Peri-conceptional nutritional stress: effects on dairy cows' reproductive performances and consequences for progeny performance

Summary

The aim of this project is to investigate if peri-conceptional nutritional stress has an effect on progeny performance. We will examine the reproductive and productive performances of dairy cows in relation to the date of mating/insemination of their respective dams. We hypothesize that dams that conceived during early lactation give birth to progeny characterized by lower productive and reproductive performances compared to progeny born from dams that fell pregnant during mid or late lactation. We will also look at the incidence of diseases.

Supervisor(s)

Dr Pietro Celi, Professor Herman Raadsma

Research Location

Faculty of Veterinary Science

Program Type

PHD

Synopsis

It is well known that excess mobilization of body reserves or negative energy balance (NEB), resulting from the energetic demands of milk production in early lactation, is associated with a decline in reproductive performance. To achieve a 12 months intercalving period, the modern dairy cow is often inseminated during NEB. Several studies are investigating the several links between NEB and fertility but the exact pathways by which NEB influences reproduction is still not fully elucidated. Recent studies are indicating that the interactions between gametes and the oviduct might have a crucial role in determining the fate of the sperms, oocytes and the embryos. This project will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which maternal nutrition influences progeny performances. This will allow us to develop and improve alternative nutrition and feeding systems for dairy cows.

Additional Information

• The above opportunity also provides a framework to further develop more specific areas or research such as the impact of antioxidant supplementation on dairy cows’ productive performances; cow health; reproductive fitness; ruminant physiology; etc.
• Recently 2 PhD students have completed their studies in related projects (oxidative stress biomarkers in high producing dairy cows in relation to energy balance and pregnancy outcome).
• We have a vast experience in ruminant (cattle, goats and sheep) nutrition, production and reproduction. Our Lab also provides facilities to carry out oxidative status and metabolic profile analysis.
• Recently we have acquired a top of the range brand new spectrophotometer to specifically measure oxidative stress biomarkers in biological samples (blood, plasma, cell cultures, tissue biopsies, exhaled breath condensate).
• Please send CV and a statement relating your skills/interests specific to this project to: Dr Pietro Celi pietroc@camden.usyd.edu.au
• Overseas applicants, please clearly indicate availability of funds and/or institutional support to cover international tuition fees at The University of Sydney.

Keywords

Dairy cows; nutrition; reproduction; epigenetic; cow survival; immune system.

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 941

Other opportunities with Dr Pietro Celi

• Novel feeding systems to improve sheep health and production
• The benefits of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguanensis) in dairy rations on cows’ productive performances and their progeny
• Timing, nature, extent and impact of diseases on dairy goat health and production in Australia

Other opportunities with Professor Herman Raadsma

• Genetic diversity assessment of the koala: applying novel genomic methods and assessing genetic exchangeability across the species range
• Conservation Genomics and the significance of adaptive variation in the Koala
• Koala Conservation management and integrated ecological modelling
• Novel feeding systems to improve sheep health and production
• The benefits of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguanensis) in dairy rations on cows’ productive performances and their progeny