Effect of conception date and hind nutrition on fetal growth trajectory and gestation length of red deer (Cervus elaphus)
I. C. Scott A , G. W. Asher A D , N. Jopson B , N. Cox A , J. A. Archer A , D. R. Stevens A and G. K. Barrell C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A AgResearch Invermay, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand.
B AbacusBio Ltd, PO Box 5585, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand.
C Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand.
D Corresponding author. Email: geoff.asher@agresearch.co.nz
Animal Production Science 55(8) 1064-1074 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN13507
Submitted: 27 November 2013 Accepted: 1 May 2014 Published: 12 August 2014
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that the negative association between gestation length and conception date in red deer is mediated by nutrition. Twenty-eight pregnant red deer were randomly allocated to four groups according to a 2 × 2 factorial design, with the factors conception date (14 March, E; 28 April, L) and level of nutrition (ad libitum, H; restricted, R). Animals were housed indoors in individual pens from early winter until calving and offered daily an ad libitum pelleted ration. The daily ration was then restricted from late winter in ER (134 days post-conception) and LR (89 days post-conception) groups, so that these hinds did not experience a seasonal increase in food intake. X-Ray computed tomography scans were taken at Days 120, 150, 180 and 210 of gestation (mid–late gestation) to estimate weight of various conceptus components. Growth rate of the total fetus was significantly higher in LH than in other treatments (P < 0.01) between Days 180 and 210 of gestation. Birthweight was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between treatments or calf sex. Birthweight was associated directly with change in hind liveweight (P = 0.03) and body condition score during the third trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.01), but was not significantly associated with gestation length (P = 0.34). Gestation length was 4.4 days longer in LR than LH hinds (P = 0.03) and was negatively associated with both food intake (P = 0.03) and LW gain (P = 0.02) during the final trimester of gestation. Feeding late-conceiving hinds an ad libitum diet of high-quality food during the third trimester of gestation maximises fetal growth and shortens gestation length.
Additional keywords: agricultural systems, animal nutrition, animal reproduction, deer management.
References
Abecia JA, Forcada F, Zúñiga O (2002) The effect of melatonin on the secretion of progesterone in sheep and on the development of ovine embryos in vitro. Veterinary Research Communications 26, 151–158.| The effect of melatonin on the secretion of progesterone in sheep and on the development of ovine embryos in vitro.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD387ovFamug%3D%3D&md5=50f97988a0ae8a8058cbde5731814fadCAS | 11922484PubMed |
Adam CL, McDonald I, Moir CE, Pennie K (1988) Foetal development in red deer (Cervus elaphus) 1. Growth of the foetus and associated tissues. Animal Production 46, 131–138.
| Foetal development in red deer (Cervus elaphus) 1. Growth of the foetus and associated tissues.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Adam CL, Kyle CE, Young P (1992) Influence of prenatal photoperiod on postnatal prolactin secretion in red deer (Cervus elaphus). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 95, 959–964.
| Influence of prenatal photoperiod on postnatal prolactin secretion in red deer (Cervus elaphus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXpsVKgtg%3D%3D&md5=48260ed0958def2572c469c8e61b450eCAS | 1404108PubMed |
Albon SD, Guinness FE, Clutton-Brock TH (1983) The influence of climatic variation on the birth weights of Red deer (Cervus elaphus). Journal of Zoology 200, 295–298.
| The influence of climatic variation on the birth weights of Red deer (Cervus elaphus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Asher GW, Barrell GK, Adam JL, Staples LD (1988) Effects of subcutaneous melatonin implants on reproductive seasonality of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 84, 679–691.
