Effect of nutrition in the last third of gestation of beef cows on the development of offspring

The restriction of nutrient intake by beef cows during pregnancy may influence the progeny postpartum growth potential, therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nutritional restriction and adequate nutrition or overfeeding during the final third of gestation of the crossbred cows (Charolais x Nellore) kept in the Pampa biome, on the productive performance of the progeny up to 15 mo of age. Eighty-three (83) cows were divided into: control cows on natural pasture under nutritional restriction (RES); Supplementation to meet 100 % of requirements (REQ); Supplementation above requirements (HIGH). REQ and HIGH calves had higher body weight at birth compared to calves from RES cows (39.28, 39.13 vs 34.58 kg), without influences on postnatal performance. Females from REQ and HIGH cows presented better postnatal performance and consequently higher weight at 12 mo of age in compared to offspring RES cows (300.71 and 311.79 vs 259.47 kg). These female calves reached 60 % of early adult weight (358 and 345 vs 405 d) and had a higher percentage of breeding at twelve months of age (73.98 and 84.08 vs 34.08 %) than females from RES cows. Supplementing cows to meet 100% requirements, as well as overfeeding during the final third of gestation, improves offspring performance at twelve months of age, with males and females responding differently to maternal nutritional insults during this period.