The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of feed intake on serum concentrations of reproductive and metabolic hormones in zebu cows. Eighteen cows were divided into two groups: 170% (high feed intake = H) and 66% (low feed intake = L) of the maintenance diet. Within 21 days on the experimental diets, cows had estrus synchronized. Subsequently, ovaries were scanned by trans-rectal ultrasonography and blood samples were collected daily until day 7 of the cycle (ovulation = day 1). For statistical analysis, t test was utilized. Cows from group H gained 1.1 kg per day and from group L lost 1.5 kg per day of body weight. Although there was no difference between groups regarding maximum diameter of the ovulatory follicle, a lower preovulatory estradiol surge was observed in group H cows. There was no difference between groups for luteal tissue volume and serum progesterone concentration on day 7 and serum FSH, IGF-I and insulin concentrations during the periovulatory period. Experimental diets did not alter ovarian function and serum concentrations of reproductive and metabolic hormones, except for estradiol, suggesting that greater metabolism of this hormone has occurred on the cows under high feed intake.
Bos indicus; corpus luteum; steroids; follicle; metabolism; nutrition
