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Plöntzke J, Berg M, Ehrig R, Leonhard-Marek S, Müller KE, Röblitz S. Model-based exploration of hypokalemia in dairy cows. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19781. [PMID: 36396697 PMCID: PMC9672062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22596-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypokalemia in dairy cows, which is characterized by too low serum potassium levels, is a severe mineral disorder that can be life threatening. In this paper, we explore different originating conditions of hypokalemia-reduced potassium intake, increased excretion, acid-base disturbances, and increased insulin-by using a dynamic mathematical model for potassium balance in non-lactating and lactating cows. The simulations confirm observations described in literature. They illustrate, for example, that changes in dietary intake or excretion highly effect intracellular potassium levels, whereas extracellular levels vary only slightly. Simulations also show that the higher the potassium content in the diet, the more potassium is excreted with urine. Application of the mathematical model assists in experimental planning and therefore contributes to the 3R strategy: reduction, refinement and replacement of animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Plöntzke
- grid.425649.80000 0001 1010 926XZuse Institute Berlin, Takustr. 7, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mascha Berg
- grid.425649.80000 0001 1010 926XZuse Institute Berlin, Takustr. 7, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainald Ehrig
- grid.425649.80000 0001 1010 926XZuse Institute Berlin, Takustr. 7, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Leonhard-Marek
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Library and Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Elisabeth Müller
- grid.14095.390000 0000 9116 4836Clinic for Ruminants, Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanna Röblitz
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Computational Biology Unit (CBU), Department of Informatics, University of Bergen, 5008 Bergen, Norway
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Gross JJ. Limiting factors for milk production in dairy cows: perspectives from physiology and nutrition. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6528443. [PMID: 35157044 PMCID: PMC8919814 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Milk production in dairy cows increases worldwide since many decades. With rising milk yields, however, potential limiting factors are increasingly discussed. Particularly, the availability of glucose and amino acids is crucial to maintain milk production as well as animal health. Limitations arise from feed sources, the rumen and digestive tract, tissue mobilization, intermediary metabolism and transport, and the uptake of circulating nutrients by the lactating mammary gland. The limiting character can change depending on the stage of lactation. Although physiological boundaries are prevalent throughout the gestation-lactation cycle, limitations are aggravated during the early lactation period when high milk production is accompanied by low feed intake and high mobilization of body reserves. The knowledge about physiological constraints may help to improve animal health and make milk production more sustainably. The scope of this review is to address contemporary factors related to production limits in dairy cows from a physiological perspective. Besides acknowledged physiological constraints, selected environmental and management-related factors affecting animal performance and physiology will be discussed. Potential solutions and strategies to overcome or to alleviate these constraints can only be presented briefly. Instead, they are thought to address existing shortcomings and to identify possibilities for optimization. Despite a scientific-based view on physiological limits, we should keep in mind that only healthy animals could use their genetic capacity and produce high amounts of milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author:
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3
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Metabolic and endocrine responses to short-term nutrient imbalances in the feed ration of mid-lactation dairy cows. Animal 2021; 15:100306. [PMID: 34182225 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term imbalances of dietary nutrients occur during natural fluctuations in roughage quality (e.g. on pasture) or temporal shortages of supplementary feed components. In contrast to a deficiency, macronutrients (i.e. carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) beyond the adequate supply with other nutrients may, for instance, alter milk composition, increase BW or result in a greater excretion of nitrogen. Especially dairy cows with a moderate performance, in mid- or late lactation, or in extensive farming systems may be exposed to imbalanced rations. A better understanding of metabolic and endocrine responses depending on macronutrient supply may help to precisely feed dairy cows. The present study investigated short-term metabolic and endocrine responses to different levels of concentrates formulated to particularly provide one major macronutrient source (carbohydrates, proteins or lipids). Based on parity number, lactational stage, milk yield and BW, nine mid-lactating cows (211 ± 19 days in milk) were grouped into three blocks of three animals each. Concentrates (aminogenic: rich in CP and nitrogen sources; glucogenic: high content of carbohydrates and glucogenic precursors; lipogenic: high lipid content) were fed in addition to hay in a factorial arrangement at increasing levels from 2.5 to 7.5 kg/d during 9 d. Milk yield, BW and feed intake were recorded daily. Blood and milk were sampled every 3 d at the end of each concentrate level. Milk fat, protein, lactose and urea contents were determined. In blood, concentrations of various metabolites, endocrine factors and enzyme activities (e.g. glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), β-hydroxybutyrate, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, glucagon, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and glutamate dehydrogenase activity (GLDH)) were measured. Milk yield, milk composition and BW were not affected by type and level of concentrates. Feed intake increased in cows with greater amounts of the aminogenic and lipogenic concentrate compared with the glucogenic concentrate. Milk and plasma urea concentrations were elevated in the aminogenic and to a lesser extent in the lipogenic treatment compared with the glucogenic treatment. Glucose concentrations in plasma were not affected by treatments, whereas insulin and glucagon increased, and NEFA concentrations decreased only in cows fed 7.5 kg/d aminogenic concentrate compared with the glucogenic and lipogenic treatment. Activities of ASAT, GGT and GLDH as well as the total antioxidant capacity were not affected by diets. In conclusion, immediate metabolic and endocrine responses were observed due to the short-term dietary changes. Particularly, a surplus of nitrogen supply via the aminogenic diet affected metabolic responses and stimulated insulin and glucagon secretion.
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Vogel L, Gnott M, Kröger-Koch C, Görs S, Weitzel JM, Kanitz E, Hoeflich A, Tuchscherer A, Tröscher A, Gross JJ, Bruckmaier RM, Starke A, