General Session II
Role of Gestational Environment on Progeny Performance
Rick Funston discusses the implications of fetal programming for beef cattle production.
by Kelli Fulkerson for Angus Productions Inc.
HOUSTON, Texas (April 20, 2012) — Rick Funston, associate professor of animal science at the University of Nebraska, shared his research on the implications of fetal programming on beef cattle production during the 44th annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) symposium in Houston April 18-21.
Research was conducted at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Research facility, which is located in Cherry County, Neb., the largest cattle-producing county in the country. This facility was a gift to the University of Nebraska in the 1970s, encompassing 13,000 acres.
The research project began with the goal of finding feed alternatives for cattle to help reduce feed costs. Ultimately, the goal was to graze year-round with the least amount of supplementation. At issue was that when grass goes dormant in the latter part of the year, the plant reaches a protein composition that won’t sustain cattle body composition unless supplementation is provided.
The study looked at placental development, fetal organ development, fetal muscle development, heifer progeny performance, steer progeny performance, and influence of maternal nutrition on progeny health. Researchers conducted two different projects, Funston explained. The first was to determine if supplemental protein during late gestation or early lactation influences future growth or reproductive performance of their heifer calves. The second was to determine if supplementing beef cows grazing range or corn residue during the last one-third of gestation would affect cow or progeny performance.
When they concluded their research, they found that management of maternal diet beginning during late gestation ensures proper placental programming resulting in adequate nutrient transfer to the fetus. What maternal nutrition is offered later in gestation can affect organ and muscle development, postnatal calf performance, carcass characteristics and reproduction. Managing resources to ensure proper cow nutrient intake during critical points of gestation can improve calf performance and health.
Funston left the BIF attendees with this thought: “This same evidence can be seen in humans. These children born to mothers that are nutrient restricted actually have issues with obesity and cardiovascular issues.”
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