Period In Dairy Cows Research Articles

Variations of some adipokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and energy characteristics during the transition period in dairy cows.

Limited information exists about the relationship of adipose tissue with inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism during the transition period in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to assess the changes and relation of some adipokines, cytokines, oxidative biomarkers, and serum biochemical parameters related to energy balance (EB) in cows during the transition period. Thirty multiparous Holstein cows were selected based on estimated parturition date, and blood samples were collected from jugular vein on one-week prepartum and one and three weeks postpartum and used to measure the parameters. The serum levels of beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non-esterified fatty acid, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), aspartate aminotransferase, and total antioxidant capacity increased significantly, and glucose, urea, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) decreased significantly after parturition. The serum values of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, and cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were not changed significantly during the experiment. The results of the Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between BHB with glucose, albumin, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and a positive correlation with TG and malondialdehyde. Also, there was a significant direct correlation between insulin and leptin, adiponectin, resistin, IL-6 and TNF-α in the whole experiment period. These emphasize the difficulty of dairy cows to manage the energy requirements during the transition period. It can be stated that adipokines and cytokines may have an essential role in the metabolic status in this period, and control of their production and, or secretion could be helpful in EB during the transition period.

Digestive and metabolic efficiency of energy and nitrogen during lactation and the dry period in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to characterize total-tract nutrient digestibility, energy balance, and N balance in the critical dietary and metabolic transitions of the lactation cycle. Twelve dairy cows were housed in tiestalls from 10 wk before to 16 wk after parturition. After 2 wk of adaptation to the facility and diet, digestibility of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), starch, and N were measured, and energy and N balances determined at weekly intervals by total collection of feces, urine, and milk over 48 h. Cows were individually fed ad libitum a grass silage- and corn silage-based total mixed ration during lactation and a corn silage- and barley straw-based total mixed ration during the dry period. Effects of stage of lactation were evaluated by clustering week in 5 groups: late lactation (wk -8 to -7), dry period (wk -6 to -1), and 3 early lactation periods (wk 1 to 5, wk 6 to 10, and wk 11 to 16). In lactation, apparent total-tract digestibility of OM, NDF, and starch was lowest in the first 5 wk of lactation. From wk 2 to 16 after parturition, apparent nutrient digestibility of all nutrients increased linearly, but with a negative quadratic component for dry matter, OM, and NDF, to levels comparable to those reported in last 2 wk of the previous lactation. However, differences in digestibility across lactation stage were moderate, illustrated by the difference between OM digestibility in late lactation (last 2 wk, 74.8%) and early lactation (first 5 wk, 72.5%). Cows were in negative energy balance for the first 8 wk after calving, and in negative N balance for the first 4 wk after calving. Based on energy and N balance, we predicted that 36.5 kg of body fat and 3.5 kg of body protein were gained in the last 8 wk before calving, and that 47.5 kg of body fat and 7.6 kg of body protein were mobilized in the first weeks of lactation. These predicted changes in body mass, both the gain before calving and loss after calving, were greater by 37% and 10%, respectively, than fluctuations in measured body weight (corrected for predicted gut fill and fetus weights). At wk 1 and 2 postpartum, body N loss corresponded to 25 and 29%, respectively, of total N excretion in milk, and body energy loss corresponded to 64% and 44%, respectively, of the energy exported to milk, illustrating the important contribution of N and energy from body stores to milk production in early lactation. Metabolic N efficiency, measured as total N output (milk and body) over digestible N input (from diet and body), averaged 54.4% in the last 2 wk of lactation, increased to 65.9% 2 wk after calving, and decreased linearly as lactation advanced to 61.9% by wk 16. Short (48 h) but weekly repetition of total collection of feces and urine appears to be a suitable approach to evaluate temporal changes in nutrient digestibility, energy balance, and N balance across lactation and the dry period.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals That NEFA and β-Hydroxybutyrate Induce Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) are the metabolites of fat mobilization initiated by negative energy balance (NEB) during the perinatal period in dairy cows, which have an adverse effect on cell physiology of various bovine cell types. The aim of this study was to explore the biological roles of NEFA and BHBA on provoking oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). RNA sequencing analysis showed that there are 1343, 48, and 1725 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BMECs treated with NEFA, BHBA and their combination. GO functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in "response to oxidative stress" and "inflammatory response". Further study demonstrated that NEFA and BHBA elevated the malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and reduced the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity to cause oxidative stress. In addition, expression of inflammatory markers (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) were increased after NEFA and BHBA stimulation. Mechanistically, our data showed that NEFA and BHBA activated the MAPK signaling pathway. Collectively, our results indicate that NEFA and BHBA induce oxidative stress and inflammatory response probably via the MAPK signaling pathway in BMECs.

Ketosis Alters Transcriptional Adaptations of Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue in Holstein Cows during the Transition Period.

Simple SummaryKetosis in dairy cows is one of the common nutritional metabolic diseases during the perinatal period. We conducted the present subcutaneous white adipose tissue transcriptome-based study to investigate the pathogenesis of ketosis in dairy cows. The transcriptome results showed that the expression of PCK1 and PCK2, key enzymes of the glyceroneogenesis, was simultaneously downregulated post-partum compared to pre-partum, possibly resulting in impaired lipid storage in the adipose tissue of ketotic cows. Integrating the GO enrichment analysis and published gene expression traits, the inflammatory response biological process inhibiting PCK1 and PCK2 expression in adipose tissue may be important in the development of ketosis in dairy cows. The findings of the present study provided important clues for the therapeutic and preventive targets for ketosis.Ketosis is a common nutritional, metabolic disease during the perinatal period in dairy cows characterized by elevated blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to investigate adaptive changes in adipose tissue during the perinatal period of dairy cows. Blood and tailhead subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) were obtained from ketotic cows (Ket = 8, BHBA ≥ 1.4 mmol/L) and non-ketotic cows (Nket = 6, BHBA < 1.4 mmol/L) 21 d pre-partum and 10 d post-partum. Compared with pre-partum, decreased lipid synthesis due to down-regulation of PCK1 may be in a strong association with clinical ketosis. Simultaneously, PCK2 was downregulated in the Ket postnatally compared to its expression prenatally, and the expression of PCK2 was 2.7~4.2 times higher than that of PCK1, implying a more severe lipid storage impairment in the Ket. Moreover, compared to pre-partum, the upregulated differentially expressed genes post-partum in the Ket were enriched in the inflammatory response biological process. The higher expression of TNC (tenascin C) in the post-partum Ket relative to the Nket suggested that the adipose tissue of ketotic cows might also be accompanied by tissue fibrosis. Notably, pre-partum CD209 was higher in the Ket than in the Nket, which might be used as a candidate marker for the pre-partum prediction of ketosis. Combined with published gene expression traits, these results suggested that inflammation leads to a more widespread downregulation of the lipid synthesis gene network in adipose tissue in ketotic cows. Additionally, sWAT in post-partum cows with ketosis might also be accompanied by tissue fibrosis which could make the treatment of ketosis more difficult.

O47 Digestive and metabolic efficiency of energy and nitrogen throughout lactation and the dry period in dairy cows

O47 Digestive and metabolic efficiency of energy and nitrogen throughout lactation and the dry period in dairy cows

Efectos de la suplementación con acacia negra (Acacia mearnsii) sobre la actividad ovárica, la involución uterina y los perfiles hormonales en vacas lecheras en condiciones de altura

The feeding program carried out during the pre-partum and post-partum period in dairy cows is crucial to preserve their reproductive performance. The goal of the present study was to assess the effect of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) supplementation on ovarian activity, uterine involution, and hormone profiles in dairy cows maintained at high-altitude conditions. A total of 10 Holstein dairy cows were divided into 2 groups: control (C; n=5) and supplemented group (AM; n=5). A dehydrated black wattle (AM; Acacia mearnsii) supplement was administered to AM group and adjusted to 22% crude protein per animal (Dehydrated Supplement; MS= 2.7 kg AM/day per cow, ~20% of total DM). Body weight (BW) was recorded individually in different periods (day 15 pre-partum, and day 19, 34, and 49 post-partum). Ovarian [follicles (FL), corpora lutea (CL)] and ovarian diameter (OD; mm)] and uterine structures [uterine horn thickness (HT; mm), cervix length (CrL; cm) and diameter (CD; cm), and uterine involution %] were assessed till day 34 postpartum. Moreover, hormone profiles such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; IU/mL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; IU/mL), luteinizing hormone (LH; IU/mL), and progesterone (P4; ng/mL) were measured till day 49. Statistical differences were observed in BW when day 15 prepartum was compared to day 19 postpartum (p=0.05). However, no differences were observed between C and AM group regarding BW within each timepoint (p&gt;0.05). No changes were observed in FL over time irrespective of the group studied (p&lt;0.05). However, FL was significantly different when C and AM group were compared within each time-point (p&lt; 0.05). Although no significant differences were observed on day 5 post- partum regarding the number of CL, significant differences were observed on day 25 and day 34 postpartum between groups (p&gt; 0.05). OD increased from day 5 to Day 35 post-partum irrespective of the group assessed and differ between groups within time-points (p&lt; 0.05). Differences were observed in TSH within day 19 and day 49 post-partum (p&lt; 0.05). FSH was statistically different between groups on day 19 post-partum (p&lt; 0.05). LH was more variable than TSH and FSH among and within time-points and groups (p&lt; 0.05). Differences were observed between groups regarding P4 within day 19 and 49 post-partum (p&lt; 0.05). In conclusion, overall although no differences were observed in BW between groups or time-points, the supplementation with AM showed differential patterns in reproductive tract structures/dimensions and hormone levels in dairy cows maintained at high-altitude conditions

