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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Effect of conception date and hind nutrition on fetal growth trajectory and gestation length of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

I. C. Scott A , G. W. Asher A D , N. Jopson B , N. Cox A , J. A. Archer A , D. R. Stevens A and G. K. Barrell C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A AgResearch Invermay, Private Bag 50034, Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand.

B AbacusBio Ltd, PO Box 5585, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand.

C Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand.

D Corresponding author. Email: geoff.asher@agresearch.co.nz

Animal Production Science 55(8) 1064-1074 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN13507
Submitted: 27 November 2013  Accepted: 1 May 2014   Published: 12 August 2014

Abstract

This study tested the hypothesis that the negative association between gestation length and conception date in red deer is mediated by nutrition. Twenty-eight pregnant red deer were randomly allocated to four groups according to a 2 × 2 factorial design, with the factors conception date (14 March, E; 28 April, L) and level of nutrition (ad libitum, H; restricted, R). Animals were housed indoors in individual pens from early winter until calving and offered daily an ad libitum pelleted ration. The daily ration was then restricted from late winter in ER (134 days post-conception) and LR (89 days post-conception) groups, so that these hinds did not experience a seasonal increase in food intake. X-Ray computed tomography scans were taken at Days 120, 150, 180 and 210 of gestation (mid–late gestation) to estimate weight of various conceptus components. Growth rate of the total fetus was significantly higher in LH than in other treatments (P < 0.01) between Days 180 and 210 of gestation. Birthweight was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between treatments or calf sex. Birthweight was associated directly with change in hind liveweight (P = 0.03) and body condition score during the third trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.01), but was not significantly associated with gestation length (P = 0.34). Gestation length was 4.4 days longer in LR than LH hinds (P = 0.03) and was negatively associated with both food intake (P = 0.03) and LW gain (P = 0.02) during the final trimester of gestation. Feeding late-conceiving hinds an ad libitum diet of high-quality food during the third trimester of gestation maximises fetal growth and shortens gestation length.

Additional keywords: agricultural systems, animal nutrition, animal reproduction, deer management.


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