245 Prenatal Transportation Stress Does Not Impact Ovarian Follicle Count in Brahman Offspring
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AbstractCalves from transported dams had greater concentrations of plasma cortisol when restrained and cleared plasma cortisol at a slower rate than calves from non-transported dams. Considering this hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis effect, investigation of other parameters influencing reproduction is warranted in offspring exposed to prenatal transportation stress. The purpose was to determine impact of prenatal transportation stress on offspring ovarian follicle count. Brahman cows were transported for 2 h on d 60, 80, 120, and 140 ( 5 d) of gestation. Offspring from transported (Stressed, n = 19) or non-transported (Control, n = 15) dams were slaughtered at 5 yr (Replication 1, n = 14) or ovariectomized at 8 yr (Replication 2, n = 20). A cross-section of ovary was collected, serially sectioned, and stained. Numbers of total, primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles were determined per section. Total ovarian follicle count for each stage was calculated using ovary dimensions. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze ovarian follicle count with treatment, replicate, and the interaction as fixed effects. Total ovarian follicle count decreased with age (P > 0.01; R1 = 383,663, R2 = 154,560); however, there was no difference in total ovarian follicle count between offspring due to treatment (P = 0.17; S = 221,813, C = 316,409). Similarly, there was no difference in primordial (P = 0.22; S = 127,300, C = 188,304), primary (P = 0.28; S = 58,610, C = 77,237), or antral (P = 0.48; S = 23,202, C = 28,695) follicle count between offspring due to treatment. Fewer secondary follicles were observed in Stressed offspring compared to Control offspring (P = 0.03). These results suggest that the ovarian follicular reserve, AFC, and potential fertility of cows may not be impacted by exposure to prenatal transportation stress. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
