ABSTRACT: Dietary with baicalin supplementation improves lactation performance in dairy cows through regulating gastrointestinal microbes, antioxidant capacity, and immune function
Project description:The transition period is the most critical stage in the lactation cycle of dairy cattle. During this period, cows are subjected to high levels of oxidative stress. One way of managing this stress is through mineral supplementation with antioxidant micronutrients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of transition dairy cows supplemented with the antioxidant trace elements copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se). The study was carried out in a commercial Holstein dairy farm located in General Belgrano, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Cows (n=200) were randomly assigned to either a supplemented or a control group. Blood samples were obtained seven days after calving and used to determine superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, antioxidant capacity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Additionally, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed. The oxidative stress index differed significantly between groups, despite only two differentially expressed genes which codify for second messengers (adjusted p value < 0.05). This would suggest that trace mineral supplementation of transition dairy cows would not induce changes in gene expression profiles in pathways associated with oxidative stress and immune function, since their expression is already high in response to the high oxidative stress levels and the dietary changes associated with this period. Nevertheless, considering the role of these minerals as cofactors, a higher availability in the supplemented group would increase antioxidant enzyme activity.
Project description:The aim of this study was to determine the effects of linseed dietary supplementation on gene expression in the mammary gland of grazing dairy cows. Milk composition and gene expression in the mammary gland tissue were evaluated in dairy cows supplemented with linseed. The linseed supplementation improves the health and nutrition quality aspects of dairy milk, but also affects the gene networks expression signature associated with cellular growth and proliferation, cell-death, signalling, nutrient metabolism, and immune response, and in turn, the mammary gland integrity and health. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized blocked designed structure comprising 14 Holstein-Friesian cows (6 second parity, 2 third parity and 6 older cows), selected from a 550-cow herd. Cows were paired in 7 blocks on the basis of similarity in parity (second parity, third parity and older cows), expected date of calving, and milk performance in the previous lactation (in order of priority). Cows within each block were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups, “Omega” or “Control”. The dietary Omega treatment consisted of a basal diet supplemented with a concentrate-mixture including linseed on a dry matter (DM) basis, whereas cows in treatment group Control were supplemented with a concentrate mixture without linseed. Linseed was chosen because it is rich in c9,c12,c15-18:3 (ALA). Concentrate mixtures were fed with a concentrate dispenser. Experimental treatments started 3 weeks before the expected calving date (wk -3) and lasted until 6 weeks after calving (wk 6).
Project description:The aim of this study was to determine the effects of unprotected dietary unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) from different plant oils on gene expression in the mammary gland of grazing dairy cows. Milk composition and gene expression in the mammary gland tissue were evaluated in grazing dairy cows supplemented with different unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). The UFA supplementation improves the health and nutrition quality aspects of dairy milk, but also affects the gene networks expression signature associated with cellular growth and proliferation, cell-death, signalling, nutrient metabolism, and immune response, and in turn, the mammary gland integrity and health. A total of 28 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows in mid-lactation were blocked according to parity (2.4 ± 0.63 years), days in milk (DIM; 153 ± 32.8 days), milk yield (25.7 ± 3.08 kg/d) and fat content (4.3 ± 0.12%). Cows were then randomly assigned to four UFA-sources based on rapeseed, soybean, linseed or a mixture of the three oils for 23 days (Period I) after which, all 28 cows were switched to a control diet for an additional 28 days (Period II). On the last day of both periods, mammary gland biopsies were taken to study genome-wide differences in lipid metabolism gene expression.
Project description:The aim of this study was to determine the effects of linseed dietary supplementation on gene expression in the mammary gland of grazing dairy cows. Milk composition and gene expression in the mammary gland tissue were evaluated in dairy cows supplemented with linseed. The linseed supplementation improves the health and nutrition quality aspects of dairy milk, but also affects the gene networks expression signature associated with cellular growth and proliferation, cell-death, signalling, nutrient metabolism, and immune response, and in turn, the mammary gland integrity and health.
Project description:The fertility of dairy cows is challenged during early lactation and better nutritional strategies need to be developed to address this issue. Combined supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 improves energy metabolism in the dairy cow during early lactation. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to explore the effects of this supplement on gene expression in granulosa cells from the dominant follicle during the postpartum period. Multiparous Holstein cows received weekly intramuscular injection of 320 mg folic acid and 10 mg vitamin B12 (treated group) beginning 24 (SD 4) d before calving until 56 d after calving, whereas the control group received saline. The urea plasma concentration was significantly decreased during the pre-calving period, and the concentration of both folate and vitamin B12 were increased in treated animals. Milk production and dry matter intake were not significantly different between the two groups. Plasma concentrations of folates and vitamin B12 were increased in vitamin-treated animals. Daily dry matter intake was not significantly different between the 2 groups before (13.5 kg SE 0.5) and after (23.6 kg SE 0.9) calving. Average energy-corrected milk tended to be greater in vitamin-treated cows, 39.7 (SE 1.4) and 38.1 (SE 1.3) kg/d for treated and control cows, respectively. After calving, average plasma concentration of BHBA tended to be lower in cows injected with the vitamin supplement, 0.47 (SE 0.04) vs. 0.55 (SE 0.03) for treated and control cows, respectively. The ovarian follicle ? 12 mm in diameter was collected by ovarian pick-up after estrus synchronization. Recovered follicular fluid volumes were greater in the vitamin-treated group. A microarray platform was used to investigate the impact of treatment on gene expression of granulosa cells. Lower expression of genes involved in the cell cycle and higher expression of genes associated with granulosa cell differentiation prior to ovulation were observed. Selected candidate genes were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Although the effects of intramuscular injections of folic acid and vitamin B12 on lactational performance and metabolic status of animals were limited, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of gene expression in granulosa cells suggests a stimulation of cell differentiation in vitamin-treated cows, which may be the result of an increase in LH secretion. Two conditions experiment (Control and Treated). Granulosa cells from the 66h post second PGF2alpha injection. Biological replicates: 3 from each time point. Two technical replicates for each comparison (dye-swap).
