Effects of an enhanced vitamin A intake during the dry period on retinoids, lactoferrin, IGF system, mammary gland epithelial cell apoptosis, and subsequent lactation in dairy cows

Effects of different vitamin A supplies on performance and the risk of ketosis in transition cows

This experiment investigated the effects of feeding low and high supplies of vitamin A (VA) during the transition period on plasma metabolites, prevalence of ketosis, and early milk production. In a randomized complete block design, 42 prefresh Holstein cows and 21 heifers were blocked by parity and calving date and assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 21 per treatment unless noted): CON, a transition diet with supplemental VA (75,000 IU/d) to meet the requirement; LVA, a transition diet with no supplemental VA; or HVA, a transition diet receiving supplemental VA (187,500 IU/d) 2.5 times greater than the requirement. Experimental periods were prepartum (-14 d prepartum), postpartum (1 to 30 d in milk), and carryover period (31 to 58 d in milk; common lactating diet with adequate VA was fed). Differences in dry matter intake in the pre- and postpartum periods and milk yield were not detected among treatment. Milk fat, protein, and lactose yields were similar among treatments and not affected by VA. Somatic cell count increased linearly with increasing VA. Body weight and body condition score decreased postpartum, but no VA effect was observed. Plasma retinol concentrations (n = 10 per treatment) decreased at d 2 postpartum and increased as lactation progressed, but the concentrations were unaffected by treatment. Plasma β-carotene (n = 10 per treatment) had a treatment by time interaction and its concentration decreased after parturition and remained low for 2 wk. Plasma fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate did not differ among treatments. Milk retinol concentration and yield (n = 10 per treatment) increased as VA supply increased. Segmented neutrophils (%) decreased, and lymphocytes (%) increased in blood with increasing VA supply. In conclusion, providing different supplies of VA did not affect production, mobilization of body fat, and risk of ketosis; however, excessive VA supply may have negatively affected the immune response, in part contributing to increased milk somatic cell counts during early lactation.

Effects of prepartum supplementation of β-carotene on colostrum and calves

Little is known about transfer of dietary β-carotene into colostrum, its absorption by the calf, and its effects on retinol and α-tocopherol in the calf when the dam's dietary vitamin A is adequate. Our objective was to assess the effect of β-carotene supplementation during the close-up dry period on the colostrum and calf. The study was conducted on a large commercial dairy farm in Indiana during early summer of 2015. Ninety-four multiparous Holstein cows were blocked by calving data, parity, and previous production, and then randomly assigned to either control or β-carotene (BC) treatments. While locked in headgates each morning, each cow received a topdress of β-carotene (Rovimix, DSM Nutritional Products, 8 g/d; provided 800 mg β-carotene) or carrier from 21 d before expected calving until calving. Colostrum was collected within 2 h of parturition. Calf blood samples were obtained within 2 h of birth before receiving the dam's colostrum, at 24 h after birth, and at 7 d and 60 d of age. Blood serum was analyzed for β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol, and other metabolites and enzymes. Colostrum was analyzed for β-carotene, retinol, α-tocopherol, colorimetry profile, and milk components. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models in SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). Calf serum β-carotene data were analyzed using the FREQ procedure. Colostrum β-carotene was higher for BC cows. Colostrum from BC cows had increased a* [measures red (positive) to green (negative)] and b* [measures yellow (positive) to blue (negative)] colorimeter values, indicating that β-carotene altered colostrum color toward red and yellow. Supplementation did not affect colostral or calf IgG concentrations. Colostrum color indices were correlated with IgG concentrations as well as concentrations of β-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol. Before receiving colostrum, the concentration of β-carotene in calf serum was below the detectable threshold of 0.05 μg/mL. At 24 h of age, the number of calves with detectable β-carotene concentrations increased, with more calves from BC cows (52.1%) having detectable concentrations than calves from cows in the control group (6.1%). No differences in concentrations of retinol or α-tocopherol were observed in calf serum. Supplementation of β-carotene to cows decreased activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and glutamate dehydrogenase in calf serum. In pregnant cows already receiving adequate vitamin A, supplementation of β-carotene increased concentration of β-carotene in colostrum, altered colostrum color, and increased serum β-carotene in calves at birth.

