Abstract
The metabolism of dairy cows with inactive ovaries differs from that of healthy dairy cows. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning these physiological and metabolic changes remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate follicular fluid metabolite changes in dairy cows with inactive ovaries. Untargeted metabolomics technology and multivariate statistical analysis were used to screen differential metabolites in follicular fluid samples between inactive ovaries and estrus cows at 45-60 d postpartum. Fourteen differential metabolites were identified, consisting of amino acids, lipids, sugars, and nucleotides. When compared with healthy animal samples, eight follicular fluid metabolites were significantly increased, and six metabolites were significantly decreased in dairy cows with inactive ovaries. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that differential metabolites were primarily involved in glycerol phospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and phenylalanine metabolism. These metabolites and their enrichment pathways indicate that the enhancement of lipid metabolism and the weakening of carbohydrate production of amino acids in dairy cows with impaired follicular development. Overall, these data provide a better understanding of the changes that could affect follicular development during the postpartum period and lay the ground for further investigations.
Highlights
For dairy cows, the transition period from late pregnancy to early lactation generally refers to 21 days before to 21 days after calving [1]
When negative energy balance (NEB) occurs in dairy cows, fat mobilization from adipose tissue is rapidly increased; a large amount of fat decomposition increases the content of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) in the blood
High concentrations of NEFA and BHBA could inhibit the secretion of estrogen (E2) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in plasma [3]
Summary
The transition period from late pregnancy to early lactation generally refers to 21 days before to 21 days after calving [1]. During this period, significant physiological changes occur, encompassing nutritional and metabolic alterations. Negative energy balance (NEB) is a serious metabolic disorder in milk high-producing dairy cows, especially during early lactation. High concentrations of NEFA and BHBA could inhibit the secretion of estrogen (E2) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in plasma [3] Both E2 and IGF-1 could stimulate the development of follicular cells in dairy cows [4]. The dairy cows with NEB postpartum have a higher anestrus rate
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