Can We Shape Calves Before Birth?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:35:49 GMT

What if the most powerful determinant of a calf’s lifetime performance isn’t the genetics you select or the ration you feed, but the environment that calf experienced as a one-cell embryo? As research accelerates, developmental programming is becoming one of the most promising frontiers in cattle reproduction.

For two decades, the beef and dairy industries have focused relentlessly on improving fertility — and it worked. Conception rates rose, days open stabilized and the long slide in reproductive performance reversed. With conventional reproductive efficiency nearing a functional ceiling, scientists are shifting attention upstream, where the environment itself may program the future trajectory of the calf.

It’s well known that a resulting phenotype represents the consequence of genotype and environmental interactions. The performance of an animal depends on the genes they inherited, how much feed they get, whether they get sick, whether it’s hot or cold, and a plethora of other environmental factors.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in optimizing the environment that those animals are raised in by providing the best nutrition, the best housing, the optimal photo period and treating disease with pharmaceuticals to optimize phenotype,” says Peter Hansen of the University of Florida. “But we usually do that after the animals are born. We don’t really think too much about what is happening to those animals when they’re embryos or when they’re fetuses or even when the germ cells are being produced.”

Evidence of Developmental Programming

Recent work has shown us the environment of the mother and the early embryo can affect the postnatal phenotype of that embryo. The environment of the fetus can affect what kind of calf it becomes.

When embryos are produced in vitro, they are put in an artificial medium. Under normal protocols, this culture medium is choline-free. Choline is a methyl donor that may factor into the one-carbon metabolism of bovine embryos. In the uterus, choline is present at millimolar concentrations.

Work led by Eliam Estrada-Cortes in Dr. Hansen’s lab investigated the effect of culturing bovine embryos with or without choline. They found choline cultured embryos resulted in calves that were heavier at weaning with altered muscle DNA methylation.

“We’ve done this experiment three times, and each time the choline calves weigh more than the calves without choline. And that goes all the way through to slaughter,” Hansen says. A nutrient present (or absent) in the culture dish during critical development time can make a big difference.

The condition of the fertilizing bull can also affect embryonic development and quality. Arslan Tariq from the University of Florida investigated the effect of bull overnutrition on fertility, finding heavier bulls produced semen that delayed embryonic development and decreased embryo quality, without changes to sperm motility or fertilization rate.

Historically, seminal plasma is removed from sperm for artificial insemination as it contains elements that can be detrimental during storage. That being said, seminal plasma modulates the maternal environment in a significant way, impacting the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. As a part of her PhD thesis, Gabriela Macay at the University of Florida evaluated the reproductive, health and production performance of female offspring conceived in the presence of seminal plasma. These animals had increased birth weights, increased milk yield and had greater persistence in the herd compared to controls.

“What we now know is the environment of the mother that the early embryo is in can affect the postnatal phenotype of that embryo. The environment of the fetus can affect what kind of calf it becomes,” Hansen says. “And the environment of the bull.”

How Does This Affect Reproductive Management?

Developmental programming shifts reproductive management from a focus on achieving conception to a broader view of how early-life conditions shape an animal’s long-term health, productivity and resilience. This expands the veterinary role from problem solver to long term system designer who helps producers make choices that shape herd-level outcomes years down the line.

The next revolution in cattle reproduction may come from understanding the earliest biological environment that determines how a calf learns to grow, metabolize and perform.

Boost Your Dairy Success: Hendel Farms' Top Dry Cow Program Tips

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 15:54:34 GMT

When it comes to managing a successful dairy operation, each stage in the lifecycle of a cow is critical, but perhaps none more so than the transition period for dry cows. At Hendel Farms in Caledonia, Minnesota, owner Matt Hendel emphasizes the importance of details when it comes to the needs of these cows, which are key for their health and productivity.

Feeding Strategy for Optimal Health
Hendel and his team at Hendel Farms have developed a comprehensive approach to feed management, striving for excellence from start to finish. This begins with securing high-quality feed at the right moisture levels and sourcing top-tier products. A significant part of their approach involves providing dry cows with a fully acidogenic diet by using Animate, starting 21 days before they freshen.

“We like consistency. It keeps our cows on the right track and has been part of our program for nine years,” Matt shares.

Additionally, for cows in their second lactation and beyond, Hendel Farms administers a bolus at calving. Older and larger cows even receive two boluses, minimizing the risk of health issues, such as a down cow. The farm employs routine ultrasounds, and in cases where a cow is carrying twins, she is brought into the dry cow program one week earlier.

Beyond Nutrition: The Importance of Comfort and Genetics
While nutrition is pivotal, Hendel highlights cow comfort and genetic selection as other vital components of their program. The farm selects bulls with above-average health and performance traits, ensuring strong hereditary lines. In 2002, they constructed a four-row transition barn to accommodate their cows, adhering to strict non-overcrowding policies to ensure each cow has ample space to rest and feed.

The barn design includes double the water capacity of standard recommendations and lower curb stalls, simplifying movement for the cows. The environment is further characterized by its quiet, comfortable, and efficient nature, which supports the cows as they transition through their stages.

A Team Effort for Success
At Hendel Farms, the focus is on a holistic approach—from dry-off to lactation—which involves teamwork and meticulous oversight. Hendel, along with his family and 15 part-time and full-time employees, monitor the herd with close attention. Their efforts are supported by technology, such as cameras, and regular visits from their Phibro representative.

Hendel Farms, a fourth-generation family-run dairy operation, is dedicated to maintaining high standards of animal care and operational efficiency. Home to 400 registered Holsteins and Brown Swiss cows, and with more than 1,000 acres under cultivation, the farm exemplifies how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand for agricultural success.

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Reproduction Management

Can We Shape Calves Before Birth?

Evidence of Developmental Programming

How Does This Affect Reproductive Management?

Boost Your Dairy Success: Hendel Farms' Top Dry Cow Program Tips