Effect of rumen-protected methionine supplementation to beef cows during the periconception period on performance of cows, calves, and subsequent offspring

Maternal nutrition affects the development of fetus and postnatal performance calf. Methionine may play a critical role in developmental programming is likely deficient beef cows fed low-quality forage. The objective this study was to determine effect metabolizable methionine supply lactating during periconception period on cows, calves, subsequent offspring. This project involved two consecutive production cycles commencing at calving which dietary treatments were along with measurements initial calves Production Cycle 1, 2. Brangus-Angus crossbred (N = 108; age 6.4 (2.8) year) stratified by previous date assigned one three supplements: (1) control, molasses plus urea 2.72 kg/day as fed, (2) fishmeal, 2.27 0.33 (3) methionine, 9.5 g/day 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid. Cows supplements limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) hay while grazing dormant bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) pastures 115-day from December 2014 April 2015 1 only. Body weight change milk yield measured 1. birth weaning both cycles. Following 2, eight steer per treatment individually housed for 42-day metabolism experiment. Treatment did not affect (P > 0.10) BW but tended 0.09) produce more energy-corrected than control fishmeal. 205-day adjusted either cycle. During experiment, dams fishmeal gained faster < 0.05) had greater gain:feed calves. 0.06) have apparent total tract NDF ADF digestibility lesser blood glucose concentration These data indicate that maternal plays an important future