Effects of nutritional status on hormone concentrations of the somatotropin axis and metabolites in plasma and colostrum of Japanese Black cows

Maternal Undernutrition Affects Fetal Thymus DNA Methylation, Gene Expression, and, Thereby, Metabolism and Immunopoiesis in Wagyu (Japanese Black) Cattle

We aimed to determine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) on the DNA methylation and gene expression patterns associated with metabolism and immunopoiesis in the thymuses of fetal Wagyu cattle. Pregnant cows were allocated to two groups: a low-nutrition (LN; 60% nutritional requirement; n = 5) and a high-nutrition (HN; 120% nutritional requirement, n = 6) group, until 8.5 months of gestation. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing were used to analyze DNA methylation and gene expression, while capillary electrophoresis-Fourier transform mass spectrometry assessed the metabolome. WGBS identified 4566 hypomethylated and 4303 hypermethylated genes in the LN group, with the intergenic regions most frequently being methylated. Pathway analysis linked hypoDMGs to Ras signaling, while hyperDMGs were associated with Hippo signaling. RNA sequencing found 94 differentially expressed genes (66 upregulated, 28 downregulated) in the LN group. The upregulated genes were tied to metabolic pathways and oxidative phosphorylation; the downregulated genes were linked to natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Key overlapping genes (GRIA1, CACNA1D, SCL25A4) were involved in cAMP signaling. The metabolomic analysis indicated an altered amino acid metabolism in the MNR fetuses. These findings suggest that MNR affects DNA methylation, gene expression, and the amino acid metabolism, impacting immune system regulation during fetal thymus development in Wagyu cattle.

Effects of dam metabolic profile and seasonality (Spring vs. Winter) on their offspring' metabolism, health, and immunity: maternal factors in dairy calves' analytes

Maternal status during the transition period can significantly impact the health and performance of Holstein dairy calves, with lasting effects on various variables. However, the relationship between maternal late gestation metabolic status, seasonality, and their impact on offspring remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the influence of maternal variables at calving on the performance, metabolism, and immunity of 28 dairy calves during their first month of life. Blood samples were collected from 28 Holstein cows at calving. Median results for maternal variables including non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), haptoglobin (Hp), body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) were determined. These median values served as a basis for categorizing the offspring into two groups based on their dams' high or low degree of each maternal variable. Additionally, calves were categorized by the season of birth (Spring vs. Winter), with 14 in each. Blood samples were collected from the calves at birth and on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 to assess IgG, biochemical parameters, and haptoglobin concentration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by polymorphonuclear cells stimulated by various agents was also evaluated. Clinical assessments were conducted for diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease frequencies. Despite the overall health of the cows, differences were observed in the calves between maternal groups. Heavier cows with high maternal BCS tended to have larger offspring, while high maternal BCS was associated with increased diarrhea prevalence. Low maternal BCS resulted in a stronger innate immune response, indicated by higher ROS production. Calves from cows experiencing metabolic changes during calving displayed elevated Hp concentrations. Spring-born calves were larger but had lower serum IgG concentration and reduced innate immune response compared to winter-born calves. Additionally, spring-born calves exhibited higher Hp and increased diarrhea prevalence on day 28. These findings underscore the importance of the prenatal period in determining neonatal health and suggest further research to elucidate the long-term clinical implications of maternal effects on offspring health and growth. Investigating offspring constituents later in life can provide insight into the persistence of maternal effects over time.

Effect of feeding sodium butyrate to beef female cows during pre- and post-partum period on concentrations of glucagon-like peptides in plasma and colostrum

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding beef cows with sodium butyrate during the late pregnancy and early post-partum periods on concentrations of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and 2 in plasma, colostrum, and transition milk. Twelve Japanese Black female cows were fed concentrate feed without (CON; n = 6) or with (BUTY; n = 6) sodium butyrate supplementation at 1.1% of dietary dry matter from -60 d relative to the expected parturition date to 4 d after parturition. Plasma total cholesterol concentration was higher for the BUTY than for the CON (P = 0.04). In addition, plasma GLP-1 concentration was higher for the BUTY than for the CON at 3 d after calving (P < 0.05). This study showed for the first time that GLP-1 is present in the colostrum of Japanese Black cows at higher concentrations as compared to in plasma (P < 0.01). On the other hand, no treatment effect was observed for concentrations of metabolite and hormone in colostrum and transition milk. In summary, feeding beef cows with sodium butyrate during the late gestation and early post-partum period likely increases plasma GLP-1 concentrations post-partum without affecting the components of colostrum and transition milk.

Effect of Ca-octanoate supplementation on concentrations of ghrelin and ghrelin-related hormones in plasma and milk of beef cattle

We aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary calcium (Ca)-octanoate supplementation on concentrations of ghrelin, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin in plasma and milk of beef cattle during late gestation and early postpartum. Twelve Japanese Black cattle were offered concentrate without (CON, n = 6) or with Ca-octanoate supplementation at 1.5% of dietary dry matter (OCT, n = 6). Blood samples were collected at -60, -30, and -7 d relative to the expected parturition date and daily from d 0 to 3 after parturition. Milk samples were collected daily postpartum. Compared to the CON group, concentrations of acylated ghrelin increased in plasma as parturition approached in the OCT group (P = 0.02). However, concentrations of GH, IGF-1, and insulin in plasma and milk were not affected by treatment groups throughout the study. Additionally, we showed for the first time that bovine colostrum and transition milk contain acylated ghrelin at a significantly higher concentration than plasma (P = 0.01). Interestingly, concentrations of acylated ghrelin in milk were negatively correlated with those in plasma postpartum (r = -0.50, P < 0.01). Feeding Ca-octanoate increased concentrations of total cholesterol (T-cho) in plasma and milk (P < 0.05), tended to increase those of glucose in plasma at postpartum and milk (P < 0.1). We conclude that feeding Ca-octanoate in late gestation and early postpartum may contribute to increased concentrations of glucose and T-cho in plasma and milk without affecting concentrations of ghrelin, GH, IGF-1, and insulin in plasma and milk.

Harnessing the value of reproductive hormones in cattle production with considerations to animal welfare and human health

The human population is ever increasing while the quality and quantity of natural resources used for livestock production decline. This calls for improved product efficiency and the development of improved and sustainable cattle production methods to produce higher quality products to satisfy the demands of both the modern and transient world. The goal of this review was to summarize the interactions, challenges, and opportunities in cattle production relating to their endocrine system, and how reproductive hormones and others impact economically important traits, animal welfare, and human health. A comprehensive literature search was conducted with a focus on analysis of natural hormones and the use of exogenous hormone administration for reproduction, growth, and development of beef and dairy cattle. Hormones regulate homeostasis and enhance important traits in cattle, including fertility, growth and development, health, and the production of both meat and milk products. Reproductive hormones such as testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, and related synthetics like trenbolone acetate and zeranol can be strategically utilized in both beef and dairy cattle production systems to enhance their most valuable traits, but the impact of these substances must account for the welfare of the animal as well as the health of the consumer. This scientific review provides a comprehensive analysis of the bovine endocrine system's impact on food animals and product quality which is vital for students, researchers, livestock producers, and consumers. Although important advances have been made in animal science and related technological fields, major gaps still exist in the knowledge base regarding the influence of hormones on the production and welfare of food animals as well as in the public perception of hormone use in food-producing animals. Filling these gaps through transformative and translational research will enhance both fundamental and applied animal science to feed a growing population.

Development of a novel feeding method for Japanese black calves with thermophile probiotics at postweaning

AIMS

Probiotic effects of compost containing thermophiles on productivity have been reported in domestic animals, although not cattle. We evaluated the effects of administering Caldibacillus hisashii, a thermophile contained in compost, on growth, blood components, faecal organic acid concentrations and microbiota population in Japanese black calves.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Calves were administered C. hisashii from 3 to 5 mo of age. Administering C. hisashii decreased feed intake without affecting body weight, indicating that feed efficiency is improved by administration. Administering C. hisashii decreased plasma insulin concentration without affecting glucose and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations. Chao1 was decreased by exposure at 5 mo of age. Similarly, weighted- and unweighted UniFrac distances were affected by treatment at 5 mo of age. Faecal abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes tended to be increased by exposure. Faecal propionic acid concentration was correlated positively with faecal abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes but negatively with that of Firmicutes. Interestingly, the population of the genus Methanobrevibacter, representing the majority of methanogens, was lowered by exposure and was negatively correlated with faecal propionic acid concentration.

CONCLUSION

Administration of C. hisashii has the potential to improve growth performance of Japanese black calves and to contribute to reducing environmental load, which may be associated with altered endocrine kinetics and gut microbial populations.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACTS OF THE STUDY

This study revealed that isolated thermophiles included in compost may exert probiotic effects on calves.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) in bovine colostrum and transition milk

Bovine colostrum contains growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and enzymes, which have important roles in stimulating gastrointestinal development of neonatal calves. In the present study, we measured the concentration of glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), one of the gut-derived peptides secreted from intestinal L-cells, in colostrum and transition milk of Japanese black cattle. All colostrum samples were collected within 24 h after calving (d 0) and transition milk was collected at 24, 48 and 72 h relative to the time at colostrum sampling (d 1, d 2 and d 3, respectively). Concentrations of GLP-2 in colostrum were 5.53 ± 1.07 ng/mL on average (range = 0.94–9.60 ng/mL) and decreased from d 0 to 3 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, concentrations of GLP-2 in colostrum and transition milk were quadratically decreased with the elapsed time from parturition until colostrum sampling (R² = 0.48, P < 0.01). Our results show for the first time that GLP-2 is present in bovine colostrum and transition milk and that concentrations decreased with elapsed time from parturition.

Response of metabolic hormones and blood metabolites to realimentation in rehabilitated harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) pups

Mammals with increased requirements for adipose tissue stores, such as marine mammals, have altered nutrient allocation priorities compared to many terrestrial mammals and thus the physiological response to undernutrition (low nutritional status) and realimentation (refeeding) may differ. Key regulators of nutrient allocation and tissue specific growth include metabolic hormones of the somatotropic axis, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, as well as satiety and adipose promoting ghrelin and the stress hormone cortisol. Longitudinal measurements of metabolic hormones, blood metabolites, and morphometrics were collected over a 10-week period in twelve (male n = 3, female n = 9) harbor seal pups (< 6 weeks of age). Blood metabolites were used to indicate metabolic response during realimentation while morphometrics estimated tissue specific growth priorities. Harbor seal pups undergoing refeeding after nutritional deprivation show a preference for protein sparing despite severe malnutrition. Both BUN and total protein were negatively associated with GH and positively associated with IGF-I and ghrelin highlighting the importance of these metabolic hormones in the regulation of protein metabolism. While the response of the somatotropic axis to realimentation was typical of the mammalian pattern, the surprising increase of ghrelin across the study period suggests the priority of adipose accretion in addition to a possible mechanism regulating compensatory growth of vital adipose stores in a species, which prioritizes adipose accretion for survival.

The Opuntia Effect Improves Dam-Kid Metabolic Markers, Augments Colostrum Quality and Enhances Kid-To-Dam Behavioral Interactions in Crossbred Goats and their Offspring under Semiarid-Rangeland Conditions

The possible effect of protein-enriched Opuntia cladode supplementation during the pre- and post-partum stages (-25 days to +15 days; day 0 = kidding) upon dam-kid metabolic status, colostrum-milk quality, and some behavioral kid-to-dam interaction in goats managed under rangeland extensive conditions was evaluated. Multiparous crossbred goats (n = 30), homogeneous regarding live weight (LW; 55.9 ± 1.03 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 2.5 ± 0.2 units), were randomly assigned to (1) protein-enriched Opuntia (PEO; n = 10; 29.8% crude protein (CP), 2.2 Mcal ME kg-1), (2) non-enriched Opuntia (NEO; n = 10; 6.4% CP, 2.1 Mcal ME kg-1), and (3) control (CON; n = 10, non-supplemented). The PEO and NEO goats were individually supplemented with Opuntia cladodes (250 g day-1; 09:00-10:00 a.m.; 25 days pre- and 15 days post-partum); then, all groups grazed in a marginal rangeland (10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.). LW, BCS, and blood samples to quantify serum glucose (GLU) levels were collected weekly from day -25 up to day +15 in both dams (pre- and post-partum) and kids (post-partum). At 4h and 8h post-partum, kid-to-dam behavioral tests were performed; approaches (APRO, units), animal-to-animal contact (ACONT, s), latency-to-contact (LCONT, s), and high (HPB) and low (LPB) bleats were registered. The response variables LW (58.2 ± 3.5 kg), GLU from does (66.4 ± 3.3 mg/dL), colostrum fat (12.3 ± 1.15%), non-fatty solids (20.9 ± 2.1%), density (64.4 ± 7.0%), and protein (8.1 ± 0.8%), as well as milk density (31.2 ± 1.7%) and protein (3.9 ± 0.3%), favored the PEO group. Moreover, the dam-to-kid 4 h LPB (34.5 ± 4.6 frequency), as well as kid-to-dam 8 h LCONT-own (100 ± 35.5 s) and LPB (25.2 ± 6.9 frequency) also favored the PEO group. To conclude, peripartum supplementation with protein-enriched Opuntia cladodes emerged as a key alternative to enhance the dam-kid metabolic status, to improve colostrum quality and some milk components (density and protein), as well as to expand the kid-to-dam bond in goat production systems under marginal extensive conditions.

Temporal relationships of GH, IGF-I and fructosamine concentrations in pregnant Spanish Purebred mares: A substantial contribution from the hormonal standpoint

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) exert essential functions to maintain an adequate metabolic activity for correct placental and fetal development. Although fructosamine (FRUCT) is used in clinical evaluation to assess the glycaemic state, the relationships between GH, IGF-I and FRUCT remain unknown in the mare. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationships among these parameters in pregnant mares. A total of 30 healthy Spanish Purebred mares, with an age range of 9.33 ± 3.31 years, were studied during the 11 months of gestation. Serum concentrations of GH, IGF-I and FRUCT were analyzed by EIA, competition ELISA and spectrophotometry, respectively. GH showed a biphasic pattern, the first occurred during 4th and 5th month and the second which was higher than the 1st one during the 7th, 8th and 9th month (P < 0.05). Compared to the 1st month, the IGF-I concentrations increased in the 2nd month (P < 0.05), decreased in the 3rd and 4th month and increased to reach the maximum average value in the 5th month (P < 0.05); after slight oscillations between the 6th and 8th month, IGF-I concentrations increased in the 9th month (P < 0.05), decreasing until the end of gestation. FRUCT increased progressively and significantly from the 6th month of gestation, reaching the maximum values in the last month of gestation (P < 0.05). These results suggest that alternative mechanisms other than GH and IGF-I could be involved in the regulation of glycaemic metabolism in pregnant mare.