Ca Salts Of Soybean Oil Research Articles

171 Supplementing Ca Salts of Soybean Oil Via Low-Moisture Molasses-Based Blocks to Improve Reproductive Performance and Overall Productivity of Beef Cows

Abstract This experiment evaluated reproductive and productive responses of beef cows receiving self-fed low-moisture blocks (LMB) enriched or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) throughout the breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckling multiparous Angus-influenced cows (n = 554) were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (day -10 to 0) followed by natural service (day 15 to 70). Cows were managed in 12 groups (46 ± 4 cows/group) maintained in individual pastures, and groups received LMB enriched with 25% (as-fed basis) of CSSO or ground corn (CON) from day -10 to 100. Both treatments were designed to yield a daily LMB intake of 0.454 kg/cow (as-fed basis). Groups were enrolled in an estrus-synchronization + fixed-time AI protocol from day -10 to 0 (AI occurred on day 0) of the experiment and beginning 15 days after AI cows were exposed to mature Angus bulls for 55 d. Pregnancy status was verified on day 55 and 100 of the experiment, and cows that gave birth during the initial two weeks were considered pregnant to fixed-time AI. Calf birthdate and weight was recorded during the subsequent breeding season. All calves were weaned at the same time, and a calf BW and age were recorded. Blood samples were also collected from a subsample of cows on days -10, 0 (fixed-time AI), and 55 (pregnancy diagnosis). All data were analyzed using group as the experimental unit and Satterthwaite approximation to determine the denominator df for the tests of fixed effects. Quantitative data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS, and binary data analyzed with the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with a binomial distribution and logit link function. Data were analyzed with group (treatment × location), cow(group), and location as random variables. Significance was set at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were determined if P > 0.05 and ≤ 0.10. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P < 0.01) mean concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids in plasma samples collected on days 0 and 55. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy rate to fixed-time AI (67.2 vs. 59.3%), whereas final pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.92) between treatments. Pregnancy loss was less (P = 0.03) in CSSO cows (4.50 vs. 9.04%), which also calved earlier during the calving season (treatment × week; P = 0.04). Weaning rate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in CSSO (84.8 vs. 79.4%), although calf weaning age and weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.72) between treatments. Kilos of calf weaned/cow exposed was greater (P = 0.04) in CSSO cows (234 vs. 215 kg). Therefore, supplementing CSSO to beef cows via LMB during the breeding season improved their reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle.

Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil via low-moisture molasses-based blocks to improve reproductive performance and overall productivity of beef cows

This experiment evaluated reproductive and productive responses of beef cows receiving self-fed low-moisture blocks (LMB) enriched or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) throughout the breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckled multiparous Angus-influenced cows were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (day −10 to 0) followed by natural service (day 15–70). Cows were managed in 12 groups (46 ± 4 cows/group) maintained in individual pastures, and groups received LMB enriched with 25 % (as-fed basis) of CSSO or ground corn (CON) from day − 10 to 100. Both treatments were designed to yield a daily LMB intake of 0.454 kg/cow (as-fed basis). Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P < 0.01) mean concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids in plasma samples collected on days 0 and 55. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy rate to fixed-time AI (67.2 vs. 59.3 %), whereas final pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.92) between treatments. Pregnancy loss was less (P = 0.03) in CSSO cows (4.50 vs. 9.04 %), which also calved earlier during the calving season (treatment × week; P = 0.04). Weaning rate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in CSSO (84.8 vs. 79.4 %), although calf weaning age and weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.72) between treatments. Kilos of calf weaned/cow exposed was greater (P = 0.04) in CSSO cows (234 vs. 215 kg). Therefore, supplementing CSSO to beef cows via LMB during the breeding season improved their reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle.