| Effects of subcutaneous melatonin implants on reproductive seasonality of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL1MXhtlyi&md5=890c56c6135b8593deb822549d45890cCAS | 3199387PubMed |
Asher GW, Mackintosh CG, Scott IC, O’Neill KT (1998) Effects of Fentazin administration to red deer hinds during late pregnancy on fetal viability. In ‘Proceedings of a Deer Course for Veterinarians: Course No 15’. pp. 111–113. (Deer Branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association: Dunedin, New Zealand)
Asher GW, Mulley RC, O’Neill KT, Scott IC, Jopson NB, Littlejohn RP (2005a) Influence of level of nutrition during late pregnancy on reproductive productivity of red deer I. Adult and primiparous hinds gestating red deer calves. Animal Reproduction Science 86, 261–283.
| Influence of level of nutrition during late pregnancy on reproductive productivity of red deer I. Adult and primiparous hinds gestating red deer calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2M7jsFSisg%3D%3D&md5=b9e8721ddebe80e02f779d21bd1bc56cCAS | 15766805PubMed |
Asher GW, Scott IC, O’Neill KT, Littlejohn RP (2005b) Influence of level of nutrition during late pregnancy on reproductive productivity of red deer (2). Adult hinds gestating wapiti × red deer crossbred calves. Animal Reproduction Science 86, 285–296.
| Influence of level of nutrition during late pregnancy on reproductive productivity of red deer (2). Adult hinds gestating wapiti × red deer crossbred calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2M7jsFSisw%3D%3D&md5=5867ea3b48babcfdf43a022ea49754b2CAS | 15766806PubMed |
Audige L, Wilson PR, Morris RS (1998) A body condition score system and its use for farmed red deer hinds. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 41, 545–553.
| A body condition score system and its use for farmed red deer hinds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Berger J (1992) Facilitation of reproductive synchrony by gestation adjustment in gregarious mammals: a new hypothesis. Ecology 73, 323–329.
| Facilitation of reproductive synchrony by gestation adjustment in gregarious mammals: a new hypothesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Clutton-Brock TH, Guinness FE, Albon SD (1982) ‘Red deer: behaviour and ecology of two sexes.’ (The University of Chicago Press: Chicago, IL)
Davies HL, Southey IN, Goodall DW (1966) Effect of stocking rate and lambing time on gestation length in sheep. Nature 211, 998–999.
| Effect of stocking rate and lambing time on gestation length in sheep.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaF2s7nt1Chsg%3D%3D&md5=718fac38573ac9bc0f513d6f09d4216cCAS | 6007868PubMed |
Davis GH, Dodds KG, Moore GH, Bruce GD (1997) Seasonal effects of gestation and birth weight in alpacas. Animal Reproduction Science 46, 297–303.
| Seasonal effects of gestation and birth weight in alpacas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK2sznsVyiuw%3D%3D&md5=d80e6b2e4f90e7a69e56366e9b7661c3CAS | 9231268PubMed |
Durotoye LA, Webley GE, Rodway RG (1997) Stimulation of the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum of the ewe by the perfusion of melatonin in vivo and by treatment of granulosa cells with melatonin in vitro. Research in Veterinary Science 62, 87–91.
| Stimulation of the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum of the ewe by the perfusion of melatonin in vivo and by treatment of granulosa cells with melatonin in vitro.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXltFChu7o%3D&md5=a1ec059318b03358711e11aedcce5740CAS | 9243703PubMed |
Elias E, Degen AA, Kam M (1991) Effect of conception date on length of gestation in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) in the Negev Desert. Animal Reproduction Science 25, 173–177.
| Effect of conception date on length of gestation in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) in the Negev Desert.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Fowden AL, Ralph MM, Silver M (1994) Nutritional regulation of uteroplacental prostaglandin production and metabolism in pregnant ewes and mares during late gestation. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology 102, 212–221.
| Nutritional regulation of uteroplacental prostaglandin production and metabolism in pregnant ewes and mares during late gestation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXlsV2hsb8%3D&md5=0fa8ad6f6f90991743577ce8aaf4f08eCAS | 7995343PubMed |
Fullerton GD (1980) Tissue imaging and characterisation. In ‘Medical physics of CT and ultrasound’. Medical Physics Monograph. Vol. 6. (Eds GD Fullerton, JA Zagzebski) pp. 125–162. (American Institute of Physics: New York)
García AJ, Landete-Castillejos T, Carrión D, Gaspar-López E, Gallego L (2006) Compensatory extension of gestation length with advance of conception date in red deer (Cervus elaphus). The Journal of Experimental Zoology 305A, 55–61.
| Compensatory extension of gestation length with advance of conception date in red deer (Cervus elaphus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Guinness FE, Gibson RM, Clutton-Brock TH (1978) Calving times of Red deer (Cervus elaphus) on Rhum. Journal of Zoology 185, 105–114.
| Calving times of Red deer (Cervus elaphus) on Rhum.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gundersen HJG, Bendtsen TF, Korbo L, Marcussen N, Møller A, Nielsen K, Nyengaard JR, Pakkenberg B, Sørensen FB, Vesterby A, West MJ (1988) Some new, simple and efficient stereological methods and their use in pathological research and diagnosis. Acta Pathalogica, Microbiologica et Immunologica Scandinavica, Section A, Pathology 96, 379–394.
| Some new, simple and efficient stereological methods and their use in pathological research and diagnosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL1c3ktVOjsQ%3D%3D&md5=72d53ae1a6ea4461d79bf4aa4f248d6bCAS |
Haigh JC (2001) The gestation length of wapiti (Cervus elaphus) revisited. Animal Reproduction Science 65, 89–93.
| The gestation length of wapiti (Cervus elaphus) revisited.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M3osFCqtA%3D%3D&md5=e7857a8eab7aaeb295f2447e86797a76CAS | 11182511PubMed |
Jenkin G, Young IR (2004) Mechanisms responsible for parturition; the use of experimental models. Animal Reproduction Science 83, 567–581.
| Mechanisms responsible for parturition; the use of experimental models.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15271480PubMed |
Jopson NB, Kolstad K, Sehested E, Vangen O (1995) Computed tomography as an accurate and cost effective alternative to carcass dissection. Proceedings of the Australian Association of Animal Breeding and Genetics 11, 635–639.
Jopson NB, Thompson JM, Fennessy PF (1997) Tissue mobilisation rates in male fallow deer (Dama dama) as determined by computed tomography: the effect of natural and enforced food restriction. Animal Science 65, 311–320.
| Tissue mobilisation rates in male fallow deer (Dama dama) as determined by computed tomography: the effect of natural and enforced food restriction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Keech M, Bowyer RT, Ver Hoef JM, Boertje RD, Dale BW, Stephson TR (2000) Life-history consequences of maternal condition in Alaskan moose. The Journal of Wildlife Management 64, 450–462.
| Life-history consequences of maternal condition in Alaskan moose.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kelly RW, Moore GH (1977) Reproductive performance in farmed red deer. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 11, 179–181.
Kleemann DO, Walker SK, Seamark RF (1994) Enhanced fetal growth in sheep administered progesterone during the first three days of pregnancy. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 102, 411–417.
| Enhanced fetal growth in sheep administered progesterone during the first three days of pregnancy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK2M7msFeqtw%3D%3D&md5=0824f8e9c32c502f16d73ff60f220680CAS | 7861395PubMed |
Liggins GC (1979) Initiation of parturition. British Medical Bulletin 35, 145–150.
Litherland AJ, Woodward SJR, Stevens DR, McDougal DB, Boom CJ, Knight TL, Lambert MG (2002) Seasonal variations in pasture quality on New Zealand sheep and beef farms. Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 62, 138–142.
Mellado M, Amaro JL, García JE, Lara LM (2000) Factors affecting gestation length in goats and the effect of gestation period on kid survival. The Journal of Agricultural Science 135, 85–89.
| Factors affecting gestation length in goats and the effect of gestation period on kid survival.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Micke GC, Sullivan TM, Soares-Magalhaes RJ, Rolls PJ, Norman ST, Perry VEA (2010) Heifer nutrition during early- and mid-pregnancy alters fetal growth trajectory and birth weight. Animal Reproduction Science 117, 1–10.
| Heifer nutrition during early- and mid-pregnancy alters fetal growth trajectory and birth weight.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtlyjt7vO&md5=dfafe58885006d584349d497bf7fe45cCAS | 19394770PubMed |
Newbern D, Freemark M (2011) Placental hormones and the control of maternal metabolism and fetal growth. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity 18, 409–416.
| Placental hormones and the control of maternal metabolism and fetal growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXhtlKrsb%2FE&md5=ba53a0274de57a278fbf7337a35ced7dCAS | 21986512PubMed |
Piedrafita J, Ruiz de la Torre JL, Quintanilla R, Manteca X (2000) Variation in gestation length as breeding season advances in Bruna dels Pirineus beef cattle breed. Annals of Zootechnology 49, 353–356.
| Variation in gestation length as breeding season advances in Bruna dels Pirineus beef cattle breed.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Racey PA (1981) Environmental factors affecting the length of gestation in mammals. In ‘Environmental factors in mammal reproduction.’ (Eds B Cook, DP Gilmore) pp. 199–213. (Macmillan: London)
Rowell JE, Shipka MP (2009) Variation in gestation length among captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). Theriogenology 72, 190–197.
| Variation in gestation length among captive reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1MvivFGqsQ%3D%3D&md5=3f06f9731177f76468ca68021466436bCAS | 19344943PubMed |
Scott IC, Asher GW, Archer JA, Littlejohn RP (2008) The effect of conception date on gestation length of red deer (Cervus elaphus). Animal Reproduction Science 109, 206–217.
| The effect of conception date on gestation length of red deer (Cervus elaphus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1cnpt1CntA%3D%3D&md5=3f020e05326b744c07b0366f80f3f587CAS | 18178346PubMed |
Scott IC, Asher GW, Barrell GK, Juan JV (2013) Does nutritional status during the latter stage of pregnancy mediate the effect of conception date on gestation length in red deer hinds? I. Voluntary food intake of hinds during gestation. Livestock Science 158, 230–239.
| Does nutritional status during the latter stage of pregnancy mediate the effect of conception date on gestation length in red deer hinds? I. Voluntary food intake of hinds during gestation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | [Online].
Thorne ET (1976) Nutrition during gestation in relation to successful reproduction in elk. The Journal of Wildlife Management 40, 330–335.
| Nutrition during gestation in relation to successful reproduction in elk.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tudor GD (1972) The effect of pre- and post-natal nutrition on the growth of beef cattle I. The effect of nutrition and parity of the dam on calf birth weight. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 23, 389–395.
| The effect of pre- and post-natal nutrition on the growth of beef cattle I. The effect of nutrition and parity of the dam on calf birth weight.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Verbyla AP, Cullis BR, Kenward MG, Welham SJ (1999) The analysis of designed experiments and longitudinal data using smoothing splines. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society C. Applied Statistics 48, 269–311.
| The analysis of designed experiments and longitudinal data using smoothing splines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Verme LJ (1965) Reproduction studies on penned white-tailed deer. The Journal of Wildlife Management 29, 74–79.
| Reproduction studies on penned white-tailed deer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
West HJ (1996) Maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy in sheep. Its relationship to maternal condition, gestation length, hepatic physiology and glucose metabolism. The British Journal of Nutrition 75, 593–605.
| Maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy in sheep. Its relationship to maternal condition, gestation length, hepatic physiology and glucose metabolism.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK28XivVylsLc%3D&md5=5a54a70a6d4be02c9647c0f1caaca8deCAS | 8672411PubMed |
Whitehead GK (1972) ‘Deer of the world.’ (Constable & Co: London)
Williams LM, Hannah LT, Adam CL, Bourke DA (1997) Melatonin receptors in red deer fetuses (Cervus elaphus). Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 110, 145–151.
| Melatonin receptors in red deer fetuses (Cervus elaphus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXksVans7s%3D&md5=4a4355340056612d57f75edc93cc3772CAS | 9227368PubMed |