Impact of fibronectin type III domain-containing family in the changes in metabolic and hormonal profiles during peripartum period in dairy cows.

The peripartum period in dairy cows is frequently associated with excessive lipolysis due to Negative Energy Balance (NEB). These metabolic disorders are the cause of various pathologies. Some metabolites such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) are known to be biomarkers of NEB in dairy cows. The involvement of adipokines, including adiponectin and leptin, during fat mobilization in the peripartum period is well described, but little is known about the impact of myokines at this time. Fibronectin type III domain-containing proteins (FNDC) are myokines and adipokines recently discovered to play a role in metabolic dysfunctions. This study aimed to evaluate some FNDCs (FNDC5, 4, 3A and B) as potential plasma and adipose tissue indicators of NEB in cattle. We measured plasma FNDC concentrations and adipose tissue FNDC gene expression during the peripartum period, 4 weeks before the estimated calving day (4WAP), one (1WPP) and 16 (16WPP) weeks postpartum in two groups of dairy cows with low NEB (LNEB, n = 8) and high NEB (HNEB, n = 13) at 1WPP. Using specific bovine ELISAs, only plasma FNDC5 concentrations varied during the peripartum period in both LNEB and HNEB animals; concentrations were higher at 1WPP as compared to 4WAP and 16 WPP. FNDC5 plasma concentrations was negatively correlated with dry matter intake, live body weight, variation of empty body weight and glucose concentrations, and positively correlated with plasma non-esterified fatty acids and BHBA concentrations. Subcutaneous adipose tissue contained abundant FNDC5 mRNA and protein, as measured by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. We also observed that FNDC5 mRNA abundance in subcutaneous adipose tissue was higher at 1 WPP as compared to 4WAP and 16WPP in HNEB cows and higher at 1 WPP as compared to 4 WAP in LNEB cows, and was higher in HNEB than in LNEB animals during early lactation. Finally, we showed that recombinant human irisin (a fragmented product of FNDC5) increased the release of glycerol and abundance of mRNA encoding adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive-lipase in bovine and human adipose tissue explants. In conclusion, FNDC5 is expressed in bovine adipose tissue and may be involved in lipid mobilization and regulation of NEB in cattle.

Effects of Intrauterine Infusion of Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) in Metritis-Diagnosed Dairy Cows Naturally Infected by E. coli during the Early Postpartum.

