Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Ewes Nutrition'

Bibliography : leaves 120-133. Defines the sources of reproductive wastage in FecB FecÊ Booroola Merino x South Australian Merino ewes and examines factors associated with the survival of embryos, fetuses and lambs with the aim of improving net reproduction efficiency. Experiments were conducted to define the problem; to examine factors affecting embryonic and fetal loss; and, to investigate factors influencing wastage at lambing.

For the Arid Shrublands of Western Australia (WA) knowledge is limited on what sheep eat and how nutritious their diets are. A study was undertaken on two stations near Yalgoo (28º18’S 116º38’E) in WA, from November 2005 to December 2007. Station 1 (28º39’S 116º18’E) used a flexible rotational grazing management system (RGS), moving 3000-4000 Merino sheep every 3 – 6 weeks through a choice of 20 paddocks. Station 2 (28º18’S 116º42’E) used a flexible continuous grazing management system where small mobs (500 sheep) stayed in paddocks all year, until shearing. Two paddocks on Station 2 were chosen to represent paddocks with high (CGS-G) and low (CGS-P) feed value.A total of 300 Merino hogget (18 months old) ewes were randomly selected from the stations. One hundred and fifty sheep from each station were selected and separated into three mobs of 50 sheep by stratifying live weights. The selected sheep were allocated to either of the two paddocks on Station 2 or the single rotating mob on Station 1. Therefore there were a total of 100 sheep, 50 from each station, on each of the two paddocks on Station 2 and the one rotating mob on Station 1.Throughout the study period sheep live weights, body condition scores (BCS) and wool production were measured and related to plant photosynthetic activity (derived from Normalised Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI), and dietary energy, protein and digestibility (determined from faecal NIRS calibrations). A DNA reference data bank of some common native plant species was established and then used as a library to identify plant species in sheep faeces and thus provide information on variations in diet composition over the study period. Plant nutritional content was also measured and compared to climatic changes and sheep nutrition.Over the study period Merino ewe live weights, wool production, faecal samples and native plant leaf material were collected and analysed from each of the three management treatments (RGS, CGS-G, CGS-P). Wool production measurements included wool length, strength and fibre diameter, including position of breaks, minimum and maximum diameter along the staple of midside samples. Oven dried plant and faecal samples were ground and subsequently analysed for proximate composition. Plant samples were further analysed for mineral contents and 24 h in vitro gas production (GP) using the rumen buffer gas fermentation technique. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) content of the plants were determined using 24 h net gas production. Faecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (fNIRS) calibrations, developed by Curtin University of Technology and ChemCentre WA, were used to predict the nutritional attributes of sheep diets.Sheep production was found to be affected by rainfall, seasons, management and differing blood lines. In 2006, live weights, BCS and wool fibre diameter increased in response to high summer rainfall. Lower rainfall in 2007 resulted in variable, but generally less animal production with lower live weights, BCS and wool fibre diameter. Management decisions to avoid mating in 2006 on CGS; and agistment for sheep on RGS at the end of 2006 resulted in better sheep production results. Sheep originally sourced from Station 2 generally had higher live weights than sheep sourced from Station 1, suggesting a difference in bloodlines.Faecal DNA provided useful information regarding diet selection and diversity of sheep grazing on the Arid Shrublands of WA. Of the species that were DNA profiled, the sheep ate Acacia saligna, Aristida contorta, Atriplex spp., Enchylaena tomentosa, Frankenia sp., Ptilotus obovatus, Rhagodia eremaea and Scaevola spinescens in 2006 whilst in 2007; the sheep consumed A. saligna, A. contorta, Atriplex spp., Eremophila forrestii, Enneapogon caerulescens, Frankenia spp., Maireana spp., Ptilotus obovatus, Rhagodia eremaea, Solanum lasiophyllum and Stipa elegantissima. However, there were 28 amplified bands in 2006 and 51 in 2007 that did not conclusively match any of the reference plant species. This indicates that the sheep were consuming diets that contained more species than what was analysed in this study. Faecal DNA results indicated a decrease in the diversity of the diets selected by the sheep during summer, which coincided with a decrease in animal production.Native plants were found to be low in OMD and ME, but high in crude protein (CP), and variable in mineral content. Sheep were able to select diets adequate in OMD, ME and CP for maintenance requirements, and low in tannins and phenolics, although continuous drought conditions resulted in reduced production, indicating that the sheep were not getting adequate nutrition to meet their growth requirements. The use of fNIRS provided more useful information about the quality of the diet of the sheep than nutritionally profiling individual plants. NDVI was found to be related to dietary OMD and wool fibre diameter changes along the staple.Overall, the effects of management seemed to be secondary to the effects of climate on sheep production and nutrition. The statistical accuracy of results was low; however, the use of advanced technologies to explore relationships between climate, plant nutritional profiles and animal production and nutrition has provided an expansion of knowledge of sheep nutrition in the region. This extra knowledge may help land owners in the region to make more sustainable management decisions concerning livestock management and grazing pressures on native pastures.

Foram utilizadas 24 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês para coleta de tecido adiposo, sendo 16 lactantes e 8 secas. Oito ovelhas lactantes foram tratadas in vivo com bST (160 mg, em duas doses em intervalo de 14 dias) iniciando a injeção subcutânea de hormônio no 13 o dia de lactação, sendo que os animais restantes receberam somente vitamina E. Outros 8 animais encontravam-se em período seco, para que fosse verificada também a diferença das taxas lipolíticas em diferentes estados fisiológicos. Foi verificada a hipótese de que ocorra uma atuação da ST através de mudança na resposta do sistema antilipolítico da proteína Gi ligada a receptores da adenosina. O tratamento com ST exógena aumentou o ganho de peso das ovelhas lactantes (P<0,05) e também o peso dos cordeiros oriundos do grupo tratado ao final do período experimental, no entanto, não foi verificado aumento na produção de leite. As concentrações de AGNE diminuíram no decorrer da lactação para os dois grupos de ovelhas lactantes, chegando no 36 º dia de lactação a concentrações similares ao do grupo de ovelhas secas. A concentração de IGF-I sérico das ovelhas aumentou após tratamento com bST, sendo 8 dias após a segunda dose do hormônio (36 dias de lactação) superior à concentração observada para ovelhas secas. A lactação não teve influência na lipólise basal entre os diferentes estados fisiológicos. Houve um aumento significativo (P<0,01) da taxa lipolítica do tecido adiposo quando estimulada por b adrenérgico (ISO) para animais em quaisquer dos estados fisiológicos. Todavia, a taxa estimulada por ISO foi significativamente (P<0,01) mais elevada no tecido das ovelhas tratadas com bST. Na presença de ADA, ocorreu um aumento da taxa em relação à basal, mas não ultrapassou àquela estimulada por isoproterenol. O estímulo lipolítico pela eliminação de adenosina no meio através da ADA apresentou-se significativamente (P<0,01) mais elevado para ovelhas lactantes, sendo este efeito amenizado pelo tratamento com bST. O uso do análogo da adenosina PIA quando colocado no meio de cultura do tecido que foi tratado in vivo com bST teve seu efeito diminuído. Os resultados indicam um aumento da taxa lipolítica em resposta a agonista b-adrenérgico no tecido adiposo do omento de ovelhas lactantes tratadas com bST in vivo, bem como confirmam a hipótese de diminuição da ação inibitória da adenosina na cascata lipolítica naquele tecido.
Bovine somatotropin (bST) treatment in vivo alters adipose tissue metabolism by enhancing lipolytic response to adrenergic agonists. We examined the impact of bST and lactation on basal and stimulated lipolytic rates with isoproterenol (ISO; 10 -5 nM), adenosine deaminase (ADA; 0.75 U/mL), ISO plus ADA in short-term (2h) incubations of ovine adipose tissue. The anti-lipolytic effect of phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA; non-hydrolyzable adenosine analog) was evaluated at various concentrations (0.5, 1.5, 3, 100 nM). Sixteen lactating Santa Ines ewes were randomly assigned to two groups. They received two s.c. injections, with a 14 day interval, starting at d 13 postpartum with either bST (160 mg) or Vitamin E (control). Eight similar nonlactating ewes received vitamin E. Omental adipose tissue biopsies were taken on d 8 after the second bST or vitamin injection. The performance of weight and milk production were taken. The serum IGF-I was analyzed. The lipolytic rate was determined by NEFA release in serum and media as mEq of oleic acid.2h -1 g -1 tissue. Basal lipolytic rates did not change with lactation or with bST treatment in vivo (P>0,05). ISO stimulated lipolytic rate increased compared to basal and was higher for the adipose tissue from lactating ewes treated with bST (P<0,01).The lipolytic rate for adipose incubated with ADA was higher than basal for lactating ewes, with the greater response for the control. The ADA treated tissue from lactating ewes receiving bST showed intermediate lipolytic rates. Maximum lipolytic rate with ISO+ADA was also higher for lactating ewes treated with bST (P<0.01), and there was no difference between lactating and nonlactating ewes. The PIA effects were evaluated by the inhibition of ISO+ADA lipolysis, and adipose tissue from lactating ewes treated with bST showed a reduced response to PIA. The results demonstrate that in vivo somatotropin treatment increases maximal lipolytic rates stimulated by adrenergic agonist and decreases the antilipolytic effect of PIA in omental adipose tissue in ewes.

