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Short Communication: A Field Study on the Relationship Between Body Condition and Embryo Production in Superovulated Holstein Yearling Heifers

H. Kadokawa^*,1, N. Tameoka, M. Uchiza, Y. Kimura and M. Yonai

^* Faculty of Agriculture, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida 1677-1, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
Japan National Livestock Breeding Center, Anaguchi 72-21, Shimo-Kuriyagawa, Morioka 020-0123, Japan
Department of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Sciences, Senbonmatsu 768, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 329-2793, Japan

¹ Corresponding author: hiroya{at}yamaguchi-u.ac.jp

We conducted a field survey to estimate the relationship between embryo production and the body condition score (BCS) on a 5-point scale, as well as blood concentrations of insulin and glucose, in superovulated Holstein yearling heifers housed in a free-stall barn. They were provided total mixed rations to meet the nutrient requirements. The daily ration was divided between 2 feeding times, utilizing stanchions to separate heifers to avoid social status preventing inferior heifers from having enough feed. The recovered fluid after uterine flushing from heifers (n = 88, 13 mo old) was examined microscopically for the morphological grade and the development stage. The number of heifers in which BCS was 2.75, 3.00, 3.25, and 3.50 was 6, 35, 40, and 7, respectively. The 3.50 BCS heifers produced fewer excellent grade embryos than 3.00 or 3.25 BCS heifers significantly. The 3.50 BCS heifers produced significantly more morula than 2.75, 3.00, or 3.25 BCS heifers. In contrast, 2.75 BCS heifers produced more blastocysts than 3.25 or 3.50 BCS heifers. The 3.50 BCS heifers were hyperinsulinemic. Our results suggested no significant effect of BCS around 3.00 on embryo production, whereas 3.50 BCS heifers may have poorer embryo production.

Key Words: blastocyst • body condition score • hyperinsulinemia • superovulation