The relationship between plasma β-hydroxybutyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid in milk as a biomarker for early diagnosis of ketosis in postpartum Polish Holstein-Friesian cows

Serum metabolomics assessment of etiological processes predisposing ketosis in water buffalo during early lactation

Metabolic disorders as ketosis are manifestations of the animal's inability to manage the increase in energy requirement during early lactation. Generally, buffaloes show a different response to higher metabolic demands than other ruminants with a lower incidence of metabolic problems, although ketosis is one of the major diseases that may decrease the productivity in buffaloes. The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolic profile of Mediterranean buffaloes (MB) associated with 2 different levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Sixty-two MB within 50 days in milk (DIM) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to serum BHB concentration: healthy group (37 MB; BHB <0.70 mmol/L; body condition score: 5.00; parity: 3.78; and DIM: 30.70) and group at risk of hyperketonemia (25 MB; BHB ≥0.70 mmol/L; body condition score: 4.50; parity: 3.76; and DIM: 33.20). The statistical analysis was conducted by one-way ANOVA and unpaired 2-sample Wilcoxon tests. Fifty-seven metabolites were identified and among them, 12 were significant or tended to be significant. These metabolites were related to different metabolic changes such as mobilization of body resources, ruminal fermentations, urea cycle, thyroid hormone synthesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress status. These findings are suggestive of metabolic changes related to subclinical ketosis status that should be further investigated to better characterize this disease in the MB.

Changes in plasma fatty acids profile in hyperketonemic ewes during early lactation: a preliminary study

The transition from late pregnancy to early lactation is characterized by marked changes in energy balance of dairy ruminants. The mobilization of adipose tissue led to an increase in plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). The aim of this study was to analyze the total plasma fatty acids of healthy and hyperketonemic dairy ewes in early lactation through gas chromatography (GC) to evaluate metabolic alterations. An observational study was used with a cross-sectional experimental design. Forty-six Sarda dairy ewes were enrolled in the immediate post-partum (7 ± 3 days in milk) and divided into two groups according to serum BHB concentration: non-hyperketonemic group (n = 28; BHB < 0.86 mmol/L) and hyperketonemic group (n = 18; BHB ≥ 0.86 mmol/L). A two-way ANOVA included the effect of group and parity was used to evaluate differences in fatty acids (FA) concentrations. A total of 34 plasma FA was assessed using GC. 12 out of 34 FA showed a significant different between groups and 3 out of 34 were tended to significance. Only NEFA concentration and stearic acid were influenced by parity. The results may suggest possible links with lipid metabolism, inflammatory and immune responses in hyperketonemic group. In conclusion, GC represents a useful tool in the study of hyperketonemia and primiparous dairy ewes might show a greater risk to develop this condition.

Dairy Sheep Grazing Management and Pasture Botanical Composition Affect Milk Macro and Micro Components: A Methodological Approach to Assess the Main Managerial Factors at Farm Level

Simple Summary

Studies on the management factors that affect milk components at the farm level are important for understanding how to transfer the results from experimental study. Plant phenological stages and partially fresh herbage intakes affect the lactose and milk fatty acid profile. The botanical composition of the grassland partially affects the milk’s phenol content. A few small relationships between plant phenols and milk colour could be of interest to explain the changes in milk colour parameters.

Abstract

The fatty acid profile, vitamins A and E, cholesterol, antioxidant power colour and the phenols profile of Sarda sheep milk from 11 commercial sheep flocks managed under permanent grassland were investigated. In each farm, the structural and managerial data and milk samples were collected during four periods (sampling dates, SD): January, March, May, and July. Data from the milk composition (fat, protein, casein, lactose, and somatic cell count), 68 fatty acids, 7 phenols, 1 total gallocatechin equivalent, ferric reducing antioxidant power, vitamins A and E, cholesterol, degree of antioxidant protection, and the colour (b *, a * and L *) were analyzed by multivariate factorial analysis using a principal component analysis approach. A proc mixed model for repeated measurement to point out the studied factors affecting significant macro and micro milk composition was also used. Only the first five components were detailed in this paper, with approximately 70% of the explained variance detected. PC1 presented the highest positive loadings for milk lactose, de novo FA synthesis and the BH intermediate, whereas OBCFA had negative loadings values. The PC2, LCFA, UFA, MUFA, vitamins E, and DAP showed positive loadings values, while SFA had a negative value. The PC3 showed a high positive loading for total phenols and non-flavonoids. PC4 presented a high positive loading for the milk macro-composition and negative values for n-3 FAs. The PC5 is characterized by high positive loadings for the a * and L * colour parameters whereas negative loadings were detected for the milk flavonoids content. These preliminary results could help to establish future threshold values for the biomarkers in milk sourced from grazing dairy sheep in natural, permanent pasture-based diets.

