The effect of nutrition and metabolic status on the development of follicles, oocytes and embryos in ruminants

Abstract

The impact of nutrition and energy reserves on the fertility of ruminants has been extensively described. However, the metabolic factors and the molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between nutrition and ovarian function are still poorly understood. These factors could be hormonal (either reproductive and/or metabolic) and/or dietary and metabolic (glucose, amino acids and fatty acids). In this review, we briefly summarize the impact of those nutrients (fatty acids, glucose and amino acids) and metabolic hormones (insulin/IGF-I, growth hormone, T3/4, ghrelin, apelin and the adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin)) implicated in the development of ovarian follicles, oocytes and embryos in ruminants. We then discuss the current hypotheses on the mechanisms of action of these factors on ovarian function. We particularly describe the role of some energy sensors including adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the ovarian cells.

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

“…Yet, a clear relationship has been reported between energy balance, metabolic fuel availability, and reproductive outcomes (Meza-Herrera and TenaSempere 2012). As a consequence, changes in the levels not only in metabolic hormones but also in blood metabolites are dreadfully important cues that convey information to the central nervous system (CNS) regarding to the nutritional status of animals (Dupont et al 2014). In turn, goats have to align such metabolic status to a corresponding extent of reproductive function activating, if it is the case, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis (Meza-Herrera and Tena-Sempere 2012).…”

“…In turn, goats have to align such metabolic status to a corresponding extent of reproductive function activating, if it is the case, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis (Meza-Herrera and Tena-Sempere 2012). Certainly, not only the endocrine but also different neural systems are activated in response to the metabolic status as well as in reply to the circulating levels of specific blood metabolites (Meza-Herrera and Tena-Sempere 2012; Dupont et al 2014). As stated by Krammer and Aurich (2010), BC has elicited positive effects upon reproductive outcomes in different species, and such BC action has been suggested to be most likely BC specific and independent from its role as a precursor of vitamin A.…”

“…Its serum levels either above or below physiological range generate deleterious effects upon reproductive outcomes (Dupont et al 2014). A synergic effect of glucose and insulin has been reported at both CNS and ovarian level (Dupont et al 2014).…”

“…Its serum levels either above or below physiological range generate deleterious effects upon reproductive outcomes (Dupont et al 2014). A synergic effect of glucose and insulin has been reported at both CNS and ovarian level (Dupont et al 2014). Despite most mammal tissues use glucose and fatty acids as energy source, glucose is undoubtedly the principal energy source at ovarian level, denoting that its effects upon reproductive outcomes are mainly related to its sole feature as metabolic fuel (MezaHerrera and Tena-Sempere 2012).…”

“…The last is accomplished throughout activation of an intricate circuitry which involves diverse endocrinological messengers and neurotransmitters, whose core endeavour is to reinitiate the activation of GnRH neurons at peripubertal stages (Dupont et al 2014).…”