Long term dietary energy deficiency in steers: performance animal and T3 and IGF-1 relationships

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of diets with different degrees of energy deficiency on the hormonal profile, and on metabolic and clinical states of steers, 12 steers were randomly distributed in three groups of four animals each. The groups received the following diets for 140 days: (G1) 100% of the maintenance to stimulate to weight gain of 900 gr/day (DE: 17.7 Mcal/d and 13% de CP); (G2) 80% of the maintenance (DE: 5.8 Mcal/d and 7% de CP); (G3) 60% of the same requirements (DE: 4.7 Mcal/d and 5% de CP). In both energy deficiency groups (G2 and G3) there was a decrease in body weight and in feed intake during experimental period. In relation to hormonal profile, the energy deficit caused an acute reduction in plasma levels of IGF-1 and T3. Weight loss was due to lower feed intake, poor quality of diet ingested and also due to low concentrations of IGF-1 and T3. Measuring height of animals at the end of the experiment showed a difference of 59% in G1 and 73% higher than G2 and G3, respectively. IGF-1 was considered the best indicator of the energetic status, because its blood levels reduction was sensible and rapid during the dietary energy deficit; and it was influenced directly by level of T3.