A research programme was undertaken over t\vo years with the aim of increasing understanding on the effect of nutrition on ewe reproductive performance and subsequent offspring performance. The objectives of the programme were to examine the effects of plane of nutrition in early pregnancy, plane of nutrition in mid pregnancy, selenium supplementation in early and mid pregnancy and selenium supplementation throughout the productive season, on ewe and offspring performance. Performance was evaluated through a series of parameters such as fertility, prolificacy, health, embryo development, foetal growth, placental growth; lamb size at birth, lamb vigour, ewe and lamb neonatal behaviour, lamb growth rate, survival and health. Additionally, offspring from these studies were followed through after weaning for evaluation of productive performance. These experiments were carried out on three different ag~ groups: 1, 2 and > 3 year old ewes. It is concluded that for mature ewes with a marginal selenium status, selenium supplementation in early and mid pregnancy, and throughout the breeding season, positively affected measures of ewe productivity and lambs Viability. In 1 and 2 year old ewes, despite improvements in selenium status, supplementation in early and mid pregnancy had no further benefits for dams or offspring. With regard to plane of nutrition,· in adult ewes a temporary nutrient restriction in early pregnancy resulted in better lamb survival. A mild nutrient restriction in mid pregnancy tended to improve lamb neonatal behaviour and size. In 1 and 2 year old ewes, a temporary nutrient restriction in early pregnancy resulted in increased prolificacy. However, ewes and offspring were lighter at birth, presented poorer maternal behaviour and increased lamb mortality. The changes undergone to compensate for nutrient shortage or allowance in early and mid pregnancy have the potential to alter the productive performance of the offspring.

To investigate the whole body metabolism of selenium (Se), isotope kinetic studies were undertaken in which indwelling catheters were implanted in the jugular veins of pregnant and nonpregnant ewes as well as the inferior vena cava and saphenous veins of 110-120 day (d) old ovine fetuses. A single injection of ⁷⁵Se-sodium selenite was administered and blood samples were obtained at various times. A 5 d Se balance trial, which commenced on the day of tracer experiment, was also undertaken. The plasma ⁷⁵Se specific activity data were used for determining the kinetic parameters of Se metabolism and the placental transfer rates. Using the Se balance and tracer data the net absorption and the fecal losses of Se were calculated. The fractional rate constants and T½ Se utilization in individual tissues were estimated by sacrificing the ewes and the fetuses at different times after the tracer injection and determining the tissue ⁷⁵Se specific activities. The effect of Se deficiency on the kinetics, placental transfer, net absorption and tissue metabolism was studied in a similar manner by feeding the ewes with Se deficient rations. The mean plasma Se concentrations in the positive nonpregnant and pregnant ewes were 142 187 ng/ml and were significantly higher than Se and the corresponding values (82 and 69 ng/ml) in the Se deficient ones respectively. The plasma Se levels in the Se positive fetuses (46 ng/ml) were not significantly different from the deficient ones (53 ng/ml). The irreversible disposal (ID) rates of Se were 7 ug/d/kg body weight (B.W.) in both nonpregnant and pregnant ewes, whereas, these values declined to 2 ug/d/kg B.W. under deficiency conditions. The ID values in the Se positive and deficient fetuses were 20 and 11 ug/d/kg B.W. respectively. These results indicated that the plasma Se turnover was lower in Se deficient animals than in the positive ones and that the fetuses had a higher turnover than adult ewes irrespective of the maternal Se status. Values for net Se absorption (% Se intake) and fecal Se losses (ug/d) in the Se positive nonpregnant ewes were 51% and 272 ug/d versus 97% and 25 ug/d in the Se deficient ones. The corresponding values for the Se positive pregnant ewes were 56% and 241 ug/d as against 84% and 27 ug/d in the deficient ones. These results suggested that the efficiency of net Se absorption expressed as the percent of Se intake decreased with increasing Se intakes and that the fecal route exerted a homeostatic control on Se metabolism in ewes. The tissue Se concentrations were significantly higher in the Se positive animals than in the deficient ones, whereas, the tissue fractional rate constant values were higher in the Se deficient animals than in the positive ones. These results implied that the tissue Se concentrations were significantly decreased under Se deficiency conditions and that the Se turnover was higher in tissues when the dietary Se intake was minimal. The placental transfer studies showed that there was a bidirectional exchange of Se across the placenta. The placental Se transfer rates from ewe to fetus declined from 53 ug/d in the positive ewes to 29 ug/d in the deficient ones. The rate of Se transfer from fetus to ewe also decreased from 24 ug/d in the positive ewes to 12 ug/d in the deficient ones. The net placental Se transfer was found to be reduced under conditions of decreased maternal dietary supply. The nutritional implications of Se status of the pregnant ewes on the availability of the trace mineral to the fetus have been discussed.
Land and Food Systems, Faculty of
Graduate

