Supplementation of cows with linseed: effects on antral follicle count, oocyte quality, and nutritional and plasma metabolite parameters

Abstract

Linseed is distinguished by its composition of fatty acids, which are rich in unsaturated acids, and by the slow release of oil in the rumen, consequently providing a greater amount of lipids of interest for intestinal absorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of linseed supplementation on the antral follicle count (AFC) and oocyte quality of Girolando cows, as well as their digestive parameters and plasma metabolite. Twelve Girolando cows were used in the study and were randomly distributed in two experimental groups: control (CTL, n = 6) and linseed (LINS, n = 6). During the 126 days of supplementation, seven transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions were performed at intervals of 21 days. AFC was performed in each OPU session. The cows fed with linseed showed no significant difference in the dry matter coefficient of digestibility (63.11 and 62.88), crude protein (62.7 and 55.26), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 75.36 and 77.15), or acid detergent fiber (ADF; 72.45 and 74.77) for LINS and CTL, respectively. On the contrary, a higher level of ethereal extract was observed for LINS (69.31 vs. 40.7). There was no effect (p > 0.05) of lipid supplementation on plasma metabolite between groups and OPU sessions. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the mean number of antral follicles (CTL: 31.14 ± 1.97; LINS: 25.52 ± 2.68), cumulus oocyte complexes recovered (CTL: 6.45 ± 1.66; LINS: 5.28 ± 1.18), or oocyte quality (CTL: 60.48% ± 8.46; LINS: 64.54% ± 7.77). The supplementation of 800g of linseed in the diet of Girolando cows did not alter the apparent digestibility of nutrients, AFC, or quality of oocytes obtained by OPU.