This study aimed to understand how molecular mechanisms controlling water and urea metabolism at the finishing phase can be affected by previous plane of nutrition of crossbred Angus beef steers. Twenty-four (n = 24) animals were randomly distributed into either a moderate (MP) or high plane of nutrition during the background phase for 85 d. Animals were then blocked by their previous plane and were moved onto a 105-d finishing phase in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The forage-finished group received only high-quality alfalfa hay, whereas the grain-fed group received a high grain diet (80% whole corn and 20% alfalfa hay). By the end of the finishing phase, animals were harvested and tissue samples from the rumen and kidney were collected. Changes in gene expression of aquaporins (AQP)-2, -3, -4, -7, ATP1A1, ATP1B1, SGK1, CLIC1 (kidney and rumen), UT-A1 (kidney only) and UT-B (rumen only), were assayed via real-time qPCR; 18S rRNA was used as an endogenous control. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis was conducted. When animals were from MP, forage-finishing increased the relative abundance of AQP3 (P ≤ 0.05), AQP7 (P ≤ 0.05), ATP1B1 (P ≤ 0.05), and SGK1 (P ≤ 0.05) in the kidney when compared to grain-fed animals. In the rumen, for the MP group, AQP7 was differentially expressed in both treatments at the finishing phase (P ≤ 0.01), with forage-finished steers having the highest expression of AQP7. For the MP group, UT-B had a tendency of presenting a higher expression on grain-fed animals (P = 0.075). Overall, these results suggest that previous plane can impact expression of genes associated with water and urea metabolism during the finishing phase, namely AQP3, AQP7, ATP1B1, and SGK1 in the kidney, and AQP7 and UT-B in the rumen. The greatest impact observed on gene expression changes of investigated genes at the finishing phase was reflective of animals backgrounded on the moderate previous plane.

 
Moreira da Silva, A.E., Macias Franco, A., Ferguson, B., and Fonseca, M. 2024, Influence of previous plane of nutrition on molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of urea and water metabolism related genes in the rumen and kidney of finishing crossbred Angus steers, Animal Nutrition, Volume 17, June 2024, Pages 232-243

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
Extension Master Gardener Introduction/Elevator Speech Example Andrews, A., Brinkerhoff, K. 2022, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Nicole Hansen
Something Special is Coming From YHEP!
YHEP and Texas A&M University have something very special coming up. Stay Tuned!
Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
Herbs for Many Uses
Useful Herbs for Arid Areas
Babbs, C. 2000, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno IP-2000
lettuce seedlings
Northern Area (Reno) Planting Schedule
Find out when to plant vegetables with the Extension Master Gardener's planting guide for the Reno area!
Brinkerhoff, K. 2023, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Crop field rows
Northern Area (Reno) Planting Schedule
Find out when to plant vegetables with the Extension Master Gardener's planting guide for the Reno area!
Brinkerhoff, K. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
 

Associated Programs

living with fire cb

Living With Fire

Helping Nevadans and visitors prepare for wildfire