Lamb survival and productivity from birth to weaning and lamb postweaning management harvest are areas that the US sheep industry needs to become more efficient at to remain profitable. Western white-faced ewes were supplemented HIGH (12.5% rumen by-pass protein, 880 IU/kg of supplemental Vitamin E, 176 ppm chelated Zn, and 72.7 mg/kg chlortetracycline) or LOW (7.56% rumen by-pass protein, with no supplemental Vitamin E, chelated Zn, or chlortetracycline) supplements at 0.227 kg•ewe -1•d -1 during late gestation. Ewes of different age and body condition scores were individually supplemented for 29 d prior to expected lambing. Thereafter, each ewe was mass fed the appropriate supplement until lambing. In Experiment 3, approximately 600 ewes were group fed HIGH or LOW supplements over 2 yr. Differences in antibody transfer from ewe to lamb were detected in supplemented ewes of different age (P < 0.10); however, lamb production was not different (P > 0.10) for all 3 experiments. To investigate lamb post-weaning management, terminally sired lambs (n = 72) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 backgrounding treatments. Lamb backgrounding treatments were: ad libitum access to 80% alfalfa: 20% barley pellets (PELLET); cool season grass paddock grazing (GRASS); remain with ewe flock on fall dormant range (LATE WEAN); wean for 96 h and returned to ewe flock on dormant range (RANGE). Background treatments were applied for 29 d. Thereafter, lambs were finished on a corn based diet. Lamb BW and ultrasound measurements were taken at weaning, after background treatment, after feedlot step-up and at the conclusion of the finishing period. Pen intake was measured. Lambs backgrounded on PELLET were heavier (P < 0.10) than all other treatments after the backgrounding period and at the end of the feedlot period. Lambs backgrounded on PELLET had the greatest intakes and ADG (P < 0.10) during the feedlot period. At beginning and end of the feedlot period, PELLET and GRASS lambs had larger (P < 0.05) LM areas than RANGE and LATE WEAN treated lambs. Under the condition of the studies, late gestational supplements did not improve ewe productivity and backgrounding treatments on dormant range diminished feedlot productivity.

This thesis describes a series of four experiments designed to evaluate the role of the supply of protein in livestock grazing high quality pasture during mating and during pregnancy. The first two studies investigated the effects of high crude protein content of spring or autumn re-growth pasture on the reproductive performance of dairy cows and of ewes at mating. The last two studies investigated how the dietary supply of protein, body condition and their interactions contribute to the breakdown of immunity during the peri-parturient period in ewes and investigated underlying endocrine mechanisms. In the first study (Chapter 3) cows were blood sampled via the tail vein during the breeding period in spring. Plasma was then analysed for urea concentration. Cows with high plasma urea (HPU) or low plasma urea (LPU) were defined as those with plasma urea concentrations of ≥ or < 44.9 mg/dl respectively. Lactating cows (n = 200) were also categorized into high milk producers (HMP) or low milk producers (LPM) relative to an average daily yield of 26.6 l/d. Pasture clipping showed an average pasture CP (crude protein) content of 223 g/kg DM. Concentrations of plasma urea ranged from 26.6 to 64.4 mg/dl. No correlation was observed between plasma urea concentration and either reproductive indicators or milk parameters. Mean blood urea concentration of HPU cows was 50.8 compared to 38.5 mg/dl in LPU cows. There was a trend for more animals (P = 0.09) in the HPU group than in the LPU group not to return to oestrus. Cumulative pregnancy rate in HPU and LPU was similar except at week 6 after the start of mating when more (P < 0.01) HPU than LPU cows were pregnant. Calving to conception interval, calving interval and interval between conception and first service were similar (P > 0.05) between HPU and LPU cows. Gestation length, calving rate, milk yield and milk components were also similar (P > 0.05) between LPU and HPU cows. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in plasma urea concentrations between HMP and LMP milk producers. However, calving to conception interval, interval between calving and first service and calving interval were longer (P < 0.001), submission rate higher (P < 0.001) and NRR (Non-return rate) higher (P < 0.05) in LMP than HMP. The number of services, the interval between first and second service, gestation length and CR (calving rate) were similar (P > 0.05) between HMP and LMP cows. HMP had lower (P < 0.001) milk protein and fat concentrations than LMP cows. This information indicates that, despite the fact that plasma urea was consistently higher than levels in the literature which have been associated with reduced fertility in dairy cows; no impairment of reproductive performance was observed. In the second experiment (Chapter 4) mature and dry Coopworth ewes were blocked by weight, body condition and previous prolificacy (high, HP vs low twinning frequency, LP) into two groups and thereafter randomly allocated to diet which were designed to provided either 1) high protein (163 g/kg DM, ryegrass/red clover pasture, HPP) or low protein (119 g/kg DM, hay and barley grain, HB) supply at joining. These were designed to provide high and low plasma urea concentration. Over a period of 17 days, ewes recorded as mated were examined by laparoscopy, at which time there was no difference in blood urea concentration (58.6 vs 56.1 mg/dl) between HPP and HB groups. Fifty days after the start of joining the number of foetuses present was counted using ultrasonography. As a consequence of lack of difference in the plasma urea concentration, irrespective of treatment group, individual animals were categorized into high (HU) and low plasma urea (LU) status based on whether plasma urea concentration was higher or lower than the sample mean of 51.5 mg urea/dl. Lambs which weighed greater than the mean plus one standard deviation for their litter size were classified as oversize. Ovulation rate and conception rate were similar (P > 0.05) between HPP and BH and between HU and LU ewes. Ewes with previous high reproductive performance (HP) as would be expected had higher ovulation rate (P < 0.001) and conception rate (P < 0.01) than LP ewes. Embryo losses was not (P = 0.06) different between HB and HPP ewes. Urea category (HU vs LU) did not (P > 0.05) influence embryo mortality. Foetal loss, neonatal loss, total reproductive loss and mean lamb birth weight was were not affected by diet, nor urea category (P > 0.05). Single ovulations had tended (P = 0.08) to contribute to higher embryo loss compared to multiple ovulations, and, single foetuses suffered higher (P<0.001) losses compared to multiples. While the study did not achieve large differences in plasma urea concentrations between diets, the levels of plasma urea operating were high yet reproductive wastage rates were similar to those recorded in the literature. Together with similar apparent lack of effect on a high plasma urea environment, the data suggest either that previous findings from controlled studies have a more complex aetiology or that pastoral animals can adapt to high tissue ammonia/urea status. The third trial (Chapter 5) was designed to provide information on the supply of amino acids to the abomasum from protein supplementation which have previously been found to overcome dietary scarcity associated with limitation of peri-parturient increase in FEC. Twin-suckling ewes were fitted with rumen and abomasal cannulae and grazed a ryegrass/clover sward (C) or the same sward but with a 500 g/h/d protein supplement (S). The trial was designed as a cross-over with two 14 day adaptation periods followed by two five-day digesta-sampling periods. All ewes were treated with anthelmintic 14 days after lambing. Weekly analysis of blood glucose was carried on whole blood and analysis of amino acids in plasma. The flows of amino acids (AA) and dry matter (DM) at the abomasum were measured during both sampling periods using intra-ruminally infused markers. Live weight and faecal egg count (FEC) were recorded weekly. Diurnal variation in AA flow at the abomasum peaked between 12:00 and 15:00 h and was greatest in S ewes. Flows of AA, including DAPA, were increased by supplementation by 16%, while sulphur amino acids (SAA) were the most enhanced (by 21%) and flows of leucine, lysine, glutamine and aspartate were increased by about 20%. There were significant time effects in rumen and abomasal pH (P < 0.01; in both cases in both periods) reflecting increase in pH after 09.00 h. During Period II, rumen pH in digesta of C ewes was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than that of S ewes (6.7 ± 0.05 vs 6.4 ± 0.05 for C and S ewes, respectively). Plasma AA concentrations (P < 0.01) were lower in S ewes 21 days after parturition, but similar (P > 0.05) to those of C ewes at other times. Forty-three days after lambing (after cross over), the order was reversed as plasma methionine and cysteine concentrations of C ewes became low (P < 0.05). These changes in plasma AA were accompanied by changes in body condition score between day 23 and 70 post-partum whereby C ewes lost more body condition than S ewes. There was evidence for a lower FEC in S ewes, being 46 vs. 670 epg, respectively for S and C groups (P = 0.08) 21 days after anthelmintic treatment. There were higher (P < 0.05) blood glucose levels in C compared to S ewes at day +35 relative to lambing which was reversed and significantly higher (P < 0.01) for S ewes by day +56 from lambing (after treatments were reversed). There was no significant effect of treatment on live weight and lamb performance. There are limited data in amino acid supply on lactating ewes on pasture and the present study contributes additional information on the supply of amino acids at the abomasum. The prediction that flow rates that sulphur amino acids may have been enhanced to the greatest degree could be significant since sulphur amino acids are needed for the synthesis of glutathione for immune response. It can be calculated that supplementation to supply the quantities of S-amino acid at pasture would be needed, since it would not be possible for sheep to increase pasture intake to achieve similar S-amino acid flow. Increase in bypass amino acids in S ewes at certain times in the day probably suggests influence by protein supplementation at certain times of the grazing cycle. Reduced plasma free amino acids at day +21 relative to lambing, may indicate sparing of body protein breakdown by protein supplementation. However, the difference in blood glucose on day 35 and day 56 may indicate re-adjustment of hormonal settings, responsible for nutrient partitioning. The last study (Chapter 6) used ewes during the peri-parturient period on pasture. Eighty pregnant ewes were allocated into four groups balanced for anticipated number of lambs. Group 1 had a high body condition score (BCS) of 4.0 which was maintained throughout pregnancy by pasture allowance (HM; n = 20). Group 2 (n= 40) had medium body condition (BCS 3.0) and were split into two subgroups; one was offered pasture to allow gain of condition (MH; n = 20) and the second allowed to lose condition by offering a low grazing allowance (ML; n = 20). Group 3 were thin ewes (BCS 2.4) and pasture allowance was designed to maintain this condition (LM; n = 20). These feeding regimes were maintained for 3 weeks from week -8 of pregnancy. During week -5 to -4 all ewes were acclimatized to a protein supplement (60 g/d). A glucose tolerance test (GTT) was conducted during week -4 after which half of the ewes in each group were offered a protein supplement at the rate of 500 g/d, creating –S and –NS groups. During wk -2, a second GTT was carried out. Animals were treated with an anthelmintic 3 wks before lambing, and were then challenged with a dose of 10 000 Teladorsagia circumcincta larvae on weeks -2 and -1 relative to lambing. Weekly recording of FEC, live weight and body condition was carried out. Lambs were weighed within 24 h of birth and again at 44 and 65 d of age. Computed tomography body scanning was carried out on ewes at weeks -8, -3 and +8 relative to lambing. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in lamb performance due to body condition or protein supplementation. FEC of all groups was low (≈ 9 peg) and there was no (P > 0.05) significant difference between ewes of different body condition or due to effects of protein supplementation. Ewes bearing/bearing multiple lambs had the highest FEC at day -32 and +12 relative to lambing, which was significant (P < 0.05) on the latter date. There were no significant effects of supplementation on parasite status. There were differences in basal plasma glucose concentration between groups (P < 0.001), being highest in HM/S and least in ML/NS ewes and was generally higher (P <0.001) during GTT 2 than GTT 1. Ewes carrying a single foetus had higher (P <0.001) basal glucose than those carrying multiple lambs (2.2 vs. 1.7 mmol/L, respectively). Other plasma glucose response indexes were similar (P <0.05) between groups. There were differences in insulin responsiveness between groups (P < 0.001), being highest in MH/S and least in ML/S ewes. Insulin responsiveness tended (P = 0.06) to be lower during GTT 1 than GTT 2, but was higher (P < 0.01) in ewes carrying singles than multiples. There was tendency for higher though non-significant, basal insulin concentrations in HM ewes. Insulin trends over time after glucose infusion suggest greater insulin response at GTT 1. Basal insulin was not correlated with CT muscle weight. Despite differences in body muscle mass at the start of the trial and differences induced by nutrition during late pregnancy, positive gains in muscle mass occurred during early pregnancy and muscle mass was similar in all groups by day 56 of lactation. Animals with greatest fat content at parturition (HM) mobilised the greatest amount and those with least fat (LM) deposited fat during lactation. Further experimentation may consider the use of the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp approach to more precisely estimate whether hormonal re-setting through insulin resistance may be involved in relaxation of immunity during the peri-parturient period.

