Pregnant Cow Nutrition:
Lifetime Effect on Replacement Heifer Progeny
by Kindra Gordon, field editor, Angus Journal
A researcher at NU’s Central Research and Extension Center at North Platte, Rick Funston says fetal-programming responses can result from a negative nutrition environment, which can be caused by several factors.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dec. 3, 2013) — “We can decrease marbling before calves are born based on how we feed cows,” reported Rick Funston during his presentation to attendees at the Range Beef Cow Symposium in Rapid City. Funston is a researcher at the University of Nebraska (NU) Central Research and Extension Center at North Platte.
Funston led off a series of speakers focused on the topic of “fetal programming,” which is explained as how what the cow eats and what she endures during pregnancy impacts subsequent lifetime performance of the calf she’s carrying.
Regarding his statement about research showing a decrease in a calf’s marbling before it is even born, Funston added, “These cattle were all the same genetics and we are affecting things we are selecting for. This brings home the point – it [selection] is not going to work unless it is managed for.”
Fetal programming has been studied in humans, and now, the consequences to calves from cows fed restricted diets is being researched more.
Funston shared data from several studies showing that restrictions to a cow’s diet during pregnancy can impact weaning weight and carcass weight of the steers, as well as fertility of heifers before they’re ever born.
Funston says fetal-programming responses can result from a negative nutrition environment, which can be caused by several factors, including:
- Breeding of young dams who compete for nutrients with rapidly growing fetal systems;
- Increased incidences of multiple fetuses or large litters;
- Selection for increased milk production, which competes for nutrients with increased energy demand from fetal and placental growth; or
- Breeding of livestock during high environmental temperatures and pregnancy occurring during periods of poor pasture conditions.
The bottom line to this ongoing research is that proper management of cow nutrition during gestation can improve progeny performance and health. Interestingly, new research with mice also suggests there may be a paternal influence to fetal programming.
Funston spoke Tuesday at RBCS XXIII. Visit the Newsroom at www.rangebeefcow.com/2013 view his PowerPoint, read his proceedings paper or listen to his presentation.
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The RBCS is a biennial educational symposium offering practical production management information. It is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and animal science departments of the University of Wyoming, South Dakota State University, Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska.
Comprehensive coverage of the symposium is available online at www.rangebeefcow.com. Compiled by the Angus Journal editorial team, the site is made possible through sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv and the cooperation of the host committee.
Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270.