36 Inclusion of Different Sources of Ca Salts of Fatty Acids on Productive Responses of Finishing Cattle

Abstract This experiment (d -9 to d 148) evaluated productive responses of feedlot cattle consuming or not different sources of fatty acids (Nutricorp, Araras, SP, Brazil) during the finishing period. Bos taurus-influenced steers (n = 120) were ranked by initial body weight (BW; 410 ± 6 kg) on d -9 and allocated to 1 of 20 pens (6 steers/pen) equipped with Calan gate feeders (American Calan, Northwood, NH) for individual feed delivery. Steers within each pen were randomly assigned to receive a corn-based finishing diet containing or not (CON; n = 30) Ca salts of palm oil (PALM, n = 30), Ca salts of soybean oil (SB, n = 30), or a mixture of Ca salts of palm, soybean, and cottonseed oils (MIX, n = 30) at 2% of the diet (as-fed basis). Within each treatment, 12 steers were shipped to a packing plant on d 93 of the experiment, and the remaining steers on d 148 of the experiment. Steer shrunk BW was recorded on d -9 (initial), and final BW calculated as 63% of hot carcass weight. Initial and final BW were used to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Individual dry matter intake was calculated by measuring dietary weekly offer and refusals. Feed efficiency was measured using steer total body weight gain and total dry matter intake during the experiment. No differences were detected for initial BW (P = 0.99). Final BW, BW gain, and dry matter intake were all greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX, PALM and CON compared with SB. Feed efficiency was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX and PALM compared with SB, and also greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX compared with CON. Longissimus muscle area was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for MIX and CON compared with PALM. Collectively, inclusion of MIX into a finishing diet increased performance and feed efficiency of feedlot cattle, whereas inclusion of SB was detrimental to these responses.

Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil to late-gestating beef cows: impacts on performance and physiological responses of the offspring.

This experiment compared the performance and physiological responses of the offspring from cows supplemented with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) or prilled saturated fat (CON) during late gestation. Nonlactating, pregnant, multiparous Angus × Hereford cows (n = 104) that conceived during the same fixed-time artificial insemination protocol were assigned to this experiment. Cows were ranked by pregnancy sire (one of two sires), body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) on day -15 of the experiment (day 180 of gestation). Cows were then assigned to receive (dry matter basis) 415 g of soybean meal per cow daily in addition to: 1) 195 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 52) or 2) 170 g/cow daily of CON (n = 52). Cows were maintained in two pastures (26 cows/treatment per pasture) and received daily 12.7 kg/cow (dry matter basis) of grass-alfalfa hay from day -15 to calving. Cows were segregated into 1 of 24 feeding pens three times weekly and received treatments individually from day 0 to calving. Calves were weaned on day 290 of the experiment, preconditioned for 35 d (day 291 to 325), and transferred to a feedyard, where they remained until slaughter (day 514). Cows receiving CSSO and their calves had greater (P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and total ω-6 PUFA compared with CON after calving. Concentrations of immunoglobulin G in the colostrum and in calf plasma 24 h after birth were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in CSSO vs. CON cattle. Calves from CSSO cows had greater (P ≤ 0.05) expression of adipogenic (adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and stearoyl-CoA desaturase) and myogenic (myogenic differentiation 1 and myogenin) genes in the longissimus muscle (LM) compared with CON. No treatment differences in birth BW, weaning BW, and final preconditioning BW were noted (P ≥ 0.36). Average daily gain and final BW in the feedyard were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in steers from CSSO cows compared with CON. The incidence of calves diagnosed with BRD that required a second antimicrobial treatment was less (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows, resulting in reduced (P = 0.05) need of treatments to regain health compared with CON. Upon slaughter, LM area was greater (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows compared with CON. Collectively, these results are indicative of programming effects on postnatal offspring growth and health resultant from CSSO supplementation to late-gestating cows. Hence, supplementing CSSO to beef cows during pregnancy might be a feasible alternative to optimize offspring productivity and welfare.