En esta tesis, se estudiaron los efectos del estrés por calor (EC) sobre la producción de ovejas lecheras Lacaune (Exp.1), así como la respuesta de cabras lecheras Murciano-Granadina bajo condiciones de EC a la L-carnitina (Exp. 2) y la metionina (Exp. 3). En los 3 Exp., los animales fueron alimentados con una ración única mezclada y se ordeñaron x2 al día. Las condiciones ambientales fueron: termo-neutralidad (TN; THI = 59-65) y EC (día, THI = 83; noche, THI = 75). El fotoperíodo (día-noche) fue constante (12-12 h). La temperatura rectal (TR), el ritmo respiratorio (RR), la IMS, el consumo de agua (CA) y la producción de leche (PL) se registraron diariamente, mientras que la leche para la composición se muestreó semanalmente y se registró el peso vivo (PV) al inicio y al final de cada período. En el Exp.1, las ovejas (n = 8) fueron expuestas a TN o EC en un diseño cruzado de 2 períodos (21 días cada uno). Además, a las ovejas se les administró glucosa, insulina y epinefrina para evaluar sus respuestas metabólicas. EC aumentó la TR, RR, CA y la pérdida de PV, pero redujo la IMS y el contenido de grasa y proteína de la leche sin afectar a PL. A pesar de la reducción de IMS por EC, los AGNE en sangre no cambiaron, y sin embargo los valores de creatinina aumentaron. La respuesta a los desafíos metabólicos indicó que las ovejas EC presentaban una rápida absorción de glucosa y una mayor resistencia a las señales lipolíticas en comparación con las ovejas TN. En los Exp.2 y 3 con cabras lecheras, el diseño fue un cuadrado latino 4 × 4, ya que se agregaron 2 factores dietéticos a las 2 condiciones ambientales. Las 2 condiciones dietéticas fueron control (CON) sin suplementación, versus L-carnitina protegida del rumen (CAR, Exp. 2) o metionina protegida del rumen (Met, Exp. 3). En Exp. 2, las cabras EC experimentaron un aumento de TR y RR. Además, las cabras EC sufrieron una pérdida del 26% en IMS, pero tendieron a comer partículas de tamaño más largo. La CAR aumentó drásticamente las concentraciones de carnitina libre, acetilo y total en sangre. A pesar de esta absorción eficiente, CAR no tuvo efecto sobre IMS, producción de leche o metabolitos en sangre en condiciones TN o EC. En el Exp.3, la IMS de las cabras TN se limitó a 2.0 kg/d, mientras que las cabras de EC se alimentaron ad libitum. Así pues, las cabras EC presentaron sólo un 9.8% menos IMS que TN, aunque significativo. En consecuencia, no se detectaron cambios en PL. Se observaron incrementos esperables en TR y RR debido al EC, pero Met redujo el RR por la mañana y RT en la tarde. Además, Met evitó la pérdida típica de PV en condiciones de EC. El perfil de aminoácidos en sangre (AA) reveló una menor concentración basal de Met, a pesar de los niveles comparables de IMS. Además, las cabras EC tenían poco glutamato, lo que podría estar relacionado con una inflamación y respuesta inmune a nivel gastrointestinal. La suplementación con Met ahorró glutamato, independientemente de la temperatura ambiente. En general, el EC afectó negativamente la producción de las ovejas lecheras. La adaptación metabólica de las ovejas lecheras al EC incluyó una reducción de la movilización de grasa corporal y el aumento de la degradación de las proteínas musculares. La metionina, pero no la L-carnitina, tuvo algunos efectos beneficiosos sobre el rendimiento de las cabras lecheras estresadas por el calor. Probablemente un poco más AA además de la metionina deberían ser suplementados en condiciones de EC.
In the current thesis the effects of heat stress (HS) on performance of Lacaune dairy ewes (Exp.1) as well as the response of HS Murciano-Granadina dairy goats to dietary L-carnitine (Exp. 2) and methionine (Exp. 3) were evaluated. In the 3 Exp., animals were fed a total mixed ration and milked x2 daily. The environmental conditions were: thermal neutral (TN; THI = 59-65) and HS (day, THI = 83; night, THI = 75). Photoperiod (light- dark) was constant (12-12 h). Rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), DMI, water intake (WI) and milk yield (MY) were recorded daily, whereas milk for composition was sampled weekly and BW was registered at the start and the end of each period. In Exp.1, ewes (n = 8) were exposed to TN or HS in a crossover design with 2 periods (21 d each). Further, ewes were administered with glucose, insulin and epinephrine to evaluate the metabolic responses. HS increased RT, RR, WI and BW loss, but reduced DMI, and milk fat and protein contents without affecting MY. Despite the reduced DMI by HS, blood NEFA did not change, but creatinine values increased. Response to the metabolic challenges indicated that HS ewes had faster uptake of glucose and greater resistance to lipolytic signals compared to TN ewes. In Exp.2 & 3 with dairy goats, the design was 4 × 4 Latin square as 2 dietary factors were added to the 2 environmental conditions. The 2 dietary conditions were control (CON) without supplementation vs. rumen protected L-carnitine (CAR, Exp. 2) or rumen protected methionine (Met, Exp. 3). In Exp. 2, HS goats experienced increased RT and RR. Additionally, HS goats suffered 26% loss in DMI, but they tended to eat longer particle sizes. CAR dramatically increased blood free-, acetyl, and total-carnitine concentrations. Despite this efficient absorption, CAR had no effect on DMI, milk production or blood metabolites in TN or HS conditions. In Exp.3, DMI for TN goats was limited to 2.0 kg/d, whereas HS goats were kept feeding ad libitum. Consequently, HS goats had only 9.8% (although significant) less DMI than TN. Consequently, no changes in MY were detected. Expected increments in RT and RR due to HS were detected but Met resulted in less RR in the morning and lower RT in the afternoon. In addition, Met avoided the typical BW loss under HS conditions. The profile of blood amino acids (AA) revealed less basal Met concentration, despite the comparable DMI levels. Additionally, HS goats were in shortage of glutamate, which could be related to the inflammation and immune response at the gastrointestinal level. Met supplementation spared glutamate regardless the ambient temperature. Overall, HS negatively affected the performance of dairy ewes. Metabolic adaptations of dairy ewes to HS included reduced body fat mobilization and increased muscle protein breakdown. Methionine, but not L-carnitine, had some beneficial effects on the performance of heat-stressed dairy goats. Probably some more AA in addition to methionine should be supplemented under HS conditions.
Cette thèse, étude les effets du stress thermique (ST) sur les performances des brebis laitières Lacaune (Exp.1) ainsi que la réponse des chèvres laitières Murciano-Granadina à la L-carnitine (Exp.2) et à la méthionine (Exp. 3) sous conditions de ST. Dans les 3 Exp, les animaux ont reçu une ration totale mélangée et traitent x2 par jours. Les conditions environnementales étaient : thermoneutralité (TN; THI = 59-65) et ST (jour, THI = 83; nuit, THI = 75). La photopériode (jour-nuit) était constante (12-12 h). La température rectale (TR), le rythme respiratoire (RR), la MSI, la prise d’eau (PE) et la production de lait (PL) ont été enregistrés quotidiennement, tandis que le lait pour la composition a été échantillonné chaque semaine et PV a été enregistré au début et à la fin de chaque période. Dans Exp.1, les brebis (n = 8) ont été exposées au TN ou au ST avec permutation de 2 périodes (21 j chacune). En plus, les brebis ont été administrées avec du glucose, de l’insuline et de l’épinéphrine pour évaluer la réponse métabolique. Le ST a augmenté le TR, RR, PE et a réduit le PV, mais a réduit l’IMS et le contenu en matières grasses et en protéines du lait sans affecter la PL. Malgré la réduction de l’IMS par le ST, le AGNE sanguin n’a pas changé, mais les valeurs de créatinine ont augmenté. La réponse aux défis métaboliques a indiqué que les brebis ST avaient une absorption plus rapide du glucose et une plus grande résistance aux signaux lipolytiques que les brebis TN. Dans Exp.2 & 3 avec des chèvres laitières, le design expérimental était un carré latin 4 × 4 car 2 facteurs alimentaires ont été ajoutés aux 2 conditions environnementales. Les 2 conditions alimentaires étaient control (CON) sans supplémentation et une supplémentation avec la L-carnitine protégée du rumen (CAR, Exp. 2) ou avec la méthionine protégée du rumen (Met, Exp. 3). Dans Exp. 2, les chèvres ST ont demontré une augmentation du TR et RR accrues. De plus, les chèvres ST ont réduit de 26% l’IMS, mais elles avaient tendance à manger des particules plus longues. La CAR a considérablement augmenté les concentrations libres, d’acétyle et carnitine totale de sang. Malgré cette absorption efficace, la CAR n’a eu aucun effet sur l’IMS, la PL ou les métabolites sanguins dans les conditions TN ou ST. Dans Exp.3, l’IMS pour les chèvres TN était limité à 2,0 kg/j, tandis que les chèvres ST étaient nourries ad libitum. Par conséquent, les chèvres ST avaient seulement 9,8% (bien que significatif) de moins d’IMS que TN. Par conséquent, aucun changement dans PL n’a été détecté. Des augmentations attendues de la TR et du RR dues au ST ont été détectées, mais la Met a entraîné une diminution du RR le matin et une TR plus basse l’après-midi. De plus, Met a évité la perte de PV typique dans les conditions ST. Le profil des acides aminés du sang (AA) a révélé une concentration en Met basale inférieure, malgré des niveaux de DMI comparables. De plus, les chèvres ST manquaient de glutamate, ce qui pourrait être lié à l’inflammation et à la réponse immunitaire au niveau gastro-intestinal. La supplémentation rencontrée a épargné le glutamate quelle que soit la température ambiante. Globalement, le ST a affecté négativement la performance des brebis laitières. Les adaptations métaboliques des brebis laitières au ST comprenaient une mobilisation réduite des graisses corporelles et une dégradation accrue des protéines musculaires. La méthionine, mais pas la L-carnitine, a eu certains effets bénéfiques sur les performances des chèvres laitières soumises à un ST. Probablement un peu plus d’AA en plus de la méthionine devrait être supplémenté dans les conditions ST.

