Short‐term intake of β‐carotene‐supplemented diets enhances ovarian function and progesterone synthesis in goats

Abstract

The effect of beta-carotene supplementation upon luteal activity, measured as number (CLT) and volume (VLT) of corpus luteum, and P4 synthesis in goats, was evaluated. Goats (n = 22, 34 months) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (i) beta-carotene [Beta, n = 10; body weight (BW = 44.8 +/- 1.45 kg), body condition score (BCS = 3.25 +/- 0.07)], and (ii) Control (Control, n = 12; BW = 45.30 +/- 1.32 kg, BCS = 3.33 +/- 0.06). Upon oestrus synchronization, the Beta group received 50 mg of beta-carotene per day during 35 days pre- and 17 days post-ovulation. The day 4, 8, 12 and 16 post-ovulation, blood samples were collected for quantification of serum P4 concentrations by radioimmmunoassay, and transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed at day 18 for evaluating CLT and VLT. Overall, CLT and VLT mean were 3.10 and 2211.1 mm(3) respectively. The Beta-goats depicted both the largest values for CLT (p = 0.07) and serum P4 levels (p = 0.05), with no differences (p = 0.53) for VLT between treatments. Results suggest a higher efficiency within the cellular-enzymatic groups defining the steroidogenic pathways in the beta-carotene-supplemented goats, generating a larger P4 synthesis. The last is essential for ovulation of healthy oocytes, maintenance of uterine quiescence, nourishment and survival of the embryo around implantation; all of them of paramount significance during the maternal recognition of pregnancy process.

The effect of a negative energy balance status on β-carotene availability in serum and follicular fluid of nonlactating dairy cows

“…The significant negative effect of dietary restriction, and thus NEB, on circulating E2 levels confirmed the findings of Kendrick et al (1999) and Comin et al (2002). Evidence exists that antioxidant vitamins, such as bC, support steroid synthesis (Young et al, 1995;Haliloglu et al, 2002;Arellano-Rodriguez et al, 2009). Besides bC, retinol might have a steroidogenic effect as well because it has been shown that vitamin A deficiency is characterized by a reduced steroid hormone production (Ganguly et al, 1971).…”

Beta-carotene supplementation positively affects selected blood metabolites across time around the onset of puberty in goats

“…Nonetheless, a positive relationship between BC supplementation, metabolic and endocrine status as well as reproductive outcomes has been previously proposed. Short-term BC supplementation positively affected ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate in adult goats (Arellano-Rodriguez et al 2007), increased both corpus luteum diameter as well as progesterone synthesis (Arellano-Rodriguez et al 2009). Besides, short-term BC supplementation in the adult goat increased ovarian activity and enhanced serum concentrations of insulin (Meza-Herrera et al 2013a), although without increases in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations, LH-pulse or LH-area under the curve (LH-AUC) (Meza-Herrera et al 2013b).…”

Sistemas De Producción De Oveja Awassi Y Rendimiento Reproductivo: Una Experiencia Del Medio Oriente

“…An explanation is that the response to a feed supplementation alters glucose, insulin, leptin or IGF-I and probably other metabolic hormones (Scaramuzzi et al, 2006). Arellano-Rodriguez et al, 2007;(Arellano-Rodriguez et al, 2009). Haddad et al (2005) supplemented postpartum Awassi ewes lambing in November with two levels of ruminally undegradable intake protein (RUIP) for 2 months.…”