Abstract
BackgroundImmune dysfunction and a higher risk of uterine infections are characteristics of the transition into lactation in dairy cows. The supply of complexed trace minerals, which are more bioavailable, could help overcome the greater needs of these nutrients in tissues around parturition and early lactation.ResultsTwenty Holstein cows received an oral bolus with a mix of inorganic trace minerals (INO) or complexed trace minerals (AAC) to achieve 75, 65, 11, and 1 ppm supplemental Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co, respectively, in the total diet dry matter from -30 d through +30 d relative to parturition. Blood for polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) isolation was collected at -30, -15, +10, and + 30 d relative to parturition, whereas endometrium biopsies were performed at +14 and +30 d. Feeding AAC led to greater PMNL expression of genes related with inflammation response (DDX58), oxidative stress response (MPO), eicosanoid metabolism (PLA2G4A and ALOX5AP), transcription regulation (PPARG), and cellular adhesion (TLN1). The upregulation by AAC in endometrium of genes related with inflammation response (TLR2, TLR4, NFKB1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, IL10, IL8), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2, PTGES), and antioxidant responses (NFE2L2, SOD1) indicated a faster remodeling of uterine tissue and potentially greater capacity to control a local bacterial invasion.ConclusionsData indicate that trace mineral supplementation from amino acid complexes improves PMNL activity and allows the prompt recovery of uterine tissue during early lactation. As such, the benefits of complexed trace minerals extend beyond an improvement of liver function and productive performance.
Highlights
Immune dysfunction and a higher risk of uterine infections are characteristics of the transition into lactation in dairy cows
polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) Inflammation response The cell surface receptors TLR2 (P = 0.85) and TLR4 (P = 0.48), which are involved in the inflammationresponse were not affected by treatments (Table 1)
11) or complexed (AAC, n = 9) trace minerals during the peripartal period on mRNA expression of genes related with inflammation response, oxidative stress, eicosanoids, transcription factors, receptors and glucose metabolism in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL)
Summary
Immune dysfunction and a higher risk of uterine infections are characteristics of the transition into lactation in dairy cows. The transition to lactation is a challenging period for dairy cows in large part because the immune system, e.g., neutrophil migration and phagocytosis, is generally dysfunctional [1,2,3,4]. Besides the hormonal and metabolic changes that contribute to a dysfunctional immune system, during parturition the physical barriers in the cervix, vagina and vulva are compromised providing the opportunity for bacteria from the environment as well as the animal’s skin and feces to ascend the genital tract, predisposing the cow to uterine diseases [5]. Toll-like receptors on endometrial cells recognize pathogen-associated molecules, leading to secretion of cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and chemokines [6]. Chemokines recruit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) into the site of infection within minutes and promote direct action against the microbes and attract lymphocytes; persistent infiltration is detrimental because the site of infection is continually exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) leading to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress and subclinical endometritis and infertility [6]
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