Effect of Different Combinations of Dietary Vitamin A, Protein Levels, and Monensin on Inflammatory Markers and Metabolites, Retinol-Binding Protein, and Retinoid Status in Periparturient Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding different combinations of dietary vitamin A supplementation (0 or 110 IU/kg body weight), protein (10.3% or 12.2%), and an ionophore (monensin at 0 or 400 mg/day) on retinoid metabolism and immune function of dairy cows. Eighty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were studied from d -35 to +21 relative to expected parturition in a complete randomized block design with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The significance of treatments was declared at p ≤ 0.05. Dairy cows receiving high crude protein (CP) diets with monensin had a greater retinol-binding protein serum concentration than cows receiving high CP diets without monensin (p = 0.04). Animals supplemented with vitamin A showed lower SCC (p = 0.04) and a higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration (p = 0.06) than cows non-supplemented. Moreover, cows receiving low crude protein diets had a greater haptoglobin concentration (p = 0.01). In addition, cows fed a high crude protein diet had a greater TNF-α expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (p = 0.04). Animals fed diets without monensin had a greater serum haptoglobin on day 3 postpartum than those fed monensin (p = 0.01). Moreover, dietary vitamin A increased serum 13-cis retinoic acid postpartum. We conclude that vitamin A, crude protein levels, and monensin fed during the close-up period affect milk somatic cell count, some vitamin statuses, and inflammatory markers during early lactation.

Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on casein and fatty acid synthesis in MAC-T cells

Objective

Caseins and fatty acids of milk are synthesized and secreted by the epithelial cells of the mammary gland. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an active metabolite of vitamin A, has been shown to promote mammary development. This study was conducted to determine the effect of ATRA on casein synthesis and fatty acid composition in MAC-T cells.

Methods

MAC-T cells were allowed to differentiate for 4 d, treated with ATRA (0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 μM), and incubated for 3 d. We analyzed the fatty acid composition, the mRNA expression of casein and fatty acid synthesis-related genes, and the phosphorylation of casein synthesis-related proteins of MAC-T cells by gas chromatography, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting, respectively.

Results

In MAC-T cells, ATRA increased the mRNA levels of α_S1-casein and β-casein, janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and E74-like factor 5 of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 β (STAT5-β) pathway, ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, inhibited the mRNA expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E of the mTOR pathway, and promoted the phosphorylation of STAT5-β and S6K1 proteins. Additionally, ATRA increased the de novo synthesis of fatty acids, reduced the content of long-chain fatty acids, the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (SFA), the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to SFA, and the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 PUFA. The mRNA levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase, lipoprotein lipase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) were enhanced by ATRA.

Conclusion

ATRA promotes the synthesis of casein by regulating JAK2/STAT5 pathway and downstream mTOR signaling pathway, and it improves the fatty acid composition of MAC-T cells by regulating SREBP1-related genes.

A 100-Year Review: From ascorbic acid to zinc-Mineral and vitamin nutrition of dairy cows

