Effects of Nutrient Manipulation during Peripartum and Suckling Period on Productivity of Hanwoo Cows and Offspring

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of nutrient manipulation during the peripartum and suckling periods on the productivity of Hanwoo cows and their offspring. A total of 183 pregnant cows and their 180 offspring were randomly assigned to either a control group, fed a formula feed with 13.5% crude protein (CP) and 70.5% total digestible nutrients (TDN), or a treatment group, fed nutrient-enriched formula feed with 18.0% CP and 72.5% TDN. Offspring were similarly divided and fed either 17.0% CP and 69.5% TDN (control) or 21.5% CP and 72.5% TDN (treatment). Results showed that body weight recovery was higher in the treatment group, although wither height, body length, and body condition scores were similar between groups. The treatment group exhibited increased chest girth, reduced intervals for first return to estrus, and shorter days open compared to the control group. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids, albumin, and progesterone concentrations of Hanwoo cows varied between groups at the 3 months before and after calving. Offspring in the treatment group had higher body weight and average daily gain at birth, three and six months of age, with higher dry matter intake. These findings suggest that nutrient-enriched formula feed positively influences the reproductive efficiency of Hanwoo cows and the growth performance of their offspring.