Milk fatty acid composition as an indicator of energy status in Holstein dairy cows
Transition dairy cows often enter a stage of negative energy balance during which the utilization of energy reserves is reflected in the milk fatty acid (FA) composition. In this study, metabolic status was evaluated by measuring milk FA, ruminal short-chain FA (RSCFA), and serum biochemical para...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2017-07-01
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| Series: | Archives Animal Breeding |
| Online Access: | https://www.arch-anim-breed.net/60/205/2017/aab-60-205-2017.pdf |
| Summary: | Transition dairy cows often enter a stage of negative energy balance during
which the utilization of energy reserves is reflected in the milk fatty acid
(FA) composition. In this study, metabolic status was evaluated by measuring
milk FA, ruminal short-chain FA (RSCFA), and serum biochemical parameters in
Holstein cows. Samples (milk, rumen contents, and blood) were collected
around days 30 (early) and 150 (middle) of lactation, and rumen contents and
blood samples were collected 30 days before calving (dry). Fatty acids were
extracted and FA composition was determined. Glucose, triacylglycerols, total
cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), and
non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were determined in serum
samples. Lower percentages of saturated FA in milk and higher percentages of
monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA, and C18:1n-9 were observed in early
lactation compared to mid-lactation. In rumen higher concentrations of
propionic acid were determined at mid-lactation compared to early lactation.
Acetic and butyric acid concentrations showed no significant differences
between sampling intervals. In serum higher glucose concentrations were
observed during the dry period and mid-lactation than during early lactation.
Lower BHB and higher NEFA concentrations were noted during early lactation
compared to mid-lactation and the dry period. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C
and triacylglycerols showed no significant differences between sampling
intervals. The results of the present study suggest that determination of
milk FA is a potential indicator of energy status in dairy cows. |
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| ISSN: | 0003-9438 2363-9822 |