In seven experiments carried out under natural-daylength conditions at 57oN, Scottish Blackface and Border Leicester x Scottish Blackface ewes of varying physiological states and nutritional regimes received daily at 1500 h an oral dose of either melatonin dissolved in water and alcohol or the vehicle alone. Throughout the experiments blood samples were collected thrice weekly for progesterone, prolactin and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations (FSH) and at 10 to 15 minute intervals for periods of up to 24 h for luteinizing hormone (LH). Ovulation rates were determined by laparoscopy. When given from the beginning of June and mid-March respectively melatonin advanced and reversed the breeding season, the reversal being as effective in ewes with an extended lactation as in those weaned early or those that had not bred in the previous year. Short-term treatment (30 days) with melatonin during mid-anoestrus not only failed to advance the breeding season but delayed it. Longer term treatment (60 to 90 days) produced transient oestrous cyclicity with ewes returning to anoestrus within one month after the end of treatment. For ewes on a low plane of nutrition melatonin increased ovulation rate at first behavioural oestrus and appeared to reduce embryo mortality. In all experiments melatonin suppressed plasma prolactin 10 to 15 days after the start of treatment with levels remaining low throughout the period of treatment except during late pregnancy. There was no evidence that melatonin promoted a progressive increase in the frequency of the pulsatile release of LH or had any stimulatory effect on FSH secretion in the first 6 weeks of treatment. It did however increase plasma progesterone concentrations in the post-oestrus period.