Mineral and vitamin nutrition of dairy cows was studied before the first volume of the Journal of Dairy Science was published and is still actively researched today. The initial studies on mineral nutrition of dairy cows were simple balance experiments (although the methods available at the time for measuring minerals were anything but simple). Output of Ca and P in feces, urine, and milk was subtracted from intake of Ca and P, and if values were negative it was often assumed that cows were lacking in the particular mineral. As analytical methods improved, more minerals were found to be required by dairy cows, and blood and tissue concentrations became primary response variables. Those measures often were poorly related to cow health, leading to the use of disease prevalence and immune function as a measure of mineral adequacy. As data were generated, mineral requirements became more accurate and included more sources of variation. In addition to milk yield and body weight inputs, bioavailability coefficients of minerals from different sources are used to formulate diets that can meet the needs of the cow without excessive excretion of minerals in manure, which negatively affects the environment. Milk, or more accurately the lack of milk in human diets, was central to the discovery of vitamins, but research into vitamin nutrition of cows developed slowly. For many decades bioassays were the only available method for measuring vitamin concentrations, which greatly limited research. The history of vitamin nutrition mirrors that of mineral nutrition. Among the first experiments conducted on vitamin nutrition of cows were those examining the factors affecting vitamin concentrations of milk. This was followed by determining the amount of vitamins needed to prevent deficiency diseases, which evolved into research to determine the amount of vitamins required to promote overall good health. The majority of research was conducted on vitamins A, D, and E because these vitamins have a dietary requirement, and clinical and marginal deficiencies became common as diets for cows changed from pasture and full exposure to the sun to stored forage and limited sun exposure. As researchers learned new functions of fat-soluble vitamins, requirements generally increased over time. Diets generally contain substantial amounts of B vitamins, and rumen bacteria can synthesize large quantities of many B vitamins; hence, research on water-soluble vitamins lagged behind. We now know that supplementation of specific water-soluble vitamins can enhance cow health and increase milk production in certain situations. Additional research is needed to define specific requirements for many water-soluble vitamins. Both mineral and vitamin research is hampered by the lack of sensitive biomarkers of status, but advanced molecular techniques may provide measures that respond to altered supply of minerals and vitamins and that are related to health or productive responses of the cow. The overall importance of proper mineral and vitamin nutrition is known, but as we discover new and more diverse functions, better supplementation strategies should lead to even better cow health and higher production.

Observations of mortality in farmed bison in the Canadian prairies: 2103 - 2016

The present study is a continuation of a previous mortality study on Saskatchewan bison farms with special emphasis on Malignant Catarrhal Fever. The updated objective of the study was to estimate the most common causes of mortality in farmed bison herds in Western Canada. Results were compared to the previous Saskatchewan study to assess the similarities and differences in the etiology associated with farmed bison deaths across the Prairie Provinces of Canada. The most common cause of death was respiratory disease associated with Mycoplasma bovis, although this was restricted to Alberta and Saskatchewan farm locations. This was in contrast to the previous Saskatchewan based study which did not identify any deaths involving this pathogen. An updated overall assessment of the risks of Malignant Catarrhal Fever in farmed bison at various proximities to sheep operations further confirmed the low risk of occurrence on farms within a 1 km boundary fence distance.

Retinoic acid prevents immunogenicity of milk lipocalin Bos d 5 through binding to its immunodominant T-cell epitope

The major cow’s milk allergen Bos d 5 belongs to the lipocalin protein family, with an intramolecular pocket for hydrophobic ligands. We investigated whether Bos d 5 when loaded with the active vitamin A metabolite retinoic acid (RA), would elicit differential immune responses compared to the unloaded state. By in silico docking an affinity energy of −7.8 kcal/mol was calculated for RA into Bos d 5. Loading of RA to Bos d 5 could be achieved in vitro, as demonstrated by ANS displacement assay, but had no effect on serum IgE binding in tolerant or challenge-positive milk allergic children. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that RA binds to the immunodominant T-cell epitope region of Bos d 5. In accordance, Bos d 5 significantly suppressed the CD3+ CD4+ cell numbers, proliferative response and IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ secretion from stimulated human PBMCs only when complexed with RA. This phenomenon was neither associated with apoptosis of T-cells nor with the activation of Foxp3+ T-cells, but correlated likely with enhanced stability to lysosomal digestion due to a predicted overlap of Cathepsin S cleavage sites with the RA binding site. Taken together, proper loading of Bos d 5 with RA may suppress its immunogenicity and prevent its allergenicity.