403 Supplementing omega-6 fatty acids to enhance reproductive performance of beef cows

Abstract Our research group has focused on how Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) supplementation, a source of omega-6 fatty acids (FA), impacts reproductive performance of beef cows. In Nelore (Bos indicus) grazing cows assigned to fixed-time artificial insemination (AI), supplementing 100 g/d (as-fed basis) of CSSO for 21 d after AI increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) pregnancy rates from 38.1% (623/1635 as pregnant/total non-supplemented cows) to 49.0% (843/1720 as pregnant/total CSSO-supplemented cows). These outcomes were later associated with enhanced early embryonic development and pregnancy establishment from supplemental omega-6 FA. More specifically, supplementing 100 g/d of CSSO to Nelore cows increased (P ≤ 0.05) incorporation of omega-6 FA in circulation and in the conceptus, increased (P ≤ 0.04) conceptus length (2.2-fold increase), and upregulated mRNA expression of interferon-tau (4.1-fold increase) on d 15 of gestation. Similar outcomes were noted in B. taurus beef cows receiving 100 g/d of CSSO for 21 d after AI. Supplementing CSSO to Angus-influenced cows increased (P = 0.01) pregnancy rates from 51.7% (193/388 as pregnant/total non-supplemented cows) to 60.2% (226/383 as pregnant/total CSSO-supplemented cows), increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) plasma concentrations of omega-6 FA, and upregulated (P = 0.05) mRNA expression of interferon-tau in d 15 conceptuses (1.8-fold increase). Across these research efforts, CSSO was mixed with granular feed ingredients and hand-fed to cows, which demands labor and may discourage the use of CSSO supplementation by commercial cow-calf producers. Accordingly, our research group also demonstrated that CSSO inclusion into a self-fed low-moisture block resulted in similar incorporation (P ≥ 0.35) of omega-6 FA in the circulation of Angus-influenced cows compared with CSSO inclusion into a hand-fed granular concentrate. Collectively, CSSO improves reproductive performance of B. indicus and B. taurus beef cows, and may be supplemented via self-fed low-moisture blocks to minimize labor needs.

267 Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil to late-gestating beef cows: Impacts on performance and physiological responses of the offspring

Abstract This experiment compared performance and physiological responses of the offspring from cows supplemented with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) or prilled saturated fat (CON) during late gestation. Non-lactating, pregnant Angus × Hereford cows (n = 104) that conceived during the same fixed-time artificial insemination protocol, using semen from 2 sires, were used in this experiment. Cows were ranked by pregnancy sire, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS). On d 180 of gestation (d -15), cows were randomly assigned to receive (dry matter basis) 415 g of soybean meal per cow daily in addition to 1) 195 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 52) or 2) 170 g/cow daily of CON (n = 52). Cows were maintained in 2 pastures (26 cows/treatment per pasture), and received daily 12.7 kg/cow (dry matter basis) of grass-alfalfa hay. From d 0 until calving, cows were segregated into 1 of 24 feeding pens thrice weekly and received treatments individually. Cow BW and BCS were recorded, and blood samples were collected on d -15 of the experiment and within 12 h after calving. Calf BW was also recorded and blood sample collected within 12 h of calving. Calves were weaned on d 290 of the experiment, preconditioned for 35 d (d 291 to 325), and transferred to a feedyard where they remained until slaughter. Upon calving, CSSO cows and calves had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and total ω - 6 FA compared with CON cohorts. No differences in calf birth BW, weaning BW, and final preconditioning BW were noted (P ≥ 0.36) between treatments. Average daily gain and final BW in the feedlot were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in steers from CSSO cows compared with CON. The incidence of calves diagnosed with BRD that required a second antimicrobial treatment was less (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows, resulting in reduced (P = 0.05) need of treatments to regain health compared with CON (Table 5). Upon slaughter, longissimus muscle area was greater (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows compared with CON. Collectively, these results suggest that supplementing CSSO to late-gestating beef cows stimulated programming effects on postnatal offspring growth and Page 2 of 15 For Peer Review health. Therefore, supplementing late-gestating beef cows with CSSO appears to optimize offspring welfare and productivity in beef production systems.