Simple SummaryThe occurrence of early metritis (EM) in dairy cattle causes serious economic losses. The treatment effectiveness for EM is highly controversial. Antibiotics administered by intrauterine infusions have been extensively used to control the growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Flavonoid glycosides (FGs) are polyphenolic naturally derived compounds considered to have many health-related properties such as antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, phlebotonic, and several vascular-protecting activities. Although FGs have been used for several therapies in humans, there is an increasing interest in investigating PGs for other therapeutic purposes. The objective of the present study was to investigate an alternative treatment for EM based on FG intrauterine infusions during the early postpartum period in dairy cows. FG administration contributed to the onset of uterine and cervix involution, bacteriological and immunological control, and fertility improvement associated with highly dose-specific responses during the early postpartum period in EM-positive dairy cattle.The occurrence of metritis during the postpartum period causes serious economic losses in dairy cattle. The Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF) is a polyphenolic flavonoid compound which is considered to have many health-related properties such as antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, phlebotonic, and several vascular-protecting activities. The aim was to evaluate the effects of a new strategic therapy for metritis based on MPFF intrauterine infusions during the early postpartum in dairy cows naturally infected by Escherichia coli. The clinical effects on reproductive anatomical structures and chronological involution dynamics were monitored until day 24 postpartum by ultrasonography. Moreover, uterine bacteriological and cytological (polymorphonuclear neutrophils; PMNs) profiles were analysed before and after MPFF infusion. The results showed that the success rate (% cure) at day 24 postpartum was improved significantly when using higher MPFF doses (p < 0.05). Moreover, MPFF treatment acutely diminished the size of the cervix and uterus and improved the involution process during the first 24 days (p < 0.05). The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria found in in vitro cultures was significantly variable (p < 0.01), as were the antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Pathogenic bacteria isolates decreased after MPFF applications in a dose–response fashion (p < 0.01), while isolates obtained from controls and low-dose-MPFF-treated animals were stable and similar (p > 0.05). The sensitivity patterns of pathogenic bacteria isolated in in vitro cultures from MPFF-treated animals were variable, although resistance to E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., and coliforms was shown irrespective of the MPFF doses used. However, MPFF-treated cows showed a dose–response effect regarding PMN rates (p < 0.05). The calving-first service, calving–conception interval, and conception rate improved significantly from using higher MPFF doses (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that MPFF treatment differentially affects uterine involution, bacteriological profiles, cytological traits, and reproductive performance in metritis-positive dairy cows naturally infected by E. coli.

Alterations in Skeletal Muscle mRNA Abundance in Response to Ethyl-Cellulose Rumen-Protected Methionine during the Periparturient Period in Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryImprovements in performance around parturition by feeding ethyl-cellulose rumen-protected methionine (RPM) have been reported. Hepatic and adipose gene transcription effects have been a key focus of studies dealing with RPM. It is unknown, however, if RPM alters the abundance of genes associated with nutrient metabolism and biochemical pathways in skeletal muscle. This tissue also experiences dynamic biological changes around parturition. The objective was to use skeletal muscle biopsies from cows fed a control or RPM-supplemented diet around parturition to investigate alterations in mRNA abundance. Compared with controls, feeding RPM led to overall upregulation of genes associated with amino acid transport, carnitine transport, β-oxidation, vitamin transport, mTOR pathway, insulin signaling, antioxidant response, CDP-Choline pathway, and arginine metabolism. Thus, besides positive effects at the level of performance, RPM can help skeletal muscle maintain homeostasis around parturition partly through alterations in mRNA abundance.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding ethyl cellulose rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on skeletal muscle mRNA abundance during the periparturient period. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows were used in a block design and assigned to either a control or RPM diet. The RPM was supplied from −28 to 60 days in milk (DIM) at a rate of 0.09% (prepartum) or 0.10% (postpartum) of dry matter (DM), ensuring a Lys:Met in the metabolizable protein of ~2.8:1. Muscle biopsies were collected at −21, 1, and 21 DIM. Thirty-five target genes associated with nutrient metabolism and biochemical pathways were measured via RT-qPCR. The mRNA abundance of genes associated with amino acid (AA) transport (SLC7A8, SLC43A2), carnitine transport (SLC22A5), insulin signaling (IRS1), and antioxidant response (NFE2L2) had diet × time effect (p < 0.05) due to greater abundance in RPM versus CON cows, especially at 1 and 21 DIM. Members of the AA transport (SLC7A8, SLC25A29, SCL38A9), fatty acid β-oxidation (ACADVL), vitamin transport (SLC5A6, SLC19A2), mTOR pathway (AKT1 and mTOR), antioxidant response (KEAP1, CUL3), CDP-Choline pathway and arginine metabolism had overall greater abundance (p < 0.05) in RPM versus CON cows. Overall, data indicate that RPM can alter nutrient metabolism in the skeletal muscle around parturition partly through alterations in mRNA abundance.

Herd Routines and Veterinary Advice Related to Drying-Off and the Dry Period of Dairy Cows

Bovine mastitis at calving or early lactation is often associated with intra-mammary bacterial infections (IMI) at drying-off (DO) or during the dry period (DP). The IMI risk is associated with management routines at the herd, but knowledge on how farmers and veterinarians comply with national recommendations is scarce, as is their attitudes to the importance of such routines. Therefore, the main aims of this study were to collect information on farmer routines and attitudes, and on veterinary advice and attitudes to DO and DP. Associations between routines and advice, and demographic herd and veterinary variables were also studied. Web-based questionnaires were sent to 2472 dairy farmers and 517 veterinarians. The answers were summarized descriptively, and associations with demographics were evaluated using univariable regression models. The response rate was 14% for farmers and 25% for veterinarians. Routines and advice were in line with recommendations at the time of the study in many, but not all, areas of questioning. Significant associations between herd routines or veterinary advice and demographic variables were also found. Milking system and post-graduate training were the variables associated with the largest number of farmer and veterinary answers, respectively. In conclusion, the results indicate a need for more education on good routines during DO and DP. It was also clear that the national recommendations valid at the time of the study were in need of revision.