Invited review: Growth-promoting effects of colostrum in calves based on interaction with intestinal cell surface receptors and receptor-like transporters

The postnatal development and maturation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of neonatal calves is crucial for their survival. Major morphological and functional changes in the calf's GI tract initiated by colostrum bioactive substances promote the establishment of intestinal digestion and absorption of food. It is generally accepted that colostrum intake provokes the maturation of organs and systems in young calves, illustrating the significance of the cow-to-calf connection at birth. These postnatal adaptive changes of the GI tissues in neonatal calves are especially induced by the action of bioactive substances such as insulin-like growth factors, hormones, or cholesterol carriers abundantly present in colostrum. These substances interact with specific cell-surface receptors or receptor-like transporters expressed in the GI wall of neonatal calves to elicit their biological effects. Therefore, the abundance and activity of cell surface receptors and receptor-like transporters binding colostral bioactive substances are a key aspect determining the effects of the cow-to-calf connection at birth. The present review compiles the information describing the effects of colostrum feeding on selected serum metabolic and endocrine traits in neonatal calves. In this context, the current paper discusses specifically the consequences of colostrum feeding on the GI expression and activity of cell-receptors and receptor-like transporters binding growth hormone, insulin-like growth factors, insulin, or cholesterol acceptors in neonatal calves.

Unmasking Upstream Gene Expression Regulators with miRNA-corrected mRNA Data

Expressed micro-RNA (miRNA) affects messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, hindering the accuracy of upstream regulator analysis. Our objective was to provide an algorithm to correct such bias. Large mRNA and miRNA analyses were performed on RNA extracted from bovine liver and mammary tissue. Using four levels of target scores from TargetScan (all miRNA:mRNA target gene pairs or only the top 25%, 50%, or 75%). Using four levels of target scores from TargetScan (all miRNA:mRNA target gene pairs or only the top 25%, 50%, or 75%) and four levels of the magnitude of miRNA effect (ME) on mRNA expression (30%, 50%, 75%, and 83% mRNA reduction), we generated 17 different datasets (including the original dataset). For each dataset, we performed upstream regulator analysis using two bioinformatics tools. We detected an increased effect on the upstream regulator analysis with larger miRNA:mRNA pair bins and higher ME. The miRNA correction allowed identification of several upstream regulators not present in the analysis of the original dataset. Thus, the proposed algorithm improved the prediction of upstream regulators.

Status of vitamins E and A and β-carotene and health in organic dairy cows fed a diet without synthetic vitamins

Synthetic vitamin supplementation is not consistent with organic production, so it is important to investigate whether dairy cows can maintain their health and production without synthetic vitamins being added to their diet. In basic dairy cow diets, provitamin A (β-carotene) and vitamin E are mainly found in pasture and in grass and legume silages, but the concentrations are highly variable. This study compared the vitamin status and health of cows without synthetic vitamin supplementation (NSV group) with control cows (CON group) fed synthetic vitamins according to Swedish recommendations (600 IU of vitamin E and 80,000 IU of vitamin A per cow per day) to investigate whether dairy cows can fulfill their requirements of vitamins A and E without supplementation with synthetic vitamins. Vitamin concentrations in blood plasma and milk, health, fertility, milk yield, and milk composition were measured in Swedish Holstein cows (n=28) during 2 complete lactations. All cows were fed a 100% organic diet containing grass-legume silage, cold-pressed rapeseed cake, peas, cereal grains, and minerals. Blood samples were collected from each cow 3 wk before expected calving, at calving, and 3 wk, 3 to 5 mo, and 7 to 9 mo after calving. Samples of colostrum were taken and milk samples were collected 4d after calving and at the same time as the 3 blood samplings after calving. The only difference in vitamin status between groups was found in colostrum in yr 1, when CON cows tended to have a higher concentration of α-tocopherol, and their β-carotene concentration was higher compared with NSV cows. The NSV cows tended to have more cases of mastitis than CON cows in yr 2. Within the NSV group, fewer cows were healthy and more cases of mastitis were observed in yr 2 than in yr 1. The groups did not differ in production parameters. In conclusion, the vitamin status in blood and milk of the studied cows indicated that cows in organic dairy production can fulfill their requirements of vitamins A and E without any supplementation of synthetic vitamins, except at the time around calving, when the requirements are high. However, the impaired health of NSV cows in yr 2 may indicate a long-term negative health effect in cows fed no synthetic vitamins.