Comparison of Enzyme Activity in Order to Describe the Metabolic Profile of Dairy Cows during Early Lactation

Enzymatic diagnostics have practical applications in diseases of the liver, heart, pancreas, muscles, blood, and neoplastic diseases. This study aimed to compare enzyme activity to describe dairy cows’ metabolism during early lactation. Based on their general health symptoms, the cows were assigned to one of three groups: acidotic, healthy and ketotic. Samples of milk, blood and rumen fluid were collected at 12 ± 5 days postpartum. Ketotic cows were characterized by the highest malondialdehyde (MDA, 76.098 nM/mL), glutathione reductase (GluRed, 109.852 U/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 294.22 U/L) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP, 71.175 U/L) activity. In comparing ketotic and acidotic cows, MDA, GluRed, SOD and GGTP activity were higher by a factor of almost: 1.85, 1.89, 0.79 and 2.50, respectively. Acidotic cows were characterized by the highest aspartate aminotransferase activity (AspAT, 125.914 U/L). In comparing acidotic and ketotic cows, AspAT activity was higher by a factor of almost 1.90. The use of enzymatic markers could limit the frequency of sampling for laboratory analyses and may result in a faster diagnosis of metabolic disorders. AspAT activity in blood serum seems to be a good indicator of acidosis; GGTP may participate in the pathogenesis of ketosis.

Preovulatory follicular fluid and serum metabolome profiles in lactating beef cows with thin, moderate, and obese body condition

Extremes in body condition reduce fertility and overall productivity in beef cattle herds, due in part to altered systemic metabolic conditions that influence the intrafollicular and uterine environment. Follicular fluid and serum metabolome profiles are influenced by body composition in women and dairy cattle; however, such information is lacking in beef cattle. We hypothesized that body condition score (BCS)-related alterations in the metabolome of preovulatory follicular fluid and serum may influence oocyte maturation while impacting the oviductal or uterine environment. Therefore, we performed a study with the objective to determine the relationship between BCS and the metabolome of follicular fluid and serum in lactating beef cattle. We synchronized the development of a preovulatory follicle in 130 cows of varying BCS. We collected blood and performed transvaginal follicle aspirations to collect follicular fluid from the preovulatory follicle ~18 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone administration to stimulate the preovulatory gonadotropin surge. We then selected follicular fluid and serum samples from cows with BCS 4 (Thin; n = 14), BCS 6 (Moderate; n = 18), or BCS >8 (Obese; n = 14) for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. We identified differences in the follicular fluid or serum of thin, moderate, and obese animals based on multiple linear regression. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for enrichment analysis of significant metabolites. We identified 38 metabolites in follicular fluid and 49 metabolites in serum. There were no significant differences in follicular fluid metabolite content among BCS classifications. There were 5, 22, and 1 serum metabolites differentially abundant between thin-obese, moderate-thin, and moderate-obese classifications, respectively (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.10). These metabolites were enriched in multiple processes including "arginine biosynthesis," "arginine/proline metabolism," and "D-glutamine/D-glutamate metabolism" (FDR < 0.04). Pathways enriched with serum metabolites associated with BCS indicate potentially increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum of thin cows. ROS crossing the blood follicular barrier may negatively impact the oocyte during oocyte maturation and contribute to the reduced pregnancy rates observed in thin beef cows.

Optimised Method for Short-Chain Fatty Acid Profiling of Bovine Milk and Serum

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA, C2-C5) in milk and serum are derived from rumen bacterial fermentation and, thus, have the potential to be used as biomarkers for the health status of dairy cows. Currently, there is no comprehensive and validated method that can be used to analyse all SCFAs in both bovine serum and milk. This paper reports an optimised protocol, combining 3-nitrophenylhydrazine (3-NPH) derivatisation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for quantification of SCFA and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) in both bovine milk and bovine serum. This method is sensitive (limit of detection (LOD) ≤ 0.1 µmol/L of bovine milk and serum), accurate (recovery 84–115% for most analytes) and reproducible (relative standard deviation (RSD) for repeated analyses below 7% for most measurements) with a short sample preparation step. The application of this method to samples collected from a small cohort of animals allowed us to reveal a large variation in SCFA concentration between serum and milk and across different animals as well as the strong correlation of some SCFAs between milk and serum samples.

