pancreas, U/kg BW). Ewes supplemented with melatonin had increased pancreatic mass (P=0.03) and α-amylase content (kU/pancreas and U/kg BW). Melatonin supplementation decreased (P=0.002) maternal pancreatic insulin-positive tissue area (relative to section of tissue), and size of the largest insulin-containing cell cluster (P=0.04). Nutrient restriction decreased pancreatic insulin-positive tissue area (P=0.03) and percent of large (32 001 to 512 000 µm2) and giant (⩾512 001 µm2) insulin-containing cell clusters (P=0.04) in the fetus. Insulin concentrations in plasma from the uterine vein, umbilical artery and umbilical vein were greater (P⩽0.01) in animals receiving 100% requirements. When comparing ewes to fetuses, ewes had a greater percentage of medium insulin-containing cell clusters (2001 to 32 000 µm2) while fetuses had more (P<0.001) pancreatic insulin-positive area (relative to section of tissue) and a greater percent of small, large and giant insulin-containing cell clusters (P⩽0.02). Larger insulin-containing clusters were observed in fetuses (P<0.001) compared with ewes. In summary, the maternal pancreas responded to nutrient restriction by decreasing pancreatic weight and activity of digestive enzymes while melatonin supplementation increased α-amylase content. Nutrient restriction decreased the number of pancreatic insulin-containing clusters in fetuses while melatonin supplementation did not influence insulin concentration. This indicated using melatonin as a therapeutic agent to mitigate reduced pancreatic function in the fetus due to maternal nutrient restriction may not be beneficial.

Supplementing metabolizable protein to ewes during late gestation: II. Effects on ewe lamb performance and reproductive efficiency.

The objective of the current study was to determine the effects of maternal MP intake in isocaloric diets during late gestation on female offspring growth from birth to breeding and measure reproductive performance of those offspring in their first breeding season. In yr 1, maternal dietary treatments were applied at d 100 of gestation, were similar in total energy, and contained 60MP1, 60% of MP requirements; 80MP1, 80% of MP requirements; and 100MP1, 100% of the MP requirements on a DM basis during late gestation. In yr 2, maternal dietary treatments were similar in total energy and contained 60MP2, 60% of MP requirements; 100MP2, 100% of the MP requirements; and 140MP2, 140% of MP requirements on a DM basis during late gestation. While there was a quadratic effect ( = 0.003) for ewe lamb birth weight with the ewe lambs from 80MP1 ewes having increased birth weights compared with ewe lambs from 60MP1 and 100MP1 ewes in yr 1, there was no effect ( ≥ 0.22) of maternal diet on growth of ewe lamb offspring thereafter. A quadratic effect ( = 0.02) was observed for the percentage of ewe lambs bred during the first 17 d of the breeding season, with more ewe lambs born to ewes fed 80MP1 bred compared with ewe lambs born to ewes fed 60MP1 and 100MP1. Ewe lambs giving birth within the first 17 d of lambing season increased ( = 0.001) linearly as MP intake increased in the maternal diet. In yr 2, there was no effect ( ≥ 0.07) of maternal MP treatment during late gestation on growth of ewe lambs and reproductive performance except ADG from birth to weaning and lamb birth weight. There was a quadratic effect ( = 0.01) for ADG from birth to weaning of ewe lambs from ewes consuming 100MP2 being increased compared with ewe lambs from ewes fed 60MP2 and 140MP2. There was a linear ( = 0.04) reduction in birth weight of lambs born to ewe lambs as the dam's maternal dietary MP intake increased. The data from the current study suggest that feeding 80% or 100% of MP requirements during late gestation may have the greatest positive impacts on female offspring reproductive performance.