Effect of periconceptional nutrition on the growth, behaviour and survival of the neonatal lamb

D O Kleemann; J M Kelly; S R Rudiger; I C McMillen; J L Morrison; S Zhang; S M MacLaughlin; D H Smith; R J Grimson; K S Jaensch; F D Brien; K J Plush; S Hiendleder; S K Walker

doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.06.017

Effect of periconceptional nutrition on the growth, behaviour and survival of the neonatal lamb

Anim Reprod Sci. 2015 Sep:160:12-22. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.06.017. Epub 2015 Jun 24.

Authors

D O Kleemann¹, J M Kelly², S R Rudiger², I C McMillen³, J L Morrison⁴, S Zhang⁴, S M MacLaughlin⁴, D H Smith², R J Grimson², K S Jaensch², F D Brien⁵, K J Plush⁵, S Hiendleder⁶, S K Walker²

Affiliations

¹ South Australian Research and Development Institute, Turretfield Research Centre, Rosedale, SA 5350, Australia. Electronic address: Dave.Kleemann@sa.gov.au.
² South Australian Research and Development Institute, Turretfield Research Centre, Rosedale, SA 5350, Australia.
³ Early Origins of Adult Health Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; The Chancellery, University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2700, NSW, Australia.
⁴ Early Origins of Adult Health Group, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
⁵ School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
⁶ School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.

PMID: 26220681
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.06.017

Abstract

Periconceptional nutrition (PCN) can influence foetal hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis function and alter cortisol secretion with possible consequences for maturation and growth of major organs, gestation length and behaviour. We examined effects of PCN on phenotype and survival of the neonatal lamb in 466 Merino ewes allocated to treatments providing 70%, 100% and 150% respectively, of maintenance requirements for 17 days prior and 6 days after insemination. Gestation length and birth weight for lambs in PCN treatment groups was similar (P > 0.05) but low PCN decreased the size of the neonate (crown-rump-length and metacarpal length P < 0.05). A subset of lambs euthanased at 5 days of age further showed that low PCN decreased the amount of peri-renal fat (P < 0.05) and increased liver mass (P < 0.05) while high PCN increased neck thymus and ovary mass (P < 0.05). Neonatal lambs from low PCN ewes returned faster to their mothers after release (P < 0.05) and contacted the udder in the shortest time (P < 0.05). Significant interactions between PCN treatment and sex (P < 0.05) and between PCN treatment and ewe age (P < 0.05) were also observed for time lambs took to follow the ewe. Survival of lambs was similar but potential differences may have been masked by favourable weather conditions. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of significant changes in lamb growth and development dependent on PCN and, for the first time, links these changes with significant changes in behaviour of the neonate. The impact of these effects on lamb survival and potential reproductive capacity of female offspring remains to be determined.

Keywords: Behaviour; Growth; Neonate; Ovine; Periconceptional nutrition; Survival.

Publication types

Controlled Clinical Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animal Feed / analysis*
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Animals
Animals, Newborn / physiology*
Behavior, Animal
Diet / veterinary*
Female
Fertilization
Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
Pregnancy
Sheep / growth & development*
Sheep / physiology
Survival Rate