Using the Relationship between Concentrations of Selected Whey Proteins and BHBA to Characterize the Metabolism of Dairy Cows in Early Lactation

Simple Summary

A negative energy balance alters the concentration of various fractions of cows’ milk. Moreover, key changes are observed in the fat and protein content. Therefore, by analyzing the concentration of individual proteins in milk, it is possible to indirectly monitor the health of the animal. Subclinical ruminal acidosis and ketosis are the primary economic issues in dairy farming due to non-specific symptoms, difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis and reduced milk production. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between the concentrations of blood β-hydroxybutyric (BHBA) and whey proteins in milk as a marker for the diagnosis of metabolic diseases. Whey proteins were significantly influenced by both the lactation phase and BHBA. Therefore, it can be concluded that whey proteins can be used as non-invasive markers for diagnosing metabolic diseases. A high concentration of β-lactoglobulin can be a marker for diagnosing ketosis. Conversely, elevated levels of α-lactalbumin may indicate the occurrence of a metabolic disorder, such as acidosis.

Abstract

A negative energy balance alters the concentration of various fractions of cows’ milk. Therefore, by analyzing the concentration of individual proteins in milk, it is possible to indirectly monitor the health of the animal. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between the concentrations of blood β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and whey proteins in milk as a marker for the diagnosis of metabolic diseases. The analysis included milk and blood samples from 95 Holstein-Friesian cows, which were divided into three groups that were differentiated in terms of serum BHBA levels 5–7 days post-calving: LBHBA, low level of BHBA: 0.200–0.500 mmol/L; NBHBA, optimal level of BHBA- control group: 0.500–1.200 mmol/L; HBHBA, high level of BHBA: >1.200 mmol/L. Concentrations of α-lactoalbumin in the milk after 7 days of lactation proceeded in accordance with the concentration of β-hydroxybutyric acid, as follows: LBHBA > NBHBA > HBHBA. Concentrations of β-lactoglobulin in milk after 14 days of lactation proceeded in accordance with the concentration of β-hydroxybutyric acid, as follows: LBHBA < NBHBA < HBHBA. Therefore, it can be concluded that whey proteins can be used as non-invasive markers for diagnosing metabolic diseases. A high concentration of β-lactoglobulin can be a marker for diagnosing ketosis. Conversely, elevated levels of α-lactalbumin may indicate the occurrence of a metabolic disorder, such as acidosis.

Blood Plasma Biomarkers for Woody Breast Disease in Commercial Broilers

Woody breast (WB) myopathy results in poor muscle quality. The increasing incidence of WB over the last several years indicates a need for improved prediction or early diagnosis. We hypothesized that the use of body fluids, including blood, may be more suitable than breast muscle tissue in developing a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for WB detection. To identify potential early-age-biomarkers that may represent the potential onset of WB, blood samples were collected from 100, 4 wks old commercial male broilers. At 8 wks of age, WB conditions were scored by manual palpation. A total of 32 blood plasma samples (eight for each group of WB and non-WB control birds at two time points, 4 wks and 8 wks) were subjected to shotgun proteomics and untargeted metabolomics to identify differentially abundant plasma proteins and metabolites in WB broilers compared to non-WB control (Con) broilers. From the proteomics assay, 25 and 16 plasma proteins were differentially abundant (p < 0.05) in the 4 and 8 wks old samples, respectively, in WB compared with Con broilers. Of those, FRA10A associated CGG repeat 1 (FRAG10AC1) showed >2-fold higher abundance in WB compared with controls. In the 8 wks old broilers, 4 and 12 plasma proteins displayed higher and lower abundances, respectively, in WB compared with controls. Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) showed more than 2-fold higher abundances in WB compared with controls, while transferrin (TF) and complement C1s (C1S) showed more than 2-fold lower abundances compared with controls. From the untargeted metabolomics assay, 33 and 19 plasma metabolites were differentially abundant in birds at 4 and 8 wks of age, respectively, in WB compared with controls. In 4 wks old broilers, plasma 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HB) and raffinose concentrations showed the highest and lowest fold changes, respectively, in WB compared with controls. The blood plasma 3-HB and raffinose concentrations were confirmed with targeted biochemical assays. Blood biomarkers, such as 3-HB and raffinose, may be suitable candidate targets in the prediction of WB onset at early ages.

The Capacity of Holstein-Friesian and Simmental Cows to Correct a Negative Energy Balance in Relation to Their Performance Parameters, Course of Lactation, and Selected Milk Components

A significant factor in improving the performance of dairy cows is their physiological ability to correct a negative energy balance (NEB). This study, using Simmental (SIM) and Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows, aimed to assess changes in NEB (non-esterified fatty acid; body condition score; and C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1) and its effect on the metabolic efficiency of the liver (β-hydroxybutyrate and urea). The effects of NEB on daily yield, production at peak lactation and its duration, and changes in selected milk components were assessed during complete lactation. Up to peak lactation, the loss of the body condition score was similar in both breeds. Subsequently, SIM cows more efficiently restored their BCS. HF cows reached peak lactation faster and with a higher milk yield, but they were less able to correct NEB. During lactation, their non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and urea levels were persistently higher, which may indicate less efficient liver function during NEB. The dynamics of NEB were linked to levels of leptin, which has anorectic effects. Its content was usually higher in HF cows and during intensive lactogenesis. An effective response to NEB may be exploited to improve the production and nutritional properties of milk. In the long term, it may extend dairy cows' productive life and increase lifetime yield.

Determination of natural antibodies, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and non-esterified fatty acid levels in the serum of peripartum Tuj and Hemşin sheep

Background and Aim:

Many metabolic and immunological changes occur during the transition period. Innate immunity plays an important role against to infections and natural antibodies (NAb) are important in immunity. This study aims to determine a connection between serum NAb titers, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in Tuj and Hemşin sheep during the peripartum period.

Materials and Methods:

Serum NAb, BHBA, and NEFA levels were determined from the blood samples collected from Tuj and Hemşin sheep on days 30 and 15 before birth, on the day of birth (day 0), and on days 15 and 30 after birth.

Results:

NAb titers were found to be higher in Tuj than in Hemşin sheep (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in serum BHBA concentrations of both breeds on all sampling days (p>0.05). The serum NEFA level was lower in Tuj sheep in the last 15 days of pregnancy compared to Hemşin sheep (p<0.05), while no difference was found in samples collected at the other time points.

Conclusion:

This study indicated that serum NAb titers significantly changed in Tuj and Hemşin sheep during the transition period. Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations increased during the last stages of pregnancy and decreased after birth. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the immunological status could vary by the breed of sheep or various factors that affect the sheep’s metabolic state.

The Effect of Energy Metabolism up to the Peak of Lactation on the Main Fractions of Fatty Acids in the Milk of Selected Dairy Cow Breeds

During early lactation in dairy cows, metabolic processes are adopted to provide energy and nutrients for the synthesis of milk compounds. High milk production potential includes sudden changes in energy metabolism (negative energy balance (NEB)) that can induce uncontrolled lipomobilization and high blood free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Destabilization of cows' energy may interfere with endocrine homeostasis, such as the secretion of leptin, a co-regulator of the appetite center. Therefore, it is important to analyze the physiological aspects of the maintenance of energy homeostasis in various dairy breeds. Usually it is crucial for the health of cows, influences the production cycle and lifetime yield, and determines the profitability of production and milk quality. The aim of this study was to analyze the energy metabolism of selected breed groups of cows and its variability in different stages of early lactation. The analysis was performed using data on the following parameters: body condition score (BCS), fatty acid (FA) fractions, basic milk constituents, and serum parameters (BHBA, glucose, and leptin). These results were analyzed in relation to parameters of energy metabolism during the stage up to the peak of lactation. An earlier peak of lactation was shown to be conducive to an increase in the content of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and of casein and κ-casein. During the study period, parameters characterizing the maintenance of energy homeostasis were usually lower in the Simmental and Black-and-White Lowland cows. Compared to the group with the highest production, their yield was from 2.8 to 4.7 kg lower, but the milk had a more beneficial fatty acid profile and nutrient content, determining suitability for cheese making. At the same time, they had lower levels of NEFAs and β-hydroxybutyrate in the blood, which indicates less spontaneous lipolysis of fat reserves. Concentrations of the appetite regulator leptin in the blood were correlated negatively (p ≤ 0.05) with the glucose concentration (-0.259) and positively with NEFA (0.416). The level of NEFAs was at the same time positively correlated with the content of saturated fatty acids in the milk (0.282-0.652; p ≤ 0.05). These results contribute to our knowledge of the effect of production intensity on the maintenance of homeostasis up to the peak of lactation in dairy breeds with differing production potential. In practice, this may increase the possibilities of improving milk quality and the profitability of production.

Metabolic profile according to the parity and stage of lactation of high-performance Holstein-Friesian cows

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of parity and the stage of lactation on the metabolic profile of cows based on the basic chemical milk components and the blood parameters.

Methods

The study material consisted of high-yielding Holstein-Friesian cows. In total, 473 cows were examined. According to the parity, cows were divided into four groups: primiparous (P), and multiparous in the second (M2), in the third (M3), and in subsequent lactations (M4). The feeding of cows was based on total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum. Milk and blood samples were collected individually from each cow three times per standard lactation period.

Results

Greater exacerbation of changes in the dynamics of the blood plasma parameters examined was proved for multiparous cows. The highest value of β-hydroxybutyrate acid (0.946 mmol/L) was found for multiparous cows from group M3 at the beginning of lactation. However, it was still in the normal range. The results showed aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities in dairy cows during lactation had significant variations taking in to account stage of lactation. The highest activity of GGT was found in the group of the oldest cows and measured from 26.36 U/L at the beginning of lactation to 48.75 U/L at the end of the lactation period.

Conclusion

The time-related changes in the concentrations of the biochemical parameters described differ markedly among lactating cows, though the housing conditions on the research dairy farm are highly standardised. This indicates that the ability to cope with metabolic stress is mainly affected by the individual predispositions of cows and feed nutrient supply in different stage of lactation. Especially, the feed nutrient supply (in net energy for lactation), which was the best in TMR 1 in comparison TMR 3.

Changes of Plasma Fatty Acids in Four Lipid Classes to Understand Energy Metabolism at Different Levels of Non-Esterified Fatty Acid (NEFA) in Dairy Cows

Simple Summary

Dairy cows in the transition period require energy for fetal growth and milk production. In this phase, energy requirement exceeds the amount available for the animal, developing a negative energy balance. Numerous metabolic processes are involved to improve the energy requirement, in particular the mobilization of adipose tissue occurs. Dairy cows with an inadequate adaptive response to the negative energy balance can develop metabolic diseases such as subclinical ketosis. The purpose of the present study was to identify new biomarkers among the plasma fatty acids (FAs) through the use of thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic techniques (TLC-GC). Early detection of excessive lipomobilization could improve animal health and reduce economic losses on farms. The current study determined the FA concentrations of four plasma lipid classes in plasma, in two groups of cows with different degrees of lipid mobilization in order to obtain biomarker for an early diagnosis of metabolic diseases.

Abstract

The transition period is a central moment in dairy cows breeding because metabolic disorders may occur in relation to a dramatic increase in energy demand. This research aimed to identify new biomarkers for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia in bovine in early lactation phase with different value of plasmatic non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). The profile of plasma fatty acids (FAs) divided into four lipid classes was evaluated using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic techniques (TLC-GC). A group of 60 multiparous Holstein–Friesian dairy cows were recruited in the present study. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein and NEFA and the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were evaluated. All animals were divided in 2 groups based on NEFA, NEFA0 group had as mean value 0.24 ± 0.12 mEq/L and NEFA1 group had as mean value 0.87 ± 0.23 mEq/L. Plasma FA concentrations were analyzed separately in free fatty acids, cholesterol esters, phospholipids and triglycerides. Six FAs demonstrated a predictive value in the hyperketonemic dairy cows. In the free fatty acid class, the predictive FAs were C14:0 (AUC = 0.77), C18:1 ω 9 (AUC = 0.72), C18:1 ω 7 (AUC = 0.70) and C18:3 ω 3 (AUC = 0.68). In the phospholipids class the predictive parameters were C12:0 (AUC = 0.78) and C8:0 (AUC = 0.73). In cholesterol, esters and triglycerides lipidic classes no FA had a predictive function.

Identification of Plasma Fatty Acids in Four Lipid Classes to Understand Energy Metabolism at Different Levels of Ketonemia in Dairy Cows Using Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Chromatographic Techniques (TLC-GC)

Excessive mobilization of adipose tissue in high milk producing dairy cows predisposes to metabolic diseases. The aim of this research was to identify the plasma fatty acids in four lipid classes as biomarkers for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia in bovines using thin layer chromatography and gas chromatographic techniques (TLC-GC). Sixty multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were enrolled in the study. Blood samples from the coccygeal vein were collected and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was evaluated. All animals were divided into three groups on the basis of ketonemia: BHB < 0.50 mmol/L, 0.50 < BHB < 1.0 mmol/L, and BHB > 1.0 mmol/L. Plasma fatty acid concentrations were evaluated in four lipid classes: Free Fatty Acids (FFA), Triglycerides (TG), Cholesterol Esters (CE) And Phospholipids (PL). The concentration of fatty acids was analyzed using TLC-GC. The results showed the following significance in the lipid classes: 19 fatty acids were significant (p < 0.053) in FFA, nine fatty acids were significant (p < 0.050) in TG, eight fatty acids were significant (p < 0.050) in CE and three fatty acids were significant (p < 0.049) in PL. Eleven parameters were considered as predictive fatty acids related to animals in hyperketonemia. The FFA increased simultaneously with blood BHB levels, although the identified predictive fatty acids related to the TG and CE lipid classes decreased, meanwhile the BHB values increased. In the PL lipid class, no fatty acids were predictive.