October 10, 2024

Interpretive Summary: Effect of supplementing algae to breeding and early gestation first calf heifers on growth and reproduction

Interpretive Summary: Effect of supplementing algae to breeding and early gestation first calf heifers on growth and reproduction

By: Griffin T Nicholls, Bethany J Funnell, Kara R Stewart, Ronald P Lemenager, Nathan G Briggs, Jon P Schoonmaker

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) are long-chain omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that have important biological effects on reproduction through their involvement in hormone and series 3 prostaglandin synthesis. Ruminant tissues are naturally almost devoid of omega-3 long-chain PUFA, specifically EPA and DHA. Algae biomass provides a consistent source of DHA and EPA that could be fed to alter hormonal profiles and improve reproduction of beef heifers. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine the effect of DHA-rich microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.) supplementation from 54 d prior to and 126 d after breeding on growth and reproduction of first calf heifers. Results from the current study indicate that the inclusion of microalgae in the diet of first calf beef heifers during the breeding season improves body weight and progeny birth weights, but negatively impacts reproduction. Omega-3 fatty acid inhibition of PGF secretion during the breeding season of algae-fed heifers may have delayed development of new follicles, ovulation, and behavioral estrus.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.