Plasma hormones and metabolites in Piedmontese cows during late pregnancy: Relationships with calf birth weight1

• Published in: Journal of animal science Vol. 82; no. 2; pp. 438 - 444
• Main Authors: Abeni, F., Bergoglio, G., Masoero, G., Terzano, G. M., Allegrini, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Champaign Oxford University Press 01.02.2004
• Subjects: Birth weight; Cattle; Fetuses; Hormones; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.1093/ansci/82.2.438

Relationships among plasma hormonal and metabolic variables in the last trimester of gestation in 59 Piedmontese dams (n = 15 heifers, n = 44 cows) and the calf birth weight (BWT) class of their offspring were investigated in seven herds. The BWT data were categorized as follows: >50 kg (BWT-A), 46 to 50 kg (BWT-B), 41 to 45 kg (BWT-C), and <41 kg (BWT-D). Blood samples were collected at 33, 36, and 39 wk of gestation. Packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma concentrations of insulin, estrone sulfate (E^sub 1^SO^sub 4^), NEFA, and creatinine were determined and correlated to BWT class. Creatinine:E^sub 1^ SO^sub 4^ ratio also was calculated. Duration of gestation was greater for dams producing a BWT-A calf than for the other BWT classes, and calf BWT was heavier (P < 0.001) for calves in the BWT-A vs. BWT-D class. The heaviest calf in BWT-A was associated with the highest calving difficulty score. Insulin and PCV values were not affected by week of gestation, whereas plasma E^sub 1^SO^sub 4^, NEFA, and creatinine content increased (P < 0.001) and creatinine:E^sub 1^SO^sub 4^ decreased (P < 0.001) during late gestation. Calf BWT class did not affect PCV value. Plasma E^sub 1^SO^sub 4^ concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in BWT-D dams than the other dams, showing the greatest difference at 39 wk of gestation. At 36 and 39 wk of gestation, dams bearing BWT-C and BWT-D calves had a higher (P < 0.01) plasma insulin concentration than those bearing BWT-A and BWT-B calves. Plasma NEFA concentrations at 39 wk of gestation were higher (P < 0.05) in dams of calf BWT-A than in the other dams. We conclude that plasma E^sub 1^SO^sub 4^ level is a variable that can be used to monitor problems related to a small size calf. Conversely, the forthcoming birth of a calf with a heavy BW seems to be preceded by a pronounced increase in plasma NEFA level in the dam just a few days before calving. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT] Key Words: Beef Cow, Fetal Development, Hormones, Metabolites, Pregnancy