Effects of feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with an acidogenic diet during the prepartum period in dairy cows: Mineral metabolism, energy balance, and lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows

Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], or vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on plasma, mineral, and metabolite concentrations, mineral balance, mineral excretion, rumination, energy balance, and milk production of dairy cows. We hypothesized that supplementing 3 mg/d of 25(OH)D3 during the prepartum period would be more effective than supplementing vitamin D3 at the National Research Council (2001) levels to minimize calcium imbalance during the transition period and improve milk production of dairy cows. Forty multiparous, pregnant nonlactating-Holstein cows were enrolled in this study. Body weight, body condition score, parity, and milk yield in the previous lactation (mean ± standard deviation) were 661 ± 59.2, 3.46 ± 0.35, 1.79 ± 0.87, and 33.2 ± 6.43 kg/d, respectively. Cows were enrolled into the blocks (n = 20 for each treatment) at 30 d of the expected day of calving to receive an acidogenic diet (373 g/kg of neutral detergent fiber and 136 g/kg of crude protein, dry matter basis; -110 mEq/kg) associated with the treatments: (1) control (CTRL), vitamin D3 at 0.625 mg/d (equivalent to 25,000 IU of vitamin D3/d) or (2) 25(OH)D3 at 3 mg/d (equivalent to 120,000 IU of vitamin D3/d). All cows were fed with the base ration for 49 d after calving. Blood samples were taken on d 7, 0, 1, 2, 21, and 42, relative to calving. No effect of treatment was observed for prepartum dry matter intake or body condition score. A trend for increase of ionized Ca was observed for the cows fed 25(OH)D3, compared with the CTRL, but no effect of treatment was detected for total Ca or total P. Feeding 25(OH)D3 increased colostrum yield. The plasmatic concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was increased with 25(OH)D3 supplementation. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation increased plasma glucose concentration at parturition. The postpartum dry matter intake was not influenced by treatments. Feeding 25(OH)D3 increases milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk and improves milk yield components in early lactation. Overall, these findings suggest that 25(OH)D3 at 3 mg/d can improve the energy metabolism and lactation performance, compared with the current-feeding practice of supplementing vitamin D3 at 0.625 mg/d.

Predicting ketosis during the transition period in Holstein Friesian cows using hematological and serum biochemical parameters on the calving date

Ketosis often occurs during the postpartum transition period in dairy cows, leading to economic and welfare problems. Previously, ketosis was reported to be associated with hematological and serum biochemical parameters. However, the association between the parameters on the calving date and ketosis during the postpartum transition period remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this association. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of Holstein cows on the calving date and β-hydroxybutyrate was tested once every 3 days (8 times in 21 days). The cows were divided into three groups: non-ketosis, subclinical ketosis, and clinical ketosis. The clinical ketosis group significantly had the highest values of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, β-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, and total bilirubin, but the lowest values of red cell distribution width, the counts of white blood cell, monocyte, and eosinophil, albumin, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, and amylase. In contrast, the non-ketosis group showed the opposite results (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these parameters are associated with the development and severity of ketosis. Our findings suggest that these parameters on the calving date may be useful indicators to identify dairy Holstein cow susceptible to ketosis during the transition period.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Postpartum Uterine Diseases in Dairy Cows

