Undernutrition during early follicle development has irreversible effects on ovulation rate and embryos.
This study assessed carry-over effects of energy level during the early antral phase and subsequent follicular phase on follicle recruitment and ovulation rate. Gilts (n=45) were fed a standard diet to a low (L, ~1.2kg day(-1)) or high (H, ~2.7kg day(-1)) level during the early antral (luteal) phase, and subsequently fed a H or L feed level during the follicular phase, resulting in four treatment groups (HH, HL, LH and LL). Follicle size at the end of the luteal phase was greater for gilts fed a high feed level previously (3.3vs3.0mm; P<0.05). During the follicular phase, high feeding increased follicle size at Day 5 (6.9vs6.2mm; P<0.005) and plasma oestradiol concentration (P<0.05). Nevertheless, a low feed level during the luteal phase reduced ovulation rate (14.4vs13.2; P<0.05) and embryo number (12.6vs10.5; P<0.05), and this was not counteracted by feed level during the follicular phase. Plasma progesterone concentration after ovulation was lower for LL gilts than for other treatments (P<0.05). These results indicate that undernutrition during early antral follicle development may have a residual effect on follicle recruitment and quality.
School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia. edgecty@gmail.com
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Chen
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Stott
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RZ
Athorn
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Bouwman
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Langendijk
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D002149:Energy Intake; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D039382:Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010060:Ovulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D015415:Biomarkers; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol