Relationships among prolactin binding, prolactin concentrations in plasma and metabolic activity of the porcine mammary gland

The current studies were designed to investigate relationships among prolactin (PRL) binding, PRL concentrations in plasma and metabolic activity of porcine mammary glands. Preliminary studies revealed specific high-affinity binding of oPRL to porcine mammary gland. Conditions for optimal specific binding were similar to those observed for other species. To address the main objectives of the study, four mammary biopsies and blood samples were obtained from each of four gilts during lactogenesis and lactation (d-11, 4, 21 and 42 of lactation) to measure in vitro rates of metabolic activity, PRL binding to mammary membranes and PRL concentrations in plasma. Metabolic activity, as measured by oxidation of glucose or acetate to CO2 and incorporation into lipid, was low during pregnancy, increased two- to five-fold on d 4, and then paralleled the lactation curve for sows. There were highly significant positive correlations between PRL binding and all measures of mammary metabolism when data from pregnancy and lactation were utilized. Coefficients were positive but generally not statistically significant when lactation data only were utilized. During lactation, significant negative correlations were observed between concentrations of PRL in plasma and PRL binding and between PRL in plasma and mammary metabolic rate. These data provide evidence that binding of PRL to its receptor is an important effector of milk production in sows. Furthermore, oPRL is a suitable ligand to quantify PRL binding to porcine mammary tissue.     

Adipose tissue fatty acid metabolism during pregnancy in swine

In vitro adipose tissue fatty acid pool size (POOL), fatty acid release (FAR) and esterification (EST) were measured in peritoneal (PFP) and subcutaneous mammary (MFP) fat pads of swine at d 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 112 of pregnancy. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) were not altered by stage of pregnancy. Basal EST in PFP was generally constant across pregnancy with a peak at d 75. Basal EST in MFP was elevated at d 30, 75 and 112. Esterification in response to norepinephrine stimulus (NE) was lower than basal rates in both fat depots. Basal FAR was constant throughout pregnancy in PFP, but elevated at d 75 and 90 in MFP. Fatty acid release in response to NE was biphasic with peaks at d 30 and in late pregnancy (in MFP, micromolar FAR in response to NE was 69.3% greater on d 75 to 112 than on d 45 to 60). Basal POOL was constant throughout pregnancy in both depots and lower than NE-stimulated POOL. All responses to NE were greater in MFP than in PFP, indicating that adipose tissue surrounding the developing mammary gland had higher metabolic activity and a greater response to NE than peritoneal adipose. Changes in fatty acid metabolism during pregnancy in swine are temporally related to published values for plasma steroids, fetal growth and mammary development. Metabolic adaptations in adipose and mannary epithelial tissue occur in synchrony with changing plasma estrogen concentrations, redirecting energy flow from maternal adipose tissue toward developing mammary and fetal tissue.     

Mammary gland growth as influenced by litter size in lactating sows: impact on lysine requirement

Twenty-eight primiparous sows were used to determine the effect of litter size on the growth of mammary glands and nursing pigs during lactation. Litter size was set to 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 pigs by cross-fostering immediately after birth. Four sows were allotted to each litter-size group. Sows were allowed to consume a daily maximum of 13.6 Mcal ME and 46.3 g of lysine during lactation. Sows were slaughtered on d 21 (20.6+/-1.1) of lactation. Mammary glands were collected at slaughter and trimmed of skin and the extraneous fat pad. Each gland was separated, weighed, and ground for chemical analysis. Dry matter, dry fat-free tissue (DFFT), crude protein, ash, and DNA contents were measured. Only glands known to have been nursed were included in the data set. Wet and dry weights and the amounts of DFFT, protein, DNA, ash, and fat in individual nursed mammary glands linearly decreased (P<.05) as litter size increased. Percentages of DFFT, protein, and DNA were quadratically affected (P<.05) by litter size on d 21 of lactation. Total mammary wet and dry weights and total DFFT, protein, DNA, fat, and ash amount of all nursed mammary glands of each sow were increased as litter size increased (P<.05). Changing litter size from 6 to 12 pigs resulted in 2,098, 432, 253, 227, 4.4, 178, and 20 g increases in the amounts of total mammary wet weight, dry weight, DFFT, protein, DNA, fat, and ash, respectively, on d 21 of lactation. Litter weight gain was 18.1 kg greater in sows with 12 pigs than in sows with 6 pigs. Sows with a larger litter size had a greater increase in total mass of mammary gland tissue and litter weight but had lower growth of individual nursed mammary glands and individual pigs than sows with the smaller litter size. The need for nutrients to support additional mammary gland and litter growth as litter size increases should be considered when estimating nutrient requirements for lactating sows. Sows need an additional .96 g lysine per day to account for mammary gland growth for each pig added to a litter.     

Effects of increased dietary energy and protein during late gestation on mammary development in gilts

Thirty-two gilts were used to evaluate the effects of increased dietary energy and CP during late gestation on mammary development. On d 75 of gestation, gilts were assigned randomly in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement to adequate (5.76 Mcal ME/d) or increased (10.5 Mcal ME/d) energy and adequate (216 g CP/d) or increased (330 g CP/d) protein. On d 105 of gestation, gilts were slaughtered and total mastectomies were performed. Mammary tissue was separated into mammary parenchymal and mammary extraparenchymal stromal tissue and analyzed for DNA, RNA, protein and lipid. No interactions between dietary energy and protein level were detected (P greater than .20). When adjusted for number of mammary glands and maternal BW (weight of the sow less the weight of the fetuses), mammary parenchymal weight was 27% greater (P less than .03) in gilts fed adequate energy than in gilts fed increased energy, but mammary extraparenchymal stroma weight was unaffected by dietary energy level. Total mammary parenchymal DNA was 30% greater in gilts fed adequate energy than in gilts fed increased energy (P less than .03). Total mammary parenchymal RNA (P less than .02) and total mammary parenchymal protein (P less than .02) also were greater in gilts fed adequate energy than in gilts fed increased energy. Dietary protein level did not affect mammary variables measured, except that increased dietary protein tended to reduce mammary extraparenchymal stromal weight (P less than .09). Increased dietary protein between d 75 and d 105 of gestation did not benefit mammary development, but increased dietary energy was detrimental to development of mammary secretory tissue.     

Localization of fibroblast growth factor I (acid fibroblast growth factor) and its mRNA in the bovine mammary gland during mammogenesis, lactation and involution

Growth factors are involved in development and function of the mammary gland. The aim of this study was the localization of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) and its mRNA in the bovine mammary gland during different developmental and functional stages. Mammary tissue was obtained from German Brown Swiss cows (n = 23) during defined stages of mammogenesis (before and during pregnancy), lactogenesis, peak lactation and involution. The distribution of FGF-1 mRNA was studied using non-radioactive in situ hybridization, the corresponding FGF-protein was analysed using immunohistochemistry [avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC)-method]. A moderate to distinct staining for FGF-mRNA was found in the epithelium of ducts and developing alveoli during mammogenesis. Post-partum at the same cellular locations, a considerable amount of FGF-1 mRNA, was seen that decreased during lactation. Also during early involution clear staining for FGF-mRNA could still be observed. Immunoreactive FGF-1 was found in considerable concentration in the epithelium of the mammary gland in heifers. The staining intensity generally decreased somewhat during mammogenesis and lactation, but could be always clearly demonstrated in the secretory epithelial cells of alveoli and glandular ducts. Also during the first day after the end of milking, the epithelium displayed a moderate to distinct epithelial immunostaining. Notably, After 4 weeks of involution, in many alveoli a shedding of the FGF-1 positive luminal cell layer was found. In our localization studies, no strict correlation between FGF-1 mRNA and its corresponding protein was found. The various reasons for this finding are discussed.     

Effect of nutrient intake on mammary gland growth in lactating sows

Sixty-one primiparous sows were used to determine the response of mammary gland growth to different energy and protein intakes during lactation. After birth, litter size was set to 9 or 10 pigs. Sows were slaughtered at selected times up to 30 d of lactation. Individual sows were fed one of four diets that were combinations of different amounts of energy and protein (3.0 Mcal ME and 8.0 g lysine/kg diet; 3.0 Mcal ME and 16.2 g lysine/kg diet; 3.5 Mcal ME and 6.4 g lysine/kg diet; or 3.5 Mcal ME and 13.0 g lysine/kg diet). Mammary glands were collected at slaughter and trimmed of skin and the extraneous fat pad. Each gland was weighed, cut in half to measure cross-sectional area, ground, and stored at -20 degrees C for chemical analysis. Frozen, ground tissue was used to determine dry matter, dry fat-free tissue (DFFT), total tissue protein, ash, and DNA content. Only glands known to have been suckled were included in this data set. Response surface regression was used for statistical analysis. The percentage of protein, fat, ash, and DNA in each suckled mammary gland was affected only by total energy intake (P<.05). The percentage of dry tissue and fat decreased as the total energy consumed during lactation increased, whereas the percentage of protein and DFFT increased as total energy intake increased. There were quadratic effects (P<.05) of both total energy and protein intake on wet weight, dry weight, protein amount, DFFT amount, and DNA amount of each suckled mammary gland during lactation. This study shows that mammary gland growth is affected by nutrient intake during lactation. The weight of suckled mammary glands and the amount of mammary tissue protein, DFFT, and total DNA were maximal on d 27.5 of lactation when sows had consumed an average of 16.9 Mcal of ME and 55 g of lysine per day during lactation. Provision of adequate amounts of nutrients to sows during lactation is important for achieving maximal growth of mammary glands and maximal milk production.     

Changes in tissue composition associated with mammary gland growth during lactation in sows.

Twenty-four primiparous sows were used to determine the extent of mammary gland growth during lactation. Litter size was set to nine or 10 pigs immediately after birth. Sows were slaughtered in groups representing d 0 (within 12 h after farrowing), 5, 10, 14, 21, and 28 of lactation. Sows were provided 17.5 Mcal ME and 65 g of lysine per day during lactation. Mammary glands were collected at slaughter and trimmed of skin and extraneous fat pad. Each gland was weighed, cut in half to measure cross-sectional area, and ground for chemical analysis. Dry matter content, dry fat-free tissue (DFFT) content, protein content, amino acids composition, ash content, and DNA content were measured. Only glands known to have been suckled were included in these data. Wet and dry tissue weight; cross-sectional area; and the amount of DFFT, tissue protein, and amino acids in each suckled mammary gland increased (P < .05) during lactation to a peak on d 21. Fat percentage of each suckled gland declined (P < .05) and the percentage of protein and DFFT increased (P < .05) as lactation progressed. These results suggest that hypertrophy occurred in the tissue during lactation. There was a linear increase in the amount and percentage of DNA during lactation (P < .05), suggesting hyperplasia of the mammary tissue. Mammary tissue growth continues in suckled glands during lactation in sows, with gland wet weight increased by 55% and total gland DNA increased by 100% between d 5 and 21 of lactation.     

Feedlot performance and pregnancy inhibition of heifers treated with depot-formulated melengestrol acetate

In dose titration trials beef heifers received depot-formulated melengestrol acetate (DEPO-MGA) in single s.c. ear injections to determine effects on performance and pregnancy inhibition. In a 112-d feedlot trial, 105 heifers were assigned to light, medium and heavy weight blocks on five treatments: dietary MGA (.5 mg.hd-1.d-1), control (no MGA) or DEPO-MGA on d 1 at .5, 1.0 or 1.5 ml/hd (30, 60 or 90 mg MGA/hd, respectively). A high-energy cracked corn diet was fed to all heifers ad libitum. At d 56 and d 112, ADG and feed/gain were not affected (P greater than .05) by dietary MGA or DEPO-MGA treatments, although dietary MGA tended to increase 112-d ADG (1.67 vs 1.58 kg) compared with controls. In a pasture trial, 100 beef heifers were assigned by weight to five treatments: control (no MGA) or DEPO-MGA injected on d 1 at .5, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 ml/hd (30, 60, 90 or 120 mg MGA/hd, respectively). Heifers were pastured as a single herd and were exposed to fertile bulls from d 7 to d 181. Weights and pregnancy data were recorded at d 62, 90, 134, 181 and 225. Heifer ADG was not affected (P greater than .05) by DEPO-MGA treatment at any weighing date. By d 90, 90% of control heifers were pregnant, and 100% were pregnant by d 134. Pregnancy inhibition rates of 90% to 100% for each DEPO-MGA treatment at d 62, 90 and 134 were higher (P less than .01) than those in control heifers. Pregnancy was inhibited in 90% of heifers on 60-mg and 90-mg DEPO-MGA treatments through d 181, and in 95% of heifers on the 120 mg DEPO-MGA treatment through d 225.     

Effect of bovine growth hormone on incorporation of [14C]acetate into lipids by co-cultures of bovine mammary, liver, and adipose tissue explants

Incorporation of [14C]acetate into lipids was measured in 24 hr co-cultures of mammary, liver and adipose tissue from Holstein cows at 53, 210 and 318 d of lactation in the presence or absence of bovine growth hormone. Little (less than 1%) of the labeled lipids appeared in the media relative to that incorporated into the tissue. In mammary tissue, incorporation of [14C]acetate was highest into triglycerides (16,298 cpm/mg mammary tissue), followed by phospholipids (1,887 cpm), free fatty acids (1,252 cpm), diglycerides (708 cpm), free cholesterol (360 cpm) and monoglycerides (93 cpm). Bovine growth hormone did not increase incorporation of [14C]acetate when mammary or adipose tissue were incubated separately. However, in the presence of liver and adipose tissue, bovine growth hormone significantly increased the incorporation of [14C]acetate into triglycerides, diglycerides, free fatty acids and free cholesterol by mammary tissue. These results suggest that bovine growth hormone acts on mammary tissue indirectly through liver and adipose tissue to increase lipid synthesis. This mechanism may play a role in the action of bovine growth hormone in vivo to increase milk and milk fat production.     

Preparation of an epithelium-free mammary fat pad and subsequent mammogenesis in ewes

The objective of this study was to develop a surgical procedure for the preparation of an epithelium-free mammary fat pad (cleared mammary fat pad; CFP) in ewes. At 7 to 10 d of age, ewe lambs (n = 43, mean BW 9.2 +/- .2 kg at 14 d) were sedated and one mammary gland was locally anesthetized. An incision circumscribing the base of the teat was made and blunt dissection was performed through the extraneous mammary fat pad tissue to enable the parenchyma and teat to be wholly removed. Failure to completely remove the epithelium enabled it to regenerate and grow into the mammary fat pad. Mean diameter of the parenchymal rudiment at 7 to 10 d of age was 8.9 +/- .5 mm (range of 5 to 16 mm). The excision site was closed with wound clips and recovered lambs returned to their dams. The contralateral mammary gland remained intact, allowing it to undergo normal development. Live weight gain was unaffected by this procedure. Ewes were subsequently slaughtered in groups at various stages of prepuberty, puberty, gestation, and lactation. Of 39 operated glands recovered, only one demonstrated epithelial outgrowth within the CFP. Parenchyma within the contralateral, intact gland underwent phases of rapid growth in prepuberty, puberty, and late gestation and was capable of milk synthesis after steroid induction or parturition. Change in weight of the CFP paralleled that of the intact mammary gland to 100 d of pregnancy. Sham CFP surgery was performed on four additional ewes wherein the parenchyma was completely excised and immediately replaced. Sham-operated epithelium populated the mammary fat pad and synthesized milk that could be expressed from the teat. A CFP in sheep will be a useful model for future investigations into the local growth regulatory mechanisms associated with ruminant mammogenesis.     

Substrate utilization by fetal pig skeletal muscle

The ability of fetal pig skeletal muscle (biceps femoris) to metabolize glucose, fructose, lactate, acetate and palmitate in vitro was examined at 70, 90 and 110 d of gestation. Even though succinate dehydrogenase activity increased as fetal age increased (P less than .01), the rate of oxidation of glucose, fructose, acetate and palmitate to CO2 was not influenced by fetal age (P greater than .05), but each rate was dose-dependent (P less than .01). At higher concentration, lactate oxidation to CO2 proceeded at a faster rate in the muscle of 70-d fetuses when compared with 90- or 110-d fetuses. Muscle glycogen content increased (P less than .01) from 70 to 110 d of gestation. The rate of glucose incorporation into glycogen increased over this same time frame (P less than .06). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity did not change with age when activity was expressed per unit wet weight of muscle (P greater than .05). The ratio [1-14C]glucose/[6-14C]glucose oxidized to CO2 was independent of age and substrate concentration, and indicated significant pentose cycle activity in fetal muscle. Incorporation of lactate and palmitate into phospholipid was greatest at 70 d of gestation, a time period that coincides with establishment of mature muscle fiber number and fiber hypertrophy. The rate of palmitate incorporation into triacylglycerol was dependent on concentration of substrate (P less than .01) but not on age (P greater than .05). The rate of fructose oxidation to CO2 was lower than the rate for glucose, lactate and acetate when compared at similar concentrations. Acetate carbons were not incorporated into free fatty acids or lipid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of plane of nutrition, growth hormone and unsaturated fat on mammary growth in prepubertal lambs.

Effects of plane of nutrition, growth hormone treatment and dietary polyunsaturated fat on mammary development were assessed in prepubertal ewe lambs. Ten lambs (15.6 kg initial body weight) were assigned to each of four treatment groups. Treatments included: (A) lambs given ad libitum access to a high-energy ration; (G) fed as group A but injected s.c. daily with bovine growth hormone (.08 mg/kg BW); (R) feed intake restricted to achieve a growth rate of about 120 g/d; and (S) given ad libitum access to a ration including a formaldehyde-protected sunflower seed supplement. Diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric and were fed from about 7 to 22 wk of age. At slaughter, the udder was removed and divided into halves. One udder half was trimmed and the parenchyma was dissected from surrounding stroma for compositional analyses. Final body weight and rate of gain averaged 41.2, 42.8, 27.3 and 46.0 kg, and 251, 267, 112 and 311 g/d for groups A, G, R and S, respectively. In the same treatment order, mammary parenchymal weight averaged 15.3, 20.3, 14.2 and 25.6 g. Parenchymal dry, fat-free tissue and DNA content were 1.7, 2.5, 1.3 g and 12.6, 24.1, 10.4 and 18.8 mg, respectively. Mammary parenchymal development was stimulated by polyunsaturated fat but was not affected by plane of nutrition. Supplemental dietary lipid may promote mammogenesis in ruminants.     

Effects of body condition score at parturition and postpartum supplemental fat on adipose tissue lipogenic activity of lactating beef cows

Three-year-old Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows nutritionally managed to achieve a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479.3 +/- 36.3 kg of initial BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (579.6 +/- 53.1 kg of initial BW) at parturition were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr) to determine the effects of BCS at parturition and postpartum lipid supplementation on cow adipose tissue lipogenesis. Beginning 3 d postpartum, cows within each BCS were randomly assigned to be fed hay and a low-fat control supplement or supplements with either cracked high-linoleate safflower seeds or cracked high-oleate safflower seeds until d 60 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and safflower seed diets provided 5% DMI as fat. Adipose tissue biopsies were collected near the tail-head region of cows on d 30 and 60 of lactation. Dietary treatment did not affect (P > or = 0.43) adipose tissue lipogenesis. Body condition score at parturition did not affect acetate incorporation into lipid (P = 0.53) or activity of acetyl CoA carboxylase (P = 0.77) or fatty acid synthase (P = 0.18). Lipoprotein lipase activity and palmitate incorporation into triacyl-glycerol tended to be greater (P = 0.06), and palmitate esterification into total acylglycerols was greater (P = 0.01) in cows with a BCS of 4 at parturition. Mean activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (P < 0.001), lipoprotein lipase (P = 0.01), and rate of palmitate incorporation into monoacylglycerol (P = 0.02), diacylglycerol (P = 0.001), triacylglycerol (P = 0.003), and total acylglycerols (P = 0.002) were greater at d 30 than d 60, suggesting a greater proclivity for fatty acid biosynthesis and esterification by adipose tissue at d 30 of lactation. Although dietary lipid supplementation did not affect adipose tissue lipogenesis, results suggest that cows with a BCS of 4 at parturition have a greater propensity to deliver exogenously derived fatty acids to the adipocyte surface and incorporate preformed fatty acids into acylglycerols as stored adipocyte lipid. Additionally, cows in early lactation seemed to be able to synthesize and incorporate more fatty acids into stored lipid than cows during peak lactation.     

The effect of insulin and relaxin upon mitosis (in vitro) in mammary tissue from pregnant and lactating pigs

The rate of cellular proliferation in the mammary glands of pigs during late gestation and lactation was assessed by measuring the incorporation of ³H-thymidine (T₁) into the DNA of mammary gland explants in vitro. The T₁ showed a linear response over the first 9 hr in vitro, and was not affected by the addition of 500 ng insulin/ml medium. From day 100 to parturition the T₁ rose, reached a peak at 2 d after parturition and declined during lactation to the lowest levels seen at day 21 of lactation.

The inclusion of 0–1000 ng relaxin/ml medium on T₁ at 24–72 hr in vitro had no effect in stimulating T₁ in mammary tissue explants taken from either pregnant or lactating pigs.     

Effects of body composition, pre- and postpartum energy level and early weaning on reproductive performance of beef cows and preweaning calf gain

Mature Charolais x Angus rotational cross cows were adjusted to moderate body condition by d 190 of gestation then randomly blocked to a maintenance (ME) or low-energy (LE) diet. At parturition, the 128 cows were randomly allotted within prepartum (PRP) diet to a high-energy (HE) or LE diet. At d 30 postpartum (PP), cows were randomly blocked to two treatments in which calves were weaned early (EW) or normally (NW) at 7 mo of age. Cows receiving a LE PRP diet had lighter calves at birth (34.7 vs 39.0 kg) and 105 d (127.9 vs 144.6 kg). Prepartum and PP energy interacted to affect postpartum anestrous interval (PPI, d) and cycling activity (%), respectively (LE-LE = 72.6, 33.3; LE-HE = 54.3, 56.3; ME-LE = 65.7, 52.9; ME-HE = 68.4, 54.3). High PP energy averaged over PRP diet increased (P less than .10) pregnancy rate by 22.7% and 105-d calf weight by 15.1 kg. Early weaning reduced PPI by 24.3 d (P less than .01) and first service conception rate by 21.7% (P less than .10). Cycling activity within 60 d PP was affected (P less than .01) by PRP diet and suckling status (LE-EW = 62.5, LE-NW = 26.7, ME-EW = 88.9, ME-NW = 13.3%). Thin cows had a longer PPI but had a higher first service conception rate than moderate and fleshy cows. Higher pregnancy rates were observed in cows approaching or maintaining average body condition from parturition to conception than for cows moving away from moderate body condition. Results suggest that fleshy and thin cows at parturition should be managed to approach moderate body condition before the breeding season to optimize reproductive performance and preweaning calf gain.     

NFκB1在奶牛乳腺上皮细胞中的表达与定位

试验旨在研究奶牛乳腺上皮细胞（bovine mammary epithelial cell, BMEC）中NFκB1的表达与定位变化,以阐明NFκB1对BMEC乳合成的转录调节机理。通过组织块法培养原代细胞,利用BMEC和成纤维细胞对胰蛋白酶敏感性的不同进行纯化和传代;利用Western blotting和免疫荧光染色法检测细胞中角蛋白18和β-酪蛋白的表达以鉴定细胞的纯度和泌乳功能;通过添加0.6 mmol/L蛋氨酸建立氨基酸刺激BMEC泌乳的体外模型;Western blotting和免疫荧光法检测添加蛋氨酸后NFκB1和p-NFκB1表达与定位的变化。结果显示,获得了纯化的BMEC;Western blotting检测发现NFκB1在细胞浆中存在约141和105 ku两种形式,在细胞核中只存在105 ku形式;p-NFκB1（50 ku）主要存在于细胞核内。在添加蛋氨酸后NFκB1的141 ku形式的含量有一定增加;105 ku形式在细胞浆内蛋白水平变化不明显,在细胞核内水平明显升高;p-NFκB1在细胞核中的定位明显增加。结果提示,NFκB1参与BMEC乳合成的转录调节,氨基酸通过促进细胞核内NFκB1磷酸化以调节泌乳相关基因的转录和促进乳合成。     

Body condition score at parturition and postpartum supplemental fat effects on cow and calf performance

Three-year-old Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows nutritionally managed to achieve a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479.3 +/- 36.3 kg of BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (579.6 +/- 53.1 kg of BW) at parturition were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr) to determine the effects of prepartum energy balance and postpartum lipid supplementation on cow and calf performance. Beginning 3 d postpartum, cows within each BCS were assigned randomly to be fed hay and a low-fat control supplement or supplements with either high-linoleate cracked safflower seeds or high-oleate cracked safflower seeds until d 60 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and safflower seed supplements were provided to achieve 5% of DMI as fat. Ultrasonic 12th rib fat and LM area were lower (P < 0.001) for cows in BCS 4 compared with BCS 6 cows throughout the study. Cows in BCS 4 at parturition maintained (P = 0.02) condition over the course of the study, whereas cows in BCS 6 lost condition. No differences (P = 0.44 to 0.71) were detected for milk yield, milk energy, milk fat percentage, or milk lactose percentage because of BCS; however, milk protein percentage was less (P = 0.03) for BCS 4 cows. First-service conception rates did not differ (P = 0.22) because of BCS at parturition, but overall pregnancy rate was greater (P = 0.02) in BCS 6 cows. No differences (P = 0.48 to 0.83) were detected in calf birth weight or ADG because of BCS at parturition. Dietary lipid supplementation did not influence (P = 0.23 to 0.96) cow BW change, BCS change, 12th rib fat, LM area, milk yield, milk energy, milk fat percentage, milk lactose percentage, first service conception, overall pregnancy rates, or calf performance. Although cows in BCS of 4 at parturition seemed capable of maintaining BCS during lactation, the overall decrease in pregnancy rate indicates cows should be managed to achieve a BCS >4 before parturition to improve reproductive success.     

Characterization of mammary gland development in pregnant gilts

The purpose of this study was to quantify mammary gland (MG) growth during pregnancy in gilts and to determine the effect of anatomical location on gland growth. Size, composition, and histomorphology of MG were determined during gestation in 29 primigravid gilts. Gilts were allotted randomly to 6 slaughter groups: d 45 (n = 6), 60 (n = 4), 75 (n = 5), 90 (n = 4), 102 (n = 5), and 112 (n = 5) of gestation. Mammary glands were obtained at slaughter, and skin and extraneous fat pad were removed to obtain parenchymal MG tissue. Mammary glands were further separated into individual MG, and their locations were recorded. Individual MG were weighed and bisected in an approximate midsagittal section to measure cross-sectional area. Mammary glands were ground individually and pooled according to anatomical region: the first and second pairs of MG = anterior MG; the third, fourth, and fifth pairs of MG = middle MG; the sixth, seventh, and eighth pairs of MG = posterior MG. Contents of DM, CP, ether extract, and crude ash were measured. Wet weight, DM, CP, and ash content of total and individual MG increased (P < 0.01) between d 45 and 112 of gestation. Cross-sectional area of individual MG increased (P < 0.01) as gestation progressed. Percentage of CP and ash increased (P < 0.01), whereas percentage of ether extract decreased (P < 0.01) as gestation progressed. This inverse relationship between percentages of CP and ether extract (r = -0.999; P < 0.0001) was consistent with the histological shift from primarily an adipose tissue in early gestation to one containing extensive lobuloalveolar tissue in late gestation. Wet weight of middle MG was greater (P < 0.05) than that of posterior MG at d 102 and 112 of gestation, and amount of CP in middle MG was greater (P < 0.05) than that in anterior and posterior MG at d 102 and 112 of gestation, indicating that middle MG grow faster than other MG during late gestation. Rates of wet weight gain and protein accretion were accelerated (P < 0.01) after d 74 and 75 of gestation, respectively, indicating the importance of MG growth during the last trimester of gestation. The increase in rate of protein accretion after d 75 indicates a greater protein requirement for MG growth during later gestation.