PSVII-23 Using low-moisture molasses-based blocks to supplement Ca salts of soybean oil to forage-fed beef cows

Abstract This experiment compared plasma fatty acid (FA) profile of forage-fed beef cows receiving a molasses-based supplement enriched with Ca salts of soybean oil [(CSSO); 24.7% of dry matter (DM)] via a self-fed low-moisture block (LMB) or hand-fed granular concentrate daily (CONC). Thirty-six cows were allocated to 1 of 9 drylot pens, which were enrolled in a replicated 3 x 2 Latin square design with 2 periods of 42 d. Pens were randomly assigned to receive 1 of the 3 treatments, in a manner that pens did not receive the same treatment in both periods. Cows received hay for ad libitum consumption during the study. Hay intake was recorded daily from d 0 to 42, and LMB intake was recorded from d 14 to 42. The CONC was offered at 0.420 kg/cow daily (DM basis) from d 0 to 13, and then adjusted (d 14 to 42) to match LMB intake. Average LMB intake during the initial 13 d was 0.846 ± 0.107 kg/cow daily (DM basis). Supplement DM intake did not differ (P = 0.39) between LMB and CONC cows from d 14 to 42. No treatments effects were noted (P ≥ 0.40) for hay intake, BCS, and BW. Plasma FA profile did not differ (P ≥ 0.20) between treatments on d 0. From d 14 to 42, plasma concentrations of linoleic acid, ω-6 polyunsaturated FA, and total FA were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) in CONC and LMB vs. NOSUPP cows. Plasma concentrations of these FA were also greater (P ≤ 0.03) in LMB vs. CONC cows on d 14, but did not differ (P ≥ 0.35) on d 28 and 42. Inclusion of CSSO into LMB resulted in similar incorporation of ω-6 polyunsaturated and total FA in the circulation compared with CONC offered at the same daily rate.

Using low-moisture molasses-based blocks to supplement Ca salts of soybean oil to forage-fed beef cows.

This experiment compared plasma fatty acid (FA) profile of forage-fed beef cows receiving a molasses-based supplement enriched with Ca salts of soybean oil [CSSO; 24.7% of dry matter (DM)] via a self-fed low-moisture block (LMB) or hand-fed granular concentrate daily (CONC). Thirty-six nonlactating, nonpregnant, multiparous beef cows were blocked by age (three blocks), ranked within blocks by body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), and allocated to 1 of three drylot pens (27 × 10 m) per block. Nine pens with four cows each were enrolled in a replicated 3 × 2 Latin square design with two periods of 42 d, and a 21-d washout interval. On day 0, pens within each block were randomly assigned to receive one of the three treatments, in a manner that pens did not receive the same treatment in both periods (total n = 6 pens per treatment). Cows received hay (Cynodon dactylon), water, and a mineral–vitamin mix for ad libitum consumption during the study. Hay intake was recorded daily from days 0 to 42, and LMB intake was recorded from days 14 to 42 to allow cows to adapt to supplement with minimal interference from days 0 to 13. The CONC was offered at 0.420 kg/cow daily (DM basis) from days 0 to 13 and then adjusted (days 14 to 42) to match LMB intake. Cow BW and BCS were recorded, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 28, and 42. Average LMB intake during the initial 13 d was 0.846 ± 0.107 kg/cow daily (DM basis). Supplement DM intake did not differ (P = 0.39) between LMB and CONC cows from days 14 to 42 as designed (0.570 vs. 0.583 kg/d, respectively; SEM = 0.011), despite a greater variation in daily intake of LMB vs. CONC (treatment × day interaction; P < 0.01). No treatments effects were noted (P ≥ 0.40) for hay intake, BCS, and BW. Treatment × day interactions were detected (P ≤ 0.01) for plasma concentrations of ω-6 polyunsaturated FA and total FA. On day 0, plasma FA profile did not differ (P ≥ 0.20) between treatments. From days 14 to 42, plasma concentrations of linoleic acid, ω-6 polyunsaturated FA, and total FA were greater (P < 0.01) in CONC and LMB vs. NOSUPP cows. Plasma concentrations of these FA were also greater (P ≤ 0.03) in LMB vs. CONC cows on day 14, but did not differ (P ≥ 0.35) on days 28 and 42. These results indicate that CSSO inclusion into LMB resulted in similar incorporation of ω-6 polyunsaturated and total FA in the circulation compared with CONC offered at the same daily rate. Hence, the use of self-fed LMB appears to be a valid strategy to provide CSSO to forage-fed beef cattle with reduced labor needs.