Gene networks driving bovine mammary protein synthesis during the lactation cycle

A crucial role for both insulin and mTOR in the regulation of milk protein synthesis is emerging. Bovine mammary biopsies harvested during late-pregnancy through end of subsequent lactation were used to evaluate via quantitative PCR the expression of 44 genes involved in pathways of insulin, mTOR, AMPK, and Jak2-Stat5 signalling and also glucose and amino acid (AA) transporters. We observed an increased expression during lactation of ELF5, AA and glucose transporters, insulin signaling pathway components, MAPK14, FRAP1, EIF4EBP2, GSK3A and TSC1 among mTOR signaling-related genes. Among ribosomal components RPL22 was down-regulated. The overall data support a central role of AA and glucose transporters and insulin signaling through mTOR for the regulation of protein synthesis in bovine mammary gland. Furthermore, the existence of translational competition favoring the translation of milk protein transcripts was inferred from the combined dataset.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), IGF binding proteins, and other endocrine factors in milk: role in the newborn

The role of colostrum and milk in the neonate has been chiefly recognized as a comprehensive nutrient foodstuff. In addition, the provision of colostrum-the first milk-for early immune capacity has been well documented for several species. Colostrum is additionally a rich and concentrated source of various factors that demonstrate biological activity in vitro. Three hypotheses have been proposed for the phenotypic function of these secreted bioactive components: (1) only mammary disposal, (2) mammary cell regulation, and (3) neonatal function [gastrointestinal tract (GIT) or systemic]. Traditionally, it was assumed that the development of the GIT is preprogrammed and not influenced by events occurring in the intestinal lumen. However, a large volume of research has demonstrated that colostrum (or milk-borne) bioactive components can basically contribute to the regulation of GIT growth and differentiation, while their role in postnatal development at physiological concentrations has remained elusive. Much of our current understanding is derived from cell culture and laboratory animals, but experimentation with agriculturally important species is taking place. This chapter provides an overview of work conducted primarily in neonatal calves and secondarily in other species on the effects on neonates of selected peptide endocrine factors (hormones, growth factors, in part cytokines) in colostrum. The primary focus will be on insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) and other bioactive peptides, but new interest and concern about steroids (especially estrogens) in milk are considered as well.

Genetic Variability of Lactoferrin Content Estimated by Mid-Infrared Spectrometry in Bovine Milk

The effects of lactoferrin (LF) on the immune system have already been shown by many studies. Unfortunately, the current methods used to measure LF levels in milk do not permit the study of the genetic variability of lactoferrin or the performance of routine genetic evaluations. The first aim of this research was to derive a calibration equation permitting the prediction of LF in milk by mid-infrared spectrometry (MIR). The calibration with partial least squares on 69 samples showed a ratio of standard error of cross-validation to standard deviation equal to 1.98. Based on this value, the calibration equation was used to establish an LF indicator trait (predicted LF; pLF) on a large number of milk samples (n = 7,690). A subsequent study of its variability was conducted, which confirmed that stage of lactation and lactation number influence the overall pLF level. Small differences in mean pLF among 7 dairy breeds were also observed. The pLF content of Jersey milk was significantly higher than that in Holstein milk. Therefore, the choice of breed could change the expected LF level. Heritability estimated for pLF was 19.7%. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between somatic cell score and pLF were 0.04 and 0.26, respectively. As somatic cell score increases in presence of mastitis, this observation seems to indicate that pLF, or a function of observed pLF, compared with expected LF might have potential as an indicator of mastitis. The negative genetic correlation (-0.36) between milk yield and pLF could indicate an undesirable effect of selection for high milk production on the overall LF level.