Temporal effect of maternal heat stress during gestation on the fertility and anti-Müllerian hormone concentration of offspring in bovine

Abstract

Ovarian reserve has been suggested as an important contributing factor of reproductive success in bovine. Size of ovarian reserve is determined during fetal period and it could be altered by environmental factors, with which the dam is exposed. Maternal heat stress could impair placental function and fetal development; however, there is limited information on the impact of prenatal heat stress on fertility and ovarian reserve in the offspring. Therefore, a retrospective study was conducted, in which fertility parameters and AMH concentration, as a reliable marker of ovarian reserve in bovine, were studied in the offspring of dams that had been exposed to heat stress during the first (FTE), second (STE) or third (TTE) trimester of gestation and the offspring of dams unexposed to heat stress (US). Additionally, postpartum exposure of offspring with heat stress was considered in the model to adjust the statistical analysis in this regard. Days to first service (DFS) and calving to conception interval (CCI) were prolonged in exposed than unexposed cows (P < 0.05). Days to first service and CCI were also longer in STE compared with FTE cows (P < 0.05). First service conception rate was lower in TTE than UN cows (P < 0.05). The proportion of repeat breeders was higher in exposed compared with unexposed cows (P < 0.05). Service per conception was higher in STE and TTE than UN cows (P < 0.05). Culling rate between different periods of lactation was also higher in exposed than unexposed cows (P < 0.05). Finally, AMH concentration was lower in STE and TTE than UN cows (P < 0.05); moreover, it was lower in STE compared with FTE cows (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present study revealed detrimental effects of maternal heat stress on fertility, productive longevity and ovarian reserve in the offspring. In this context, the second and third trimesters appeared to be more critical periods.