Exposure of the fetus to adverse conditions in utero may result in developmental adaptations that alter metabolism and postnatal growth of the offspring. This thesis investigated the effects of dam size and nutrition during pregnancy on growth, metabolic function and lactational and productive performance of the female offspring to two years of age. Four-hundred and fifty heavy (60.8 kg ± 0.18) and 450 light (42.5 kg ± 0.17) dams were randomly allocated to ad libitum or maintenance nutritional regimens from days 21 - 140 of pregnancy, under pastoral grazing conditions. From one week prior to lambing, all dams were fed ad libitum until weaning. After weaning, female progeny were managed and fed under pastoral conditions as one group. Maternal nutrition during pregnancy affected lamb growth to weaning, however, after weaning lamb growth was affected by dam size. Dam size had no effect on glucose metabolism, adrenal function or fat metabolism in 16-month-old female twin offspring. Dam nutrition during pregnancy had a minor effect on glucose metabolism and no effect on adrenal function or lipolysis, however, it did possibly affect gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, with increased glucose production in ewes born to maintenance-fed dams. Ewes born to dams fed maintenance showed greater milk production, lactose percentage, lactose and crude protein yield. Ewes born to heavy dams showed greater milk production and lactose yield. Dam size had no effect on reproductive performance of the female offspring. Being born to a larger dam showed no advantages over being born to smaller dams, for number of lambs born and weight of lambs at birth and weaning. ‘Grand’dam maintenance nutrition increased lamb birth and weaning weight and lamb growth rates of the ‘grand’offspring. Ewes born to maintenance-fed dams could have an advantage over ewes born to ad libitum-fed dams in physiological stressful situations in life as their liver may be able to supply more glucose to support their growing conceptus and milk production to increase the chances of survival of their offspring. These results indicate that it is possible to programme the offspring by feeding their dams differently during pregnancy under grazing conditions. With a better understanding of how offspring can be programmed through different maternal nutritional regimens, it may be possible to significantly increase the production potential of the New Zealand ewe population.

Two trials were conducted over consecutive years to examine the effects of ewe body condition and post-mating nutrition on ovulation rates and embryo survival. Trial 1 used 146 Polypay ewes ranging in age from 5 to 8 years in a 3 x 2 factorial array of pre-mating (high-H, low flushed-LF and low unflushed-L) and post-mating nutrition (high and low) treatments. Trial 2 was a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial array of 60 Polypay and 60 Coopworth x Polypay (C x P) three year old ewes, two pre-mating (H and LF) and two post-mating (high and low) treatments. To estimate timing and extent of embryo loss, two methods of embryo detection were employed during Trial 2. Real-time ultrasound was performed on all ewes at 21, 28, 34 and 45 days post-mating. Blood samples were also collected on these days for analysis of Pregnancy-specific Protein B (PSPB) levels. There was no effect of pre-mating treatment or ewe age on ovulation or conception rates for Trial 1. Pre-mating treatment was significant in Trial 2, with H ewes having higher ovulation rates than LF ewes. Pre-mating treatment, post-mating treatment, ewe age (for Trial 1) and genotype (for Trial 2) had no effect on mean litter size in either trial. Analysis of litter size among ewes with twin and triple ovulations showed pre-mating treatment to be significant among triple ovulators in Trial 1, where L ewes had much lower litter size (1.86) than LF (2.37) or H (2.60) ewes. In Trial 2, post-mating treatment was significant among the ewes with triple ovulations, with ewes on low nutrition having lower litter size (2.01) than ewes on high nutrition (2.59). Two-way interactions were significant among twin and triple ovulators in Trial 2. Breed x pre-mating interaction among twin ovulating ewes showed C x P LF ewes to have lower litter size (1.43) than the H ewes (1.87), while the opposite was true for Polypay ewes. Pre- x post-mating treatment interaction among triple ovulators showed LF ewes on low post-mating nutrition had lower mean litter size. This effect is largely due to lower litter size in the C x P triple ovulators on low post-mating nutrition. Data available from the ultrasound diagnosis showed little indication of treatment effects on amount or time of embryo loss. Ewes bearing single or multiple embryos differed in PSPB level at day 45, but not at earlier times. However, there were no differences in PSPB levels in ewes with twin or triple embryos at any of the trial days. Assay for PSPB failed to facilitate detection of the amount or time of embryo loss, as determined by ultrasound.
Graduation date: 1991

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 143-165)
xiii, 168 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm.
Reports on studies undertaken to examine the physiological basis of the known ability of lupin grain to increase ovulation rate in the ewe.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Animal Sciences, Waite Agricultural Research Institute, 1989