The goal of treating postpartum uterine diseases in dairy cows is to reach clinical cure in a reasonable amount of time and to improve reproductive performance while minimizing milk and meat residue issues. The ultimate goal is to reduce the economic losses caused by uterine diseases. This article focuses on postpartum uterine diseasess in dairy cows, in particular acute puerperal metritis, pyometra and endometritis. The usual treatment approach for these conditions is systemic or local antibiotic therapy to control bacterial growth. Based on clinical signs and bacteria identification using dependent- and independent-based methods, antibiotic use appears to be the most logical and effective therapeutic approach. However, despite considerable research, the treatment of uterine diseasess remains a subject of considerable controversy in the literature. Although some local and systemic antibiotic therapies are effective at mitigating the consequences of postpartum uterine diseases, antibiotic use in the current global context is a serious concern because it is associated with selective pressures on bacteria and the emergence of resistant bacteria in humans and animals. Research on mucosal immunology and the genital microbiota of cows has improved our understanding of uterine involution and how pathological agents behave during uterine diseases in dairy cows. And while antibiotic therapy remains the most common therapeutic option chosen by veterinarian practitioners to treat PUDs, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine is increasingly being considered in response to a demand from animal owners. However, because of the small number of randomized clinical trials and a lack of evidence-based medicine, there is widespread concern regarding the adequacy of evidence for the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. The objectives of this article are to describe uterine involution and the main postpartum uterine diseases that occur during the postpartum period in dairy cows, briefly review the current approaches to treating postpartum uterine diseases, and critically review the evidence pertaining to complementary and alternative veterinary medicine in postpartum reproductive veterinary medicine.

Changes in metabolic and hormonal profiles during transition period in dairy cattle \u2013 the role of spexin

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate spexin as a novel blood marker and to describe the relationship of this peptide with selected biochemical metabolites measured during the transition period in dairy cows. Additionally, mRNA expression of the spexin gene as well as spexin receptors – galanin receptor type 2 and galanin receptor type 3, was investigated in several bovine tissues. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals starting at 21 days before the estimated parturition day until 21 days in milk to determine concentrations of spexin, nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate acid, total and active ghrelin, progesterone, glucose, insulin, IGF–I, triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, corticosterone and 17-β-estradiol as well as the activity of aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase.ResultsSpexin concentration decreased from 21 d before parturition to calving day and next it rose during the first 14 d of lactation. The lowest concentration of spexin was recorded on the calving day and it differed from the mean level of this peptide before parturition as well as postpartum. Moreover, differences were observed between mean spexin concentrations before and after calving. Spexin levels were moderately negatively correlated with NEFA (r = − 0.39) and total ghrelin contents (r = − 0.41), weakly correlated with BHBA (r = − 0.35) while they showed a moderate positive relationship with progesterone concentrations (r = 0.42). Moreover, we detected that mRNA expression of GALR2, GALR3 and SPX is present in various bovine tissues (kidney, bowel, rumen, spinal cord, lung, skeletal muscle, liver, heart, fat and spleen).ConclusionA negative correlation between spexin concentration and NEFA, BHBA and total ghrelin contents as well as a positive relationship with levels of progesterone, metabolites and hormones, which are key players in the dairy cow transition period, may confirm an important function of this peptide in metabolism regulation. Thus measurement of spexin concentration could provide useful supplementary information for dairy cow herd health monitoring.

Monitoring the Transition Period in Dairy Cows through 1H NMR-Based Untargeted Metabolomics

The metabolic alterations associated with the increase in milk production make the transition period critical to the health of dairy cows, usually leading to a higher incidence of disease in periparturient animals. In this manuscript, we describe the use of NMR-based untargeted metabolomics to follow how these changes impact the serum metabolome in a group of 28 transition dairy cows with no initial clinical diseases. Principal component analysis (PCA) of serum 1H NMR data from four weeks before calving to 8 weeks after parturition allowed us to clearly identify four stages during the transition period. Pairwise comparisons using orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and univariate data analysis led to the identification of 18 metabolites that varied significantly through these stages. Species such as acetate, betaine, and creatine are observed early after calving, while other markers of metabolic stress, including acetone, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and choline, accumulate significantly at the height of milk production. Furthermore, marked variations in the levels of lactate, allantoin, alanine, and other amino acids reveal the activation of different gluconeogenic pathways following parturition. Concomitant with a return to homeostasis, a gradual normalization of the serum metabolome occurs 8 weeks after calving. Correlations of metabolite levels with dietary and metabolic adaptations based on animal parity could also be identified. Overall, these results show that NMR-based chemometric methods are ideally suited to monitor manifestations of metabolic diseases throughout the transition period and to assess the impact of nutritional management schemes on the metabolism of dairy cows.

