Two experiments determined the effects of flaxseed supplementation on reproductive parameters in sheep. In experiment one, 240 multiparous Rambouillet ewes were assigned to one of two treatments: basal ration alone or basal ration with a Flaxlic® Sheep Tub offered over 35 days. Serum was collected weekly for progesterone (P4). Flaxseed supplementation did not improve progesterone concentration or reproductive parameters (P ≥ 0.26). In experiment two, 120 Rambouillet ram lambs were assigned to one of two treatments: basal ration alone or basal ration with a Flaxlic® Sheep Tub offered over 112 days. Scrotal circumference measurements, serum for testosterone, and semen were collected on day 84 and 112. Day effects were found for select semen measurements, testosterone, weight, and scrotal circumference (P ≤ 0.05). There was no effect of treatment on testosterone concentration (P = 0.99) or any semen quality characteristics (P ≥ 0.33). Overall, tub supplementation did not alter reproductive ability.

Linseed meal (LSM) was fed to ovariectomized ewes exposed to estradiol 17-ß (E2) implants over time, and LSM was supplemented to beef cows during late gestation and early lactation to evaluate the estrogenic potential of the phytoestrogen secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) found in LSM. Forty-eight ovariectomized ewes were fed a diet containing 12.5% LSM for 0, 1, 7, or 14 d and implanted with estradiol-17ß (E2) for 0, 6, or 24 h before tissue collection. Uterine cellular proliferation, vascularity, and the expression of the angiogenic factors and their receptors were recorded. There was an interaction of LSM and E2 on uterine mass (P = 0.05). At 24 h of E2 exposure, proliferation was reduced (P < 0.001) when ewes were fed for 14 d compared to being fed 0 or 1 days. There was a LSM x E2 interaction (P ≤ 0.03) on VEGF receptor-2 (KDR) and hasicfihrohlast growth factor receptor (FGFR2) decreasing by 24 h E2 exposure. Exposure of LSM and E2 may impact the estrogenic response of sensitive tissue. Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of supplementing beef cows with LSM during late gestation or early lactation on calf growth and development. In Experiment 1, multiparous cows received either LSM or a control (CON) supplement (approximately 10% diet dry matter) for the last 60 d of gestation. Offspring weights, ADG, heifer age at puberty, conception percentage and steer carcass characteristics were recorded. In Experiment 2, multiparous cows received LSM or CON supplements (approximately 10% diet dry matter) during the first 60 d of lactation, and only heifer calf development performance was observed and recorded. Heifer calf weight, average daily gain, and attainment of puberty were assessed. For both experiments, birth weight, weaning weight and ADG were not affected (P > 0.31) by LSM supplementation. While final body weights were heavier (P = 0.04) for steer calves in Experiment 1, there was no effect (P = 0.09) of supplementation on carcass characteristics. In Experiment 1 and 2, attainment of puberty in heifer calves was not influenced (P > 0.58) by supplement type. Linseed meal supplementation during late gestation or early lactation does not appear to have a negative impact on calf growth, onset of puberty in heifer calves, or steer carcass quality, implicating that it may make a good supplement choice in cattle.