This thesis set out to examine the effect of maternal undernutrition and exposure to stressors between pregnancy day 50 to 100 and 100 to 147 of pregnancy on the ewe and her lamb. The long-term effects of these stressors during pregnancy on lamb growth, plasma cortisol response to a stressor, metabolism, behaviour and future reproductive success were examined. Mid-pregnancy shearing The component of mid-pregnancy shearing that causes the increase in lamb birth weight is unknown. It was hypothesised that the increase in lamb birth weight was due to the stress response of the ewe to shearing. This work examined the effect of a range of stressors at approximately day 80 of pregnancy. These stressors included yarding, crutching and sham-shearing that may be components of the shearing procedure that produce a stress response. In addition, repeated stressors between day 74 and 106 of pregnancy including isolation, sham-shearing and exogenous cortisol injection were used to examine the role of a longer-term stress response on lamb birth weight. Mid-pregnancy shearing has consistently resulted in an increase in lamb birth weight, however all the other stressors investigated had no effect. Therefore, the hormonal stress response of ewes to shearing was unlikely to be the cause of the increase in lamb birth weight. Mid-pregnancy shearing also resulted in minor changes in ewe and lamb behaviour 12 to 24 h after birth. Shearing during pregnancy had no effect on the cortisol response of ram lambs to handling or castration however differences were observed between singleton- and twin-born lambs. Ewe nutrition during pregnancy Ewes mildly undernourished in between days 70 and 107 of pregnancy that were then provided with adequate nutrition between days 108-145 of pregnancy gave birth to lambs with similar birth weights as ewes well-fed during both periods. Therefore the effects of undernutrition on lamb birth weight can be minimised if undernutrition can be limited to the earlier period (day 70-107 and 108-147 of pregnancy). Mild undernutrition in both periods (day 70 – 145 of pregnancy), resulted in lambs that were lighter and that exhibited behaviours associated with a greater ‘drive’ to maintain contact with their dam than lambs born to ewes well-fed during the same period. This suggests that even mild undernutrition in both mid- and late- pregnancy should be avoided. The effect of maternal nutrition and lamb litter size on the behaviour of female offspring was examined at 1 and 2 years of age. Litter size had no effect on ewe behaviour at 1 year of age however at 2 years of age twin-born ewes had higher maternal behaviour scores than triplet-born ewe lambs. Nutrition of the maternal grand dam during pregnancy had only a minor effect on the behaviour of female offspring at 1 year of age and no effect on maternal behaviour at 2 years of age.

A series of grazing experiments was conducted, in the summer/autumn of 2001, 2002 and 2003, to investigate the effects of poplar (Populus spp.) and/or willow (Salix spp.) supplementation, during mating, on ewe production and reproduction when grazing drought pasture. Each experiment involved a rotational grazing system with 300 mixed-age Romney ewes, divided into three groups of 100 ewes each. In each year, all ewes were offered low quality simulated drought pasture, containing more than 60% dead matter, at an allowance sufficient to provide a potential desired intake of 0.70 kg dry matter (DM)/day, for periods of 9 to 12 weeks, including two mating cycles. Mean pre-and post-grazing pasture masses averaged over the three years were 1100 and 600 kg DM/ha. The pasture consumed in all years was typical of pasture available to grazing livestock in a drought; it was high in neutral detergent fibre (NDF; approximately 600 g/kg DM), low in organic matter digestibility (OMD, approximately 0.52) and metabolisable energy (ME; approximately 7.5 MJ/kg DM) and contained approximately 20 g nitrogen (N)/kg DM. The supplementary poplar and willow diets were always superior to drought pasture consumed by the ewes, being higher in OMD (approximately 0.67), ME (approximately 10 MJ/kg DM) and total N (approximately 26 g/kg DM) and lower in NDF (approximately 383 g/kg DM). Tree fodder diets also contained substantial concentrations of the secondary compounds condensed tannin (CT; range 7 to 52 g/kg DM), salicin (approximately 2 g/kg DM) and other phenolic glycosides (approximately 21 g/kg DM), with willow (27 to 52 g/kg DM) containing greater concentrations of CT compared with poplar (7 to 19 g/kg DM). Mean diameter of the tree fodder stem consumed during the series of experiments was approximately 7 mm for poplar and 4 mm for willow with the diameter increasing over the experimental periods in four cases out of live (P<0.05). After the supplementation period, the three groups were joined together and grazed on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture until the conclusion of each experiment at weaning. In all years, the effect of poplar and/or willow supplementation on ewe live weight (LW) and body condition score (BCS) change; the proportion of lambs (reproductive rate) at pregnancy scanning, lambing, docking and weaning; and wool production and staple length from ewe fleeces with approximately 11 months growth, were measured. Experiment 1 was designed to determine how much poplar fodder needed to be fed to increase ewe production and reproduction over a 71-day supplementation period. The experiment involved a high supplementation group, offered 1.5 kg fresh poplar/ewe/day; a low supplementation group, offered 0.75 kg fresh poplar/ewe/day; and a control group that was offered no tree fodder. Ewes in the high and low treatments lost less LW (-67 and -71 vs. -82 g/day; P<0.05) and BCS (-0.78 and -1.27 vs. -1.31 units; P<0.05) compared with unsupplemented ewes. Reproductive rate was relatively low in the control group (121 lambs born/100 ewes mated), with poplar supplementation increasing ewe reproductive rate by approximately 20% units (P<0.05) and 30% units (P<0.001) for the low and high treatment groups, respectively, at scanning, lambing, docking and weaning. The increase in reproductive rate in supplemented ewes was due to increases in both conception rate (number of ewes pregnant/100 ewes mated) and fecundity (number of lambs born/100 ewes mated). Experiment 2 was designed to determine if production and reproduction varied between ewes fed poplar versus willow at the same rate of supplementation, 1.4 kg fresh forage/ewe/day, for 87 days. Again, reproductive rate was relatively low in the control group (133 lambs born/100 ewes mated), with willow supplementation reducing L.W loss (-86 g/day vs. -103 g/day; P<0.01) and increasing reproductive rate by 15%, 17% 21% and 20% units at ultrasound scanning (P=0.097), lambing (P=0.087), docking (P<0.05) and weaning (P=0.058), respectively. The increase in reproductive rate was due to an increase in fecundity; supplementation did not affect conception rate in this experiment. Unlike the previous experiment, poplar supplementation showed no effect on reproductive rate, despite the increase in DM intake and the apparent reduction in LW loss of 9 g/day (P-0.11). It is likely that severe contamination of the poplar fodder with Melampsora larici-populina, or poplar leaf rust, confounded the results. Building on the results of the first two grazing trials, the next step was to determine the period (days) of tree fodder supplementation necessary to achieve a response in reproductive rate. Experiment 3 involved ewes fed 1.3 kg fresh willow/ewe/day for a 'long' period, 63 days including 6 weeks of mating, and a 'short' period, 31 days including 3 weeks of mating. The mating period commenced on the same day for all groups and lasted for 6 weeks. Willow supplementation for 63 days reduced ewe LW loss (-96 g/day vs. -147 g/day; P<0.05) and BCS (-0.79 VS. -1.09; P<0.05) loss, compared with unsupplemented ewes; however, it did not increase reproductive rate at scanning and lambing. The lack of response in willow-supplemented ewes was likely to be due to toxic concentrations of zearalenone (1.5 mg/kg DM), an oestrogenic mycotoxin, in the drought pasture during mating, which confounded the results by negating any potential benefits due to increased nutrient intakes. Willow supplementation for 63 days did increase reproductive rate at weaning by 13% units, due to a 9% unit (P<0.05) reduction in post-natal lamb mortality, from 17.1 to 8.4%. Supplementation for 31 days did not appear to influence ewe reproduction and production parameters. Overall, the rate of LW loss was greater in Experiment 3 compared with the first two experiments. Seven indoor in vivo digestibility experiments were conducted at the following times; early April 2001 (poplar), February, March and April 2002 (all poplar), and December, March and April 2003 (all willow). Each 14-day trial involved 6 male cryptorchid lambs, individually fed in metabolism cages. The experiments showed that the digestibility of poplar and willow tree fodder declined from late spring to autumn (P<0.05), but that the decline was much smaller than the decline in digestibility of grass-based pastures in New Zealand over the same time period. The experiments also showed that mean ME and digestibilities were generally higher for willow than for poplar. The seven in vivo digestibility coefficients were then used to develop a standard curve for in vitro prediction of in vivo digestibility, this standard was used to analyse all unknown tree fodder samples from the three grazing experiments. Results from the three grazing experiments showed that supplementing ewes grazing drought pasture during mating with poplar and willow tree fodder consistently increased DM intake by 0.25 to 0.33 kg DM/ewe/day for ewes offered 1.3 to 1.5 kg fresh willow or poplar each day and increased calculated total DM intakes from 0.67 to 1.03 kg DM/ewe/day in Experiment 1, from 0.59 to 0.86 kg DM/ewe/day in Experiment 2 and from 0.47 to 0.75 kg DM/ewe/day in Experiment 3. Supplementation also consistently reduced LW loss and loss in BCS and substantially increased lambing rate through increased conception rate and fecundity and reduced post-natal lamb mortality. The effects on LW and BCS gradually declined in the post-treatment period and were no longer evident by commencement of lambing. There was no effect of supplementation on wool production or staple length in any of the experiments. One of the unexpected results of the experiments was an average 34% reduction in post-natal lamb mortality over three years, due to willow/poplar supplementation of ewes during mating. Initial results showed that despite significant increases in fecundity in supplemented ewes in 2001 and 2002, post-natal lamb mortality was not increased. This result, combined with a statistically significant reduction in lamb mortality in Experiment 3 (P<0.05), in the absence of any differences in fecundity between the groups, suggested that tree fodder supplementation during mating may have reduced lamb mortality in all three years, but that the effect was masked by the increase in reproductive rate in the first two experiments. Therefore, data from the three field trials were combined and analysed by adjusting all mortality data to equal birth rank and sex; this showed a significant reduction due to supplementation (P<0.05) with no treatment-year interaction. The increase in ewe production and reproduction in supplemented ewes was likely due to increases in nutrient intake, through increased DM, ME and CP intakes, prior to and during mating and to increased outputs of undegradable dietary protein and microbial protein from the rumen, per unit of crude protein consumed, thus increasing amino acid absorption. An increase in ovulation rate of 1.5 % units/MJ of digestible energy consumed (Smith 1985) should result in increases in ovulation rate due to tree fodder supplementation of only 5 and 4% units in 2001 and 2002, respectively; however, the increases in scanning rate were substantially greater at 41 and 16% units. Therefore, it is possible that the majority of the increase in reproductive rate was due to increased essential amino acid absorption, which is consistent with increases found in ewes mated on CT-containing forages such as Lotus corniculatus (Birdsfoot trefoil). Gross margin analyses using actual data from unsupplemented ewes in each of the three grazing trials compared with Riverside Farm's commercial ewes from the same years showed that drought reduced scanning rates by an average of 22.4% and wool production by 20% and that this reduction decreases sheep production income by approximately $14/ewe. Further analysis showed that almost half the cost ($6/ewe) could be recovered by supplementing ewes with tree fodder in a drought. On a whole farm basis this represents $58/hectare cost benefit due to tree fodder supplementation. Fungal contamination was a significant factor in the results obtained in Experiments 2 and 3. In all years, simulated drought pasture contained metabolites of zearalenone and the trichothecenes nivalenol and deoxy-nivalenol, produced by Fusarium fungi, while in Experiment 2 the poplar was severely contaminated with Melampsora larici-populina, or poplar leaf rust. Zearalenone concentrations in pasture were at their greatest in Experiment 3 and increased to over 2 mg/kg DM during the mating period. This may explain the lack of increase in reproductive rate expected in willow-supplemented ewes in Experiment 3, which was a feature of previous experiments; however, it did not explain the much greater loss in ewe LW in Experiment 3. Nivalenol (NIV) and deoxy-nivalenol (DON) are common trichothecene toxins found in New Zealand pasture and were found in pasture samples from all three experiments, however, the concentration in Experiment 3 was three- to four-fold greater than in previous experiments. Reports have suggested that trichothecenes may be partly responsible for the reduced growth of otherwise healthy livestock grazing dry autumn pasture, often referred to as 'ill thrift'. However, based on evidence from dosing experiments, it is unlikely that the quantities of NIV and DON present in pasture in Experiment 3 accounted for all of the greater LW loss seen in this experiment. This suggests that these toxins are likely to be indicators of other more potent fungal toxins, which have a much bigger impact on livestock health and production. It is likely that fungal toxins contribute more to reduced reproduction in breeding ewes and to ill thrift in young stock grazing dry autumn pastures in East Coast regions than is currently acknowledged