Project description:Supplementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product modulates dairy cows health by reducing incidence and severity of mastitis, one of the most common and economically important diseases of the dairy industry. However, mechanisms remain unclear. We conducted a comprehensive molecular analysis, along with physiological data, on dairy cows supplemented for 45 days with NutriTek, a commercially available S. cerevisiae fermentation product, and then subjected to a mastitis challenge . NutriTek supplementation improved cow’s responses to a mastitis challenge by stimulating influx of immune cells to the mammary gland , enhancing their bactericidal capacity, and protecting mammary tissues from the side effect of an immune response allowing faster and more complete recovery from milk production drop
Project description:The aim of this study was to determine the effects of unprotected dietary unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) from different plant oils on gene expression in the mammary gland of grazing dairy cows. Milk composition and gene expression in the mammary gland tissue were evaluated in grazing dairy cows supplemented with different unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). The UFA supplementation improves the health and nutrition quality aspects of dairy milk, but also affects the gene networks expression signature associated with cellular growth and proliferation, cell-death, signalling, nutrient metabolism, and immune response, and in turn, the mammary gland integrity and health. SUBMITTER_CITATION: Mach, N., A. A. A. Jacobs, L. Kruijt, J. Van Baal, and M. A. Smits. 2011. Alteration of gene expression in mammary gland tissue of dairy cows in response to dietary unsaturated fatty acids. Animal.DOI:10.1017/S1751731111000103
Project description:The severity of negative energy balance (NEB) in high-producing dairy cows has a high incidence among health diseases. The periparturient period is crucial for the health status and reproductive performance of dairy cows. During this period, dairy cows experience a transition from a pregnant, non-lactating state to a non-pregnant, lactating state. At the beginning of lactation, the energy needs for milk production are higher than the available energy consumed from feed intake, resulting in a negative energy balance (NEB)]. While in a NEB, cows mobilise their reserves from adipose tissue, resulting in elevated plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), which are used as a fuel source by peripheral tissues and the mammary gland for milk fat synthesis. Thus, white adipose tissue is one of the main tissue involved in the energy production during this transition period. So the objectives of our study were to dentify mRNA differentially expressed in white adipose before and after calving in dairy cow fed with low (LE) and high (HE) energy diet.
Project description:The fertility of dairy cows is challenged during early lactation and better nutritional strategies need to be developed to address this issue. Combined supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B12 improves energy metabolism in the dairy cow during early lactation. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to explore the effects of this supplement on gene expression in granulosa cells from the dominant follicle during the postpartum period. Multiparous Holstein cows received weekly intramuscular injection of 320 mg folic acid and 10 mg vitamin B12 (treated group) beginning 24 (SD 4) d before calving until 56 d after calving, whereas the control group received saline. The urea plasma concentration was significantly decreased during the pre-calving period, and the concentration of both folate and vitamin B12 were increased in treated animals. Milk production and dry matter intake were not significantly different between the two groups. Plasma concentrations of folates and vitamin B12 were increased in vitamin-treated animals. Daily dry matter intake was not significantly different between the 2 groups before (13.5 kg SE 0.5) and after (23.6 kg SE 0.9) calving. Average energy-corrected milk tended to be greater in vitamin-treated cows, 39.7 (SE 1.4) and 38.1 (SE 1.3) kg/d for treated and control cows, respectively. After calving, average plasma concentration of BHBA tended to be lower in cows injected with the vitamin supplement, 0.47 (SE 0.04) vs. 0.55 (SE 0.03) for treated and control cows, respectively. The ovarian follicle ? 12 mm in diameter was collected by ovarian pick-up after estrus synchronization. Recovered follicular fluid volumes were greater in the vitamin-treated group. A microarray platform was used to investigate the impact of treatment on gene expression of granulosa cells. Lower expression of genes involved in the cell cycle and higher expression of genes associated with granulosa cell differentiation prior to ovulation were observed. Selected candidate genes were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Although the effects of intramuscular injections of folic acid and vitamin B12 on lactational performance and metabolic status of animals were limited, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of gene expression in granulosa cells suggests a stimulation of cell differentiation in vitamin-treated cows, which may be the result of an increase in LH secretion.
Project description:Analysis of key genes and gene networks determining milk productivity of the dairy HF cows Transcriptomes were compared of in the mammary glands of the healthy lactating Holstein Friesian cows of the high- (average 11097 kg milk/lactation) and low- (average 6956 kg milk/lactation) milk yield.