346 Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil to enhance carcass quality of beef cattle via metabolic imprinting events

Abstract This experiment evaluated the effects of supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) at 2 mo of age via creep-feeding, upon weaning at 6 months of age, or no CSSO supplementation on growth and carcass development of beef cattle. A total of 64 steers were enrolled in this study over 2 years (32 steers/year), with 4 phases per year: creep-feeding (d 0 to 60), pre-weaning (d 61 to 120), post-weaning (d 121 to 180) and feedlot (181 to slaughter). On d 0 steers were ranked by body weight (BW) and age (114 ± 2 kg; 66 ± 0.5 d) and randomly assigned, in a 2 x 2 factorial, to receive 80 g/steer daily (creep-feeding) or 150 g/steer daily (post-weaning) of CSSO. Non-supplemented steers (CON) were provided with equivalent saturated fat supplement. On d 0, 61, 120, 180, and 330 steers were evaluated for longissimus muscle depth, backfat thickness, and marbling via real time ultrasonography, blood was sampled for determination of plasma fatty acid composition, muscle samples were collected via needle biopsy, and BW was recorded. After the creep-feeding phase, CSSO steers had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic, omega-6, and total PUFA compared with CON. Steers that received CSSO during the postweaning phase had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic, omega·-6, and total FA compared with CON prior to feedlot entry. No treatment differences were detected for performance or body composition responses (P &amp;gt; 0.25) during any phase. However, mRNA expression of adipogenic/lipogenic genes was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.03) prior to slaughter (d 330) in muscle of steers that had received CSSO during the creep-feeding phase. Results from this experiment suggest that supplementing CSSO to nursing beef steers via creep feeding stimulated metabolic imprinting effects through enhanced adipogenic gene expression, however did not alter phenotypic variables.

Supplementing calcium salts of soybean oil to beef steers early in life to enhance carcass development and quality1.

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) to beef steers at 2 mo of age via creep-feeding, and/or during a 40-d preconditioning period on performance and carcass development responses. A total of 64 steers were enrolled in this study over 2 yr (32 steers per year), with 4 periods each year: creep-feeding (CF; day 0 to 60), preweaning (day 61 to weaning on day 124 and 127 of year 1 and 2, respectively), preconditioning (PC; day 132 to 172 in year 1 and day 135 to 175 of year 2), and feedlot (feedlot arrival to slaughter, day 173 to 378 in year 1 and day 176 to 385 in year 2). On day 0 steers were ranked by body weight (BW) and age (114 ± 4 kg of BW; 66.1 ± 0.9 d of age) and allocated to 1 of 16 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to receive CSSO during CF (80 g/d per steer) and/or PC (150 g/d per steer) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. During CF and PC, nonsupplemented steers (CON) were provided an isolipidic prilled saturated fat supplement. Steer BW was recorded on day 0, 60, at weaning, and prior to feedlot shipping. Carcass traits were recorded upon slaughter. On day 0, 60, at weaning, prior to feedlot shipping, and during the feedlot period, blood samples were collected and longissimus muscle (LM) biopsies were collected. On day 60, steers that received CSSO during CF had greater (P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic and ω-6 compared with CON (CF treatment × day; P ≤ 0.05). Steers that received CSSO during PC had greater (P < 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic, ω-6, and total fatty acids compared with CON at feedlot shipping (PC treatment × day; P ≤ 0.05). A PC treatment × day interaction was also detected (P = 0.04) for mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which was greater (P = 0.04) at feedlot shipping for steers receiving CSSO during PC. Interactions between CF treatment × day were detected (P ≤ 0.01) for mRNA expression of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, fatty acid synthase, PPAR-γ, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase, which were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in the feedlot in steers receiving CSSO during CF. No treatment differences were detected for (P ≥ 0.18) performance or carcass traits, including marbling and backfat thickness. Results from this study suggest that supplementing CSSO to suckled beef steers via creep-feeding upregulated mRNA expression of the adipogenic genes investigated herein later in life. These outcomes, however, were not translated into improved carcass quality.

Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on reproductive parameters associated with the performance of suckled beef cows

To evaluate the effects of a polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplement on reproductive parameters of suckled beef cows, two experiments were conducted. In Experiment (Exp.) 1, 60 primiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: CTRL – 1.36 kg/day of corn gluten feed (CGF) and MEGR – 1.36 kg/day of CGF and 0.23 kg/day of calcium salts of soybean oil. Supplementation occurred from 30 days before fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) until 7 days post-TAI. The expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) was measured on days 18 and 21. Pregnancy rates were diagnosed on days 30 and 100. Treatment altered plasma fatty acid profile (P<0.05), however, did not change cow BW (P=0.52) or body condition score (BCS) (P=0.52). Treatment did not alter (P=0.12) pregnancy rates to TAI or final pregnancy rates (P=0.56). Treatments did not impact messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the ISG OAS1 or MX2 on days 18 (P=0.67; P=0.96, respectively) or 21 (P=0.72; P=0.17, respectively). Length of gestation was greater (P=0.02) for MEGR, however, treatments did not alter calf birth weight (P=0.20). In Exp. two, 66 multiparous cows were assigned to one of two treatments: MEG – 0.65 kg/day of CGF+0.23 kg/day of calcium salts of palm oil and MEGR – 0.65 kg/day of CGF+0.23 kg/day of Ca salts of soybean oil. Cows were supplemented from 30 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum. On day 35 after TAI, pregnancy status, embryo crown-to-rump length (CRL), and plasma concentrations of pregnancy-specific protein-B (PSPB) were evaluated. Treatment altered plasma fatty acid profile (P<0.05). In addition, cows from the MEG treatment had greater BW (P<0.01) and BCS (P<0.01) than those in the MEGR treatment, as well as heavier calves at weaning (P=0.03). Treatment did not affect resumption of estrous cycle (P=0.29). There were no differences in pregnancy rates to TAI (P=0.87) or final pregnancy rates (P=0.29). No differences between treatments were detected on CRL (P=0.24) and plasma concentrations of PSPB (P=0.46). Birth weight (P=0.12) and calving distribution (P=0.52) were not altered. We concluded that PUFA supplementation altered plasma fatty acid profile, however, did not impact the remaining reproductive parameters evaluated.

Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil after artificial insemination increases pregnancy success in Bos taurus beef cows.

Two experiments investigated the effects of supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) during early gestation on reproductive function and pregnancy rates to AI in Bos taurus beef cows. In Exp. 1, 771 suckled, lactating, multiparous Angus cows were divided into 22 groups of approximately 35 cows per group and timed inseminated on day 0. After AI, groups were assigned randomly to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of ground corn + 100 g of soybean meal per cow/d, in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 11) or 2) 87 g of prilled saturated fat + 13 g of limestone per cow/d (CON; n = 11). Groups were maintained in individual tall fescue-dominated pastures and offered treatments from day 0 to 21. Pregnancy status was determined between days 45 and 55 via transrectal ultrasonography. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.01) pregnancy rates to timed AI compared with CON (60.2 vs. 51.7%; SEM = 4.2). In Exp. 2, 90 suckled, lactating, multiparous Angus × Hereford cows housed in 18 drylot pens (5 cows per pen) were assigned to the same timed AI program and treatments from Exp. 1 (9 pens per treatment) and received 20 kg/d (DM basis) of grass-alfalfa hay. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) volume before AI (day 0), on days 7 and 15. After ultrasonography on day 15, cows diagnosed without a CL on day 0, but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm3 in volume on days 7 and 15 (2 or 3 cows per pen; CSSO, n = 20; CON, n = 24), were assigned to conceptus collection via transcervical flushing and endometrial biopsy in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Blood samples were collected for FA analysis on days 0, 7, and 15. Blood was collected from cows not assigned to conceptus collection for whole-blood RNA extraction on day 20 and for pregnancy diagnosis on day 30 by measuring concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P ≤ 0.04) mean plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and ω-6 FA compared with CON on days 7 and 15. Moreover, CSSO supplementation increased (P = 0.05) mRNA expression of interferon-tau by the conceptus and blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated gene 15 and 20,50-oligoadenylate synthetase on day 20 in gestating cows. Hence, post-AI CSSO supplementation to B. taurus beef cows improved pregnancy rates to timed AI, which can be associated with increased mRNA expression of interferon-tau by the conceptus when CSSO is supplemented during early gestation.