Mestrado em Engenharia Zootécnica - Produção Animal - Instituto Superior de Agronomia
Nutrition plays an important role in reproduction and is very used in the reproductive manipulation of farm animals. The lupin seed (Lupinus spp.), a grain legume with high energy and protein content, has been extensively used as a supplement to improve the reproductive efficiency of sheep. In this work it was studied the effect of Lupinus albus supplementation of Merino Branco ewes on some metabolic blood metabolites (non esterified fatty acids, glucose, urea and albumin) in order to assess the nutritional status of ewes, and on some reproductive parameters (the interval between the removal of the sponges and the beginning of oestrus and the conception rate). For these studies four groups of fifteen animals each had been formed: group 1C (increasing body condition, control diet), group 1T (increasing body condition, diet with lupin), group 2C (steady body condition, control diet), group 2T (steady body condition, diet with lupin). Estrous was synchronized on all ewes using intravaginal progestagen impregnated sponges which remaining in situ for 6 days (D0-D6). On the day before sponges were removed prostaglandin F2α was administered. Control diets and diets with lupin were given from D1 to D6. Diets of groups 1T and 1C had equal amounts of protein and energy, and also diets of groups 2T and 2C. On D7 and on D8 rams were introduced to detect ewes in estrous and mate them. Body condition score (BCS) was evaluated on D-1, 6 and 28, and live weight (LW) was evaluated on D-1, 14 and 28. Progesterone was measured on blood samples taken on D6, 7, 8, 14 and 25. The above refered metabolic metabolites were measured on samples collected on D-3, 2, 4, 6 and 14. The estrus synchronization protocol used was efficient and oestrus occurred within the normal time range in all animals. The pregnancy rate was lower in animals of group 2T, having animals in increasing body condition (groups 1T and 1C) better results, showing a positive effect of nutritional status. All animals consumed the total amount of feed offered, with the exception of those belonging to group 2T, which had a reduced feed intake at the beginning of the supplementation period. This reduction might be due to the high content of alkaloids present at the lupin seed used. The BCS increased between D-1 and D6 in animals of group 1T. The LW increased between D6 and D28 in animals of group 1C. This lack of improvement of BCS and LW observed in animals of group 2T, after a short-term lupin supplementation period, has already been refered by several authors. The results of non esterified fatty acids, glucose, urea and albumin have showed that the nutritional status of the animals was balanced in all groups, being all animals in a positiveenergy balance. Nevertheless, group 2T had significantly higher concentrations of non esterified fatty acids at the beginning of the supplementation period, which might be due to the reduction of the feed intake observed, which lead to the mobilization of fat reserves. The analysis between groups did not detect any differences in the concentrations of glucose nor albumin. Group 1C had higher urea concentration in D6 than group1T and 2T. This suggests a better utilization of protein in animals from groups receiving lupin, showing a better balance between protein and energy content of lupin or a better protein quality of this seed.