Hepatic effects of rumen-protected branched-chain amino acids with or without propylene glycol supplementation in dairy cows during early lactation

Essential amino acids (EAA) are critical for multiple physiological processes. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation provides energy substrates, promotes protein synthesis, and stimulates insulin secretion in rodents and humans. Most dairy cows face a protein and energy deficit during the first weeks postpartum and utilize body reserves to counteract this shortage. The objective was to evaluate the effect of rumen-protected BCAA (RP-BCAA; 375 g of 27% l-leucine, 85 g of 48% l-isoleucine, and 91 g of 67% l-valine) with or without oral propylene glycol (PG) administration on markers of liver health status, concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in plasma, and liver triglycerides (TG) during the early postpartum period in dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in blocks of 3 and randomly assigned to either the control group or 1 of the 2 treatments from calving until 35 d postpartum. The control group (n = 16) received 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d; the RP-BCAA group (n = 14) received RP-BCAA mixed with 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d; the RP-BCAA plus PG (RP-BCAAPG) group (n = 16) received RP-BCAA mixed with 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d, plus 300 mL of PG, once daily from calving until 7 d in milk (DIM). The RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAGP groups, on average (± standard deviation), were predicted to receive a greater supply of metabolizable protein in the form of l-Leu 27.4 ± 3.5 g/d, l-Ile 15.2 ± 1.8 g/d, and l-Val 24.2 ± 2.4 g/d compared with the control cows. Liver biopsies were collected at d 9 ± 4 prepartum and at 5 ± 1 and 21 ± 1 DIM. Blood was sampled 3 times per week from calving until 21 DIM. Milk yield, dry matter intake, NEFA, BHB, EAA blood concentration, serum chemistry, insulin, glucagon, and liver TG and protein abundance of total and phosphorylated branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase E1α (p-BCKDH-E1α) were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Cows in the RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAPG groups had lower liver TG and lower activities of aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase during the first 21 DIM, compared with control. All cows, regardless of treatment, showed an upregulation of p-BCKDH-E1α at d 5 postpartum, compared with levels at 21 d postpartum. Insulin, Met, and Glu blood concentration were greater in RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAPG compared with control during the first 35 DIM. Therefore, the use of RP-BCAA in combination with PG might be a feasible option to reduce hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows during early lactation.

Propionate alleviates palmitic acid–induced endoplasmic reticulum stress by enhancing autophagy in calf hepatic cells

Negative energy balance-induced high blood concentrations of free fatty acids during the early postpartum period in dairy cows is a major cause of liver injury. Cows in severe negative energy balance often have suboptimal intakes of feed, which contributes to shortfalls in production of ruminal propionate and circulating glucose. Although increasing propionate production by the rumen through feed additives such as propylene glycol is effective in helping cows alleviate the shortfall in dietary energy supply, mechanisms whereby propionate affects liver function beyond gluconeogenesis are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether propionate could protect calf hepatic cells from palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. Calf hepatic cells were isolated from 5 healthy calves (1 d old, female, 30-40 kg, fasting) and treated with various concentrations of PA (0, 100, 200, or 400 μM) and propionate (0, 1, 2, or 4 mM) after being administered with or without autophagic inhibitor. Propionate enhanced autophagic activity in calf hepatic cells, as indicated by elevated expression of autophagy markers LC3-II (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II, encoded by MAP1LC3) and decreased expression of SQSTM1 (sequestosome-1, also called p62). Conversely, PA suppressed autophagic activity and decreased cell viability, which was improved by propionate in calf hepatic cells. In addition, propionate decreased the phosphorylation of proteins EIF2AK3 (kinase R/PKR like ER kinase) and ERN1 (inositol-requiring enzyme 1α) and cleaved ATF6 (activating transcription factor 6) in PA-treated calf hepatic cells, indicating the suppression effect of propionate on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, inhibition of autophagic activity by chloroquine or bafilomycin A1 impede the beneficial effects of propionate on ER stress and cell viability. These results demonstrated that propionate alleviates ER stress and elevates cell viability in PA-treated calf hepatic cells by enhancing autophagy, which implies that autophagy may be a promising target in improving liver injury of dairy cows during transition period.

Effects of supplemental Bacillus subtilis, injectable vitamin E plus selenium, or both on health parameters during the transition period in dairy cows in a tropical environment.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental Bacillus subtilis (BS, 0.5 × 1011 CFU/day), injectable vitamin E and selenium (ES, 1000 mg α-tocopherol acetate and 10 mg sodium selenite), or both during the transition period on health parameters and the incidence of retained fetal membranes (RFM) of dairy cows under tropical conditions (average temperature humidity index = 77.0). Thirty-two crossbred Holstein-Friesian cows were used in a randomized design trial with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments, including no supplementation (CON), single intramuscular injection of ES on day - 21 before the expected calving date (ES), daily oral supplementation of BS between day - 21 and day 21 relative to calving, or both ES and BS. Body condition score (BCS) and blood samples were collected on days - 28, - 14, 0, 14, and 28 relative to calving. Mean concentrations of corpuscular hemoglobin were higher (33.12 vs 34.03 g/dL, p = 0.06) and platelets were lower (380.97 vs 302.32 × 103/μL, p = 0.10) with ES than without ES. Cows fed supplemental BS had lower concentrations of creatinine and albumin and tended to have lower AST and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels. However, concentrations of glucose were higher for cows fed BS than for those without BS. No differences in the incidence of RFM were observed. In summary, supplemental B. subtilis could reduce indicators of negative energy balance by increasing glucose and lowering BHBA and improve health parameters by keeping WBCs and monocytes in a healthy range during the transition period.