40 Post-AI Supplementation with Ca Salts of Soybean Oil Increases Pregnancy Success in Bos taurus BeefCows.

40 Post-AI Supplementation with Ca Salts of Soybean Oil Increases Pregnancy Success in Bos taurus BeefCows.

47 Post-AI Supplementation with Ca Salts of Soybean Oil Increases Pregnancy Success in Bos Taurus Beef Cows.

47 Post-AI Supplementation with Ca Salts of Soybean Oil Increases Pregnancy Success in Bos Taurus Beef Cows.

153 Progesterone Concentration, Follicle Diameter and Corpus Luteum Volume in Beef Cows Supplemented with Ca Salts of Soybean Oil.

153 Progesterone Concentration, Follicle Diameter and Corpus Luteum Volume in Beef Cows Supplemented with Ca Salts of Soybean Oil.

Post–artificial insemination supplementation with calcium salts of soybean oil influences pregnancy establishment factors in Bos indicus beef cows1

The objective of this experiment was to compare hormonal, uterine, and conceptus factors associated with pregnancy establishment in beef cows supplemented or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) for 21 d beginning after timed AI. One hundred lactating multiparous Nelore cows were allocated to 20 groups of 5 cows/group and timed inseminated on d 0 of the experiment. After AI, groups were randomly assigned to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of protein-mineral mix + 100 g of ground corn per cow per day, in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO ( = 10) or 2) 100 g/cow daily of kaolin (CON; rumen-inert indigestible substance; = 10). Groups were maintained in 4 pastures (5 groups from the same treatment within each pasture) with ad libitum access to forage. Groups were segregated daily and individually offered treatments from d 0 to 21. Blood samples were collected and transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and corpus luteum (CL) volume immediately before AI (d 0) and on d 7 and 15. After ultrasonography on d 15, 60 cows (30 cows/treatment and 3 cows/group) diagnosed without the presence of a CL on d 0 but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm3 in volume on d 7 and 15 were assigned to conceptus collection via transcervical flushing with PBS followed by endometrial biopsy in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Additional blood samples were collected for whole-blood RNA extraction (d 20), and pregnancy status was verified by transrectal ultrasonography (d 30) in cows not assigned to conceptus collection. Cows receiving CSSO had greater ( ≤ 0.04) mean plasma linoleic acid concentration, plasma linoleic:linolenic acid ratio, plasma progesterone (P4) concentration, and CL volume during the experiment compared with CON cows. Moreover, CSSO supplementation increased ( ≤ 0.04) length and mRNA expression of and by the conceptus as well as blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes on d 20 in gestating cows. No treatment differences were detected ( ≥ 0.30) for endometrial mRNA expression of and . In summary, post-AI CSSO supplementation to B. indicus beef cows increased plasma concentration of linoleic acid and enhanced pregnancy establishment factors, which included CL development and plasma P4 concentration, conceptus growth, and mRNA expression of as well as blood mRNA expression of interferon-stimulated genes.

1158 Effects of post-AI supplementation with Ca salts of soybean oil on ovarian and pregnancy development in Bos indicus beef cows

1158 Effects of post-AI supplementation with Ca salts of soybean oil on ovarian and pregnancy development in Bos indicus beef cows

Supplementation with Ca salts of soybean oil interacts with concentrate level in grazing dairy cows: intake, ingestive behavior, and ruminal parameters.

In this study, we investigated the associative effects of concentrate levels and Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) supplementation on performance and ruminal parameters of mid-lactation dairy cows grazing on tropical pasture. Twenty-four Jersey × Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design and assigned to four treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Factors evaluated were concentrate levels (low, 3kg/day vs. high, 7kg/day of concentrate) and CSSO supplementation (without CSSO vs. with 250g CSSO cow/day). All cows grazed on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Cameroon) and received the supplemental treatments for a 90-day period. The high concentrate level decreased forage intake and grazing time. In addition, the high concentrate level increased rumen propionate concentration and microbial synthesis and tended to decrease ammonia-N compared with low concentrate level. The addition of CSSO tended to decrease valerate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and microbial synthesis. In conclusion, feeding CSSO for mid lactating cows grazing on tropical pasture had negative effects on rumen function. In contrast, CSSO supplementation tended to interact with concentrate level and increased energy intake when fed at low concentrate level. Feeding the high level of concentrate was an effective strategy to increase energy intake and microbial synthesis and improve N utilization.

Supplementation with Ca salts of soybean oil interacts with concentrate level in grazing dairy cows: milk production and milk composition.

In this study, we investigated the associative effects of concentrate levels and Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) supplementation on milk production, milk composition, and milk fatty acids of mid-lactation dairy cows grazing on tropical pasture. Twenty-four Jersey × Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design and assigned to four treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Factors evaluated were concentrate levels (low, 3kg/day vs. high, 7kg/day of concentrate) and CSSO supplementation (without CSSO vs. with 250g CSSO cow/day). All cows grazed on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Cameroon) and received the supplemental treatments for a 90-day period. Interactions between concentrate level and CSSO were detected for milk yield, milk yield components, energy-corrected milk (ECM) and 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM). Milk yield increased when CSSO was fed in a low concentrate level, while it decreased milk production in a high concentrate level. Yields of fat, protein, lactose, 3.5% FCM, and ECM were not affected with CSSO in the low concentrate, but reduced in the high concentrate level. CSSO increased proportions of monounsaturated milk FA, C18:2 trans-10 cis-12, and polyunsaturated FA, and reduced proportions of saturated milk FA in milk. In conclusion, feeding the high level of concentrate was an effective strategy to improve milk yield and solid production. CSSO supplementation increased milk production when fed at low concentrate level but did not affect yield of solids.

Effects of calcium salts of soybean oil on factors that influence pregnancy establishment in Bos indicus beef cows1

The objective of this experiment was to compare fatty acid (FA) concentrations in plasma and reproductive tissues as well as hormones and expression of genes associated with pregnancy establishment in beef cows supplemented or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) beginning after timed AI. Ninety nonlactating multiparous Nelore (Bos indicus) cows were timed inseminated on d 0 of the experiment and divided into 18 groups of 5 cows/group. Groups were randomly assigned to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of a protein-mineral mix plus 100 g of ground corn per cow daily in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 9) or 2) 100 g/cow daily of kaolin (CON; rumen-inert indigestible substance; n = 9). All groups were maintained in a single Brachiaria brizanta pasture (24 ha) with ad libitum access to forage and water. However, groups were segregated daily and offered treatments individually at the working facility during the experimental period (d 0 to 18). Blood samples were collected and transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and estimate corpus luteum (CL) volume immediately before AI (d 0) and on d 7 and 18 of the experiment. On d 19, 36 cows (18 cows/treatment; 2 cows/group) diagnosed without the presence of a CL on d 0 but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm(3) in volume on d 7 and 18 were slaughtered for collection of conceptus, uterine luminal flushing, and tissue samples from the CL and endometrium. Cows receiving CSSO had greater concentrations of linoleic and other ω-6 FA in plasma (P < 0.01), endometrium (P ≤ 0.05), CL (P ≤ 0.05), and conceptus (P ≤ 0.08) compared to CON. On d 7 of the experiment, CSSO-supplemented cows had greater plasma progesterone concentrations (P < 0.01) and CL volume (P = 0.02) compared to CON, whereas no treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.15) for these parameters on d 18 (treatment × day interaction; P < 0.01). Cows receiving CSSO tended (P = 0.09) to have greater concentrations of interferon-tau in the uterine flushing media compared with CON. However, no treatment effects were detected for mRNA expression genes associated with pregnancy establishment in endometrial, CL, and conceptus samples (P ≥ 0.12). In summary, supplementing beef cows with 100 g of CSSO beginning after AI favored incorporation of ω-6 FA into their circulation, reproductive tissues, and conceptus, without impacting expression of genes associated with pregnancy establishment on d 19 of gestation.