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Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reproduction, Fertility and Development Society
Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Undernutrition during early follicle development has irreversible effects on ovulation rate and embryos

T. Y. Chen A C , P. Stott A , R. Z. Athorn A , E. G. Bouwman B and P. Langendijk B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.

B South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: edgecty@gmail.com

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 24(6) 886-892 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD11292
Submitted: 21 November 2011  Accepted: 7 February 2012   Published: 2 March 2012

Abstract

This study assessed carry-over effects of energy level during the early antral phase and subsequent follicular phase on follicle recruitment and ovulation rate. Gilts (n = 45) were fed a standard diet to a low (L, ~1.2 kg day–1) or high (H, ~2.7 kg day–1) level during the early antral (luteal) phase, and subsequently fed a H or L feed level during the follicular phase, resulting in four treatment groups (HH, HL, LH and LL). Follicle size at the end of the luteal phase was greater for gilts fed a high feed level previously (3.3 vs 3.0 mm; P < 0.05). During the follicular phase, high feeding increased follicle size at Day 5 (6.9 vs 6.2 mm; P < 0.005) and plasma oestradiol concentration (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, a low feed level during the luteal phase reduced ovulation rate (14.4 vs 13.2; P < 0.05) and embryo number (12.6 vs 10.5; P < 0.05), and this was not counteracted by feed level during the follicular phase. Plasma progesterone concentration after ovulation was lower for LL gilts than for other treatments (P < 0.05). These results indicate that undernutrition during early antral follicle development may have a residual effect on follicle recruitment and quality.

Additional keywords: feed level, oestradiol, progesterone.


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