Feed restriction and realimentation in Holstein-Friesian bulls: II. Effect on blood pressure and systemic concentrations of metabolites and metabolic hormones.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the endocrine response and metabolic rate in Holstein–Friesian bulls during restricted feeding and realimentation. Sixty bulls were allocated to 1 of 2 feeding regimes: 1) restricted feed allowance (RES; n = 30) or 2) ad libitum feeding (ADLIB; n = 30) for 125 d (Period 1). The bulls in both treatment groups were then offered ad libitum access to feed for a further 55 d (Period 2). Five and 4 blood samples were collected during periods 1 (n = 60) and 2 (n = 30), respectively. Plasma samples were assayed for hormones and metabolites including insulin, IGF-1, leptin, thyroid hormones, albumin, β-hydroxy butyrate (BHB), creatinine, glucose, NEFA, total protein, triglycerides, and urea. Blood pressure measurements were determined on all animals at the beginning and end of each period as an indicator of metabolic rate. During Period 1, RES bulls gained 0.6 kg/d whereas ADLIB bulls grew at 1.9 kg/d. Following realimentation in Period 2, RES bulls displayed accelerated growth, gaining 2.5 kg/d compared with 1.4 kg/d for ADLIB bulls (P < 0.001). Treatment × period interactions (P < 0.05) were evident for all plasma analytes assayed. During Period 1, RES bulls had lower concentrations of glucose and insulin, reflecting their lower feed intake. Adipose and protein tissue mobilization was evident through greater concentrations of triglycerides, NEFA, BHB, creatinine, albumin, and total protein in RES animals in Period 1. Additionally, the effect of restricted feeding on growth was apparent through lower concentrations of IGF-1. A lower metabolic rate was also apparent through lower concentrations of thyroid hormones and fewer beats per minute in RES bulls during Period 1. During the initial stage of realimentation in Period 2, IGF-1, insulin, thyroid hormones, creatinine, glucose, total protein, and triglycerides followed the same pattern as per Period 1 with divergence maintained between RES and ADLIB bulls (P < 0.05), whereas concentrations of all of these hormones and metabolites had converged between the treatment groups by the end of Period 2. During realimentation, the number of heart beats per minute was greater in RES bulls, indicating greater metabolic rate in these animals (P < 0.001). Results from the current study clearly show that feed restriction followed by realimentation affects key indices of metabolic status as well as tissue catabolism and provides an insight into the metabolic control of compensatory growth in cattle.