Abstract
The aim of the current study focused on screening the signal of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), 1-alpha-hydroxylase (1α-OHase) enzyme, and chemokine regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) genes in dairy cows with hypocalcaemia. A sample of 120 dairy cows (20 dairy cows per herd) in the transition period was studied. Blood samples were drawn from the selected dairy cows for both biochemical and molecular analysis. In cows with subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia, there was a significant (P<0.05) down-regulation of both VDR and RANTES genes, whereas there was a significant (P<0.05) up-regulation of the 1α-OHase enzyme. Moreover, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the levels of glucose, parathyroid hormone (PTH), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl). Furthermore, there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the levels of phosphorous and potassium (K). On the animal level, there was a significant association between the expression pattern of the VDR gene and the cows’ breed, the cows’ age, parity number, body condition score, and history of previous transition period disorders. The increase in both the expression of 1α-OHase enzyme and the level of each of PTH, glucose, Na, and Cl in the serum were significant risk factors for the decreased expression of the VDR gene. Likewise, the decrease in both the expression of the RANTES gene and the level of calcium (Ca) and phosphorous in the serum were significant risk factors for decreased expression of the VDR gene. This study revealed that the expression of VDR, 1α-OHase enzyme, and RANTES genes in the blood was greatly affected in dairy cows with hypocalcemia, indicating the need for an extra dose of vitamin D to maintain the normal level of Ca in the blood, especially during periods of high need. Hence, this study provides an insight into the role of vitamin D and its related enzymes in promoting the productivity of dairy cows, especially during the critical production periods.
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