Summary
This study compared two total mixed ration silages—one based on dried distillers' grains plus soluble and one on soybean hulls with urea—offered to pregnant beef cows during mid-gestation. Cows fed the DDGS-based silage demonstrated superior dry matter digestibility, nitrogen retention, and body condition score, with lower systemic metabolic stress indicators, whilst maternal diet influenced uterine hemodynamics differently according to fetal sex. However, despite these pronounced maternal physiological differences, offspring birth weight and growth performance through backgrounding were not significantly affected by maternal dietary treatment.
Regional applicability
The study utilises Bos indicus cattle breeds and tropical grass (Marandu) species adapted to Brazilian production systems, limiting direct applicability to UK temperate pasture-based beef production. However, the investigation of dietary supplementation strategies during pregnancy and their differential effects on maternal versus offspring outcomes may inform nutritional management protocols in UK beef herds, particularly regarding cost–benefit analysis of enhanced mid-gestation nutrition.
Key measures
Dry matter digestibility, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre intake, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, body weight and body condition score, non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, urea concentration, uterine blood flow indices (pulsatility index, resistance index, systolic/diastolic ratio), calf birth weight, preweaning growth, and backgrounding performance
Outcomes reported
The study measured maternal nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, body condition, blood metabolites, uterine hemodynamics via Doppler ultrasonography, and calf birth weight and growth performance through the backgrounding period. Maternal diet effects on physiological status were evaluated separately from offspring developmental outcomes.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.