Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence offspring sex ratio in cows

Publication date: 2018Source: International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, Volume 6, SupplementAuthor(s): Waleed F.A. Marei, Wael A. Khalil, Anil P.G. Pushpakumara, Mostafa A. El-Harairy, Ahmed M.A. Abo El-Atta, D. Claire Wathes, Ali Fouladi-NashtaAbstractDietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can influence fertility in farm animals. Some evidence in mice and sheep have suggested that PUFAs may influence offspring sex ratio, which may have significant value for cattle production. To test this hypothesis, three groups of Holstein cows were supplemented with either 0%, 3% or 5% protected fat (PF) in the form of calcium salt of fatty acids (rich in omega-6) from 14–21 days pre-partum until conception. Proven-fertile frozen semen from the same ejaculate was used for insemination. Calf sex recorded at birth was 8/19 (42.1%) male offspring in the control group, increasing to 14/20 (70%, P > 0.05) and 17/20 (85%, P < 0.05) in 3% and 5% PF, respectively. To test if this effect was caused by a direct influence on the oocyte, we supplemented bovine cumulus oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation with either omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) or trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Sex ratio of the produced transferable embryos was determined using PCR of SRY gene. Similar to the in vivo results, sex ratio was skewed to the male side in the embryos derived from LA- and CLA-treated oocytes (79% and 71%) compare...
Source: International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research