Development In Prepubertal Heifers Research Articles

Effect of food supplementation on in vitro embryo production and growth performance in prepubertal Nelore heifers

In vitro embryos production from prepubertal heifers can help contribute to breeding programs; however, strategies are necessary to increase their embryo production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two nutritional plans on oocyte recovery, embryo production and growth performance of prepubertal Nelore heifers. Thirty-four Nelore heifers with age of 6.5 months were divided into two feeding treatments (NP1 and NP2). The NP1 diets served as the control and NP2 diets were formulated to contain an average of 1.22-fold more energy than NP1. After 3 months of supplementation, the animals underwent follicular aspiration (ovum pick-up, OPU) every 21 d for 3 months and embryos were produced in vitro. Wither height, chest depth, body weight and subcutaneous fat of animals were measured. The number of retrieved and viable oocytes per OPU were 1.49-fold and 1.42-fold greater in NP2 heifers (p = 0.018 and p = 0.049, respectively) than those in NP1 heifers. Heifers administered NP2 produced 29.7% blastocysts, a percentage higher than NP1 animals that produced 24.40% embryos (p < 0.05). Consequently, females in the NP2 treatment showed improved body development. These results indicate a positive effect of a higher energy diet on assisted reproduction and body development in prepubertal heifers.

Ovarian and IGF-I axis control of mammary development in prepubertal heifers

Although much is known about the endocrine control of bovine mammary development, most heifer work has focused on periods near the time of puberty or during gestation. However, we have found that ovariectomy in the prepubertal period also markedly impacts mammary development well before the onset of estrus would have normally occurred. Interactions between the pituitary and ovary to control udder development are mediated at least in part via alteration in concentrations of local IGF-I axis molecules within the developing mammary gland. For example, in heifers treated with growth hormone or estrogen, expression of IGF-I binding proteins (IGFBP-3) protein was reduced, thus effecting an increase in free IGF-I. Ovariectomized heifers had reduced rates of epithelial cell proliferation, fewer IGF-I receptors, and less local IGF-I. Mammary tissue expression of fibronectin was increased in ovariectomized heifers, but laminin expression was higher in controls. Thus, alterations in specific extracellular matrix proteins likely impact heifer mammary development. As a result, we have initiated calfhood studies. At 30 days of age, it is difficult to detect parenchymal tissue in the udder. Only a thin cord of parenchymal tissue (150 mg per gland) is discernible. By 75 days of age, a rounded, walnut-like mass of mammary parenchymal tissue becomes very evident and at 90 days of age, this mass of tissue has grown to approximately 10 g, a ∼60-fold increase. At 2 months of age, most proliferating epithelial cells (>92%) are confined to a population of light and intermediate-staining parenchymal cells. Between 2 and 5 months of age, a dark-staining cell population markedly emerges, but these dark cells were rarely labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and are likely to represent a more differentiated or committed cell lineage. The coordinated change in the proportions of each cell type suggests a progression from light-, to intermediate-, to dark-staining cell phenotypes. We are currently focusing on the importance of the ovary and mammary tissue synthesis of estrogens on emergence of specific populations of putative mammary stem cells.

Interactions between the ovary and the local IGF-I axis modulate mammary development in prepubertal heifers.

The objective was to determine the effects of ovariectomy and epithelial-stromal interactions on mammary development and local expression of IGF-I and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) mRNA in prepubertal heifers. An epithelium-free ('cleared') fat pad (CFP) was prepared in two glands in each of 14 Holstein heifers, aged 1-3 Months. Eight of the calves were also ovariectomized. Serum concentrations of GH, IGF-I and prolactin were not affected by ovariectomy. At 6 Months of age, calves were killed to provide mammary samples of parenchyma, CFP and intact fat pad (MFP). Total mammary mass was reduced in ovariectomized calves (130+/-21 g vs 304+/- 25 g; P<0.001), and in several cases parenchymal tIssue was essentially absent. Uterus weight was also reduced by ovariectomy (14.5+/-3.8 g vs 30.4+/-4.5 g; P<0.05). In support of our hypothesis that local IGF-I mediates prepubertal mammary development, mRNA expression of IGF-I was lower in ovariectomized than in control calves (62.1+/-7.8 vs 91.6+/-7.8 arbitrary units; P<0.05). Specific binding of IGF-I to mammary parenchymal microsomes was also reduced by ovariectomy (377+/-142 vs 868+/-82 c.p.m.; P<0.01), suggesting decreased sensitivity to IGF-I. Expression of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 mRNA were not influenced by ovariectomy. Expression of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 mRNA did not differ between CFP and MFP, suggesting that expression of these factors was not influenced by interactions between stroma and developing epithelium. Overall, the data suggested that interactions between the ovary and the local IGF-I axis act to optimize the availability and effectiveness of IGF-I within the gland to stimulate mammary growth.

Effect of Dietary Protein on Prepubertal Mammary Development in Rapidly Growing Dairy Heifers

The objective was to determine whether increased dietary protein would enhance mammary development in prepubertal heifers fed for rapid body growth (1.2kg/d). Fifty-four Holstein heifers (weighing ∼134kg) were assigned to one of three treatments. Heifers were fed a total mixed ration with metabolizable energy at 2.85 Mcal/kg and metabolizable protein at low, standard, or high concentrations (37, 41, or 44g/Mcal of metabolizable energy, respectively) from 3.5 mo of age until slaughter at ∼46 d after puberty. Heifers fed low, standard, and high protein gained 1130, 1170, and 1180g/d, respectively. Dietary protein did not affect age or weight of heifers at puberty or slaughter, withers height gain, or carcass composition. Average mammary parenchymal DNA content for heifers on diets of low, standard, and high protein was 595, 619, and 670 mg/100kg of body weight, respectively, and was not significantly different. However, for heifers that attained puberty early, those fed low protein had 33% less parenchymal DNA than those fed high protein, even though their body growth and carcass composition were not compromised. We conclude that dietary protein does not have a major effect on mammary development of rapidly grown prepubertal heifers, provided the diet contains adequate protein for normal body growth. But we suggest that feeding low-protein diets increases the risk of impaired mammary development when heifers are fed for rapid growth and attain puberty early and that the new National Research Council guidelines for protein relative to energy seem adequate for optimal mammary development.

Plasma Amino Acid Status of Crossbred Heifers Fed Two Levels of Dietary Protein and its Relationship to Puberty Onset

Twelve prepubertal Karan Fries heifers (15 months, 167.7±13.5 kg) were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was fed as per NRC requirements and group 2 was fed 20% more protein than group 1 heifers. The experimental feeding was continued until the onset of puberty in both the groups. Blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals and analyzed for amino acids using HPLC. Group 1 and 2 heifers required 178.6±33.8 and 152.8±33.2 days of experimental feeding to exhibit first estrus resulting in total age at puberty as 639.4±27.3 and 618.6±24.6 days in the two groups respectively. The concentration of total amino acids averaged 4.40 and 4.89 mmol/l and those of non-essential amino acids (NEAA) was 2.32 and 2.49 mmol/l in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The concentration of plasma essential amino acids i.e. histidine, threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine and phenylalanine were higher (p<0.01) in group 2 than group 1. Plasma concentration of large neutral amino acids (LNAA) was significantly higher in group 2 (1.28 mmol/l) than in group 1 (1.12 mmol/l). Increased levels of leucine, isoleucine and valine are implicated in increased follicular growth and development in prepubertal heifers and resulted in a 26 day earlier attainment of puberty by 26 days in an experimental period of six months in group 2 heifers. Increased concentrations of aspartate and tyrosine in group 2 heifers might be associated with the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus influencing LH release from anterior pituitary in such animals. It is therefore evident that increased availability of certain amino acids in heifers fed high protein diet might have led to early onset of puberty. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 12 : 1714-1718)

Effects of steroid hormone treatment on mammary development in prepubertal heifers

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of steroid hormone implantation in heifer calves on the ability of mammary tissue to develop subsequently in organ culture. Twenty-four calves were paired by date of birth and assigned to groups (eight calves/group). At 4, 7, or 10 mo of age, calves were implanted subcutaneously (s.c.) with pellets containing cholesterol or cholesterol, 17β-estradiol, and progesterone for 9 or 18 d. The calves were euthanized and uteri and mammary glands were removed and weighed. Slices of mammary parenchymal tissue were incubated for 5 d at 37°C in a 50% O 2, 5% CO 2 humidified atmosphere in Waymouth’s 752/liter medium supplemented with insulin (5.0 μg/ml) or lactogenic hormone complex insulin (5.0 μg/ml), aldosterone (0.1 μg/ml), hydrocortisone (0.1 μg/ml), and prolactin (1.0 μg/ml) in the presence or absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) (0.06 μg/ml) to promote lobulo-alveolar development. Tissue sections were stained and mounted on slides for morphologic and histologic analysis or prepared to evaluate expression of β-casein mRNA. There were no morphologic differences in slices from calf mammary tissues despite age, steroid hormone priming, or hormones used in tissue culture. The 4-mo-old calves required steroid priming followed by incubation of the tissue slices with the lactogenic complex with or without epidermal growth factor to induce cytological changes associated with lactogenesis but did not express β-casein mRNA. At 7 mo of age, steroid hormone priming was not necessary for induction of alveolar formation and secretion. Incubation of the tissue slices from 7-mo-old calves with the lactogenic complex was sufficient to induce alveolar formation and secretion. However, β-casein mRNA was not expressed. At 10 mo of age, exposure of tissue from calves to the lactogenic hormones caused histologic changes reminiscent of the ability to secrete milk regardless of hormone priming. However, estrogen and progesterone priming was necessary before incubation of the tissue slices with the lactogenic hormones to induce β-casein mRNA expression. When epidermal growth factor was added to the lactogenic hormone complex, β-casein mRNA expression decreased. These data support the concept that there is a sequential development of responsiveness of the mammary gland to various hormones. By 10 mo of age, prepubertal heifers reach a stage of maturity where steroid hormone priming followed by incubation of tissue slices with the lactogenic hormones is sufficient to induce both structural and functional differentiation.

Follicular and hormonal development in prepubertal heifers from 2 to 36 weeks of age

The aim of this study was to characterize changes in ovarian follicle dynamics in relation to changes in hormone secretion in heifer calves from birth to 8 months of age. The position and diameter of ovarian follicles > or = 4 mm in diameter were recorded, the number of ovarian follicles > or = 2 mm in diameter counted, and blood samples collected daily for periods of 18 days, starting at 2, 8, 14, 24 and 34 weeks of age in ten heifers. The mean age at first ovulation was 52.8 +/- 1.6 weeks. At all ages ovarian follicular development occurred in a wave-like manner, as in mature cattle. The maximum diameter of the dominant and the largest subordinate follicles increased between 2 and 34 weeks of age (P < 0.05); however, the greatest increase occurred between 2 and 8 weeks of age. There was a similar increase in the numbers of small and large ovarian follicles (P < 0.05). The duration of detection of dominant follicles (number of days visible at a diameter of > or = 4 mm) also increased between 2 and 34 weeks of age (P < 0.05). The emergence of waves of follicular development was preceded by peaks in plasma FSH concentrations (P < 0.05) at 2 weeks of age but this was less clear at other ages. There was a rise in circulating concentrations of gonadotrophins between 4 and 14 weeks of age. We concluded that in heifer calves as young as 2 weeks of age ovarian follicles grew in a wave-like fashion, similar to those of adult cattle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of exogenous bovine growth hormone and ovariectomy on prepubertal mammary growth, serum hormones and acute in-vitro proliferative response of mammary explants from Holstein heifers

Sixteen prepubertal Holstein Friesian heifers were used to study the effect of long-term administration of bovine GH (bGH) on mammary development in intact and ovariectomized heifers. Eight heifers were ovariectomized at 2.5 months of age. Four intact and four ovariectomized heifers received subcutaneous injection of bGH (15 mg/day) for 15 weeks starting at 176 +/- 3 days of age (147 +/- 3 kg body weight), while the remaining eight heifers received an equal volume of excipient. Blood samples were collected weekly from 2 months of age. Heifers were slaughtered on the day after the last injection of bGH or excipient. Mammary gland development was quantified by dissection, chemical analysis and computer tomographic scanning. Mammary growth response at the time of slaughter was examined in cultures with explants prepared from parenchyma. Histological and histoautoradiographic studies with explants were performed. Treatment with bGH resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) smaller mammary gland because of a reduced amount of extraparenchymal tissue. Ovariectomy markedly reduced the amount of parenchymal tissue. Growth response in mammary explants showed no treatment differences, suggesting that the decreased amount of parenchyma in ovariectomized heifers was caused by a decrease in mammary cell proliferation occurring some time prior to slaughter. The histological composition of mammary parenchyma was not changed by bGH treatment. However, ovariectomy resulted in less epithelial tissue (P < 0.001) and lumen (P < 0.05) and more stroma (P < 0.001), expressed as percentage tissue area. Serum hormone concentrations of bGH and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were increased by bGH treatment in both intact and ovariectomized heifers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Follicular development in prepubertal heifers

Ovarian follicular waves, characterized by the emergence, persistence, and regression or ovulation of a large follicle, occur in both cyclic and pregnant cattle. The purpose of this study was to characterize follicular activity and, in particular, the turnover of the large follicles in prepubertal heifers. The ovaries of six Santa Gertrudis heifers were monitored by ultrasound every other day for 28 days. The numbers of small (5 mm or less), medium (6–10 mm), and large (greater than 10 mm) follicles present at each session were determined, and the growth and regression of the largest follicle present on either ovary was characterized. Heifers were bled biweekly for 40 weeks to determine progesterone (P 4) concentrations. The prepubertal status of animals during the 28 day period of ultrasonic monitoring was confirmed by the absence of detectable luteal tissue, by ultrasonic evaluation and by P 4 concentrations of less than 1 ng ml −1. Heifers exhibited 3.3 ± 0.5 ( χ ± SEM) different largest follicles during the 28 day period with turnover occurring every 7.2 ± 0.9 days. The maximum diameter of the largest follicles ( n = 20) was 11.2 ± 0.4 mm. There were 4.5 ± 0.3 small, 2.1 ± 0.2 medium, and 0.6 ± 0.1 large follicles present per heifer per session ( P < 0.05). This study confirms that antral follicles of all sizes are present on the ovaries of prepubertal heifers, and is the first to demonstrate that large follicles grown and regress in a wave-like pattern during this physiological state.