Association between Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentration and Inflammation Markers in Serum during the Peripartum Period in Dairy Cows.

Simple SummaryChanges in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, a fertility marker in dairy cows, during the peripartum period associated with reproductive recovery have not been fully evaluated. We investigated the relationship between changes in AMH concentration and inflammation markers in serum during the peripartum period in dairy cows. We found a relationship between changes in AMH concentration, especially reflected in the AMH ratio during the perinatal period, and the systemic inflammation status of dairy cows. Excessive inflammation during the early postpartum period may decrease AMH levels and subsequently affect the reproductive prognosis of postpartum cows. Elucidating the mechanism of perinatal AMH changes and the beneficial effects of AMH may improve reproductive efficacy in the dairy industry.The relationships between changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and various traits, including milk somatic cell counts (SCC), were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from 43 Holstein cows 14 days before (D-14) and 10 (D10) and 28 days after (D28) parturition, and vaginal discharge score (VDS) and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) percentages were assessed in endometrial samples at D28. Cows were separated into four quartiles (Q1–Q4) based on changes in AMH concentration during the peripartum period (AMH ratio: D28/D-14). Correlations between AMH ratio and each parameter were evaluated and classified into high-AMH (Q4, 1.83 ± 0.12, n = 11) and low-AMH (Q1, 0.83 ± 0.05, n = 11) groups. The AMH ratio was positively correlated with magnesium and non-esterified fatty acids levels, and the albumin/globulin ratio at D10 and D28, but negatively correlated with serum amyloid A (SAA) at D10. SAA and γ-globulin levels were significantly higher in the low-AMH group at D28. There was no significant difference in VDS, PMNL percentage, and milk SCC between the two groups. The decreasing AMH ratio from the prepartum to the postpartum period corresponds to high inflammation biomarker levels. Whether it subsequently affects the reproductive prognosis of postpartum cows needs further investigations.

Changes in Saliva Analytes in Dairy Cows during Peripartum: A Pilot Study.

Simple SummaryThe use of saliva as a biological fluid to assess welfare and health status is gaining interest nowadays since it can be collected by non-invasive methods without specialized staff. The possibility of measuring analytes in saliva by techniques adapted to automated analyzers is cost-effective, reliable, and replicable. These analytes can provide information useful for the evaluation of welfare and health in dairy cows. In this pilot study, a total of 26 salivary analytes were measured in healthy dairy cows along their peripartum period to assess possible changes and associations with their inflammatory, energy, and milk yield status. Salivary analytes related to stress (cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, butyrylcholinesterase, and total esterase), immunity (adenosine deaminase), oxidative status (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and the advanced oxidation protein products), and general metabolism (creatine kinase, γ-glutamyl transferase, urea, triglycerides, glucose, and lactate) had significant changes throughout this period. This study indicated that the saliva of dairy cows shows changes in its composition during the transition period and potentially can be a source of biomarkers for monitoring health and welfare.This pilot study aimed to study the possible changes in a profile of 26 salivary analytes in thirteen healthy dairy cows along their peripartum period. Analytes associated with the stress (salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, butyrylcholinesterase, and total esterase), inflammation (adenosine deaminase), oxidative status (total antioxidant capacity and the advanced oxidation protein products), and general metabolism (creatine kinase, γ-glutamyl transferase, urea, triglycerides, glucose, and lactate) varied along the sampling times. A positive correlation between the white blood cells counts, and the lipase, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, advanced oxidation protein products, and lactate levels in saliva were observed at the delivery. A linear association between selected salivary analytes at different sampling times and the milk yield after calving was observed. In conclusion, in our experimental conditions, it was observed that the peripartum period in dairy cows can induce changes in salivary analytes. Some of them were associated with inflammatory status and the capacity of milk production after calving.