Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence offspring sex ratio in cows

Marei, W F A; Khalil, W A; Pushpakumara, P G A; El-Harairy, M A; Abo El-Atta, A M A; Wathes, D C; Fouladi-Nashta, A A

Abstract

Dietary 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 

Citation

Marei, W. F. A., Khalil, W. A., Pushpakumara, P. G. A., El-Harairy, M. A., Abo El-Atta, A. M. A., Wathes, D. C., & Fouladi-Nashta, A. A. (2019). Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence offspring sex ratio in cows. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.01.006

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 30, 2018
• Publication Date: May 3, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 17, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 17, 2018
• Journal: International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Pages: S36-S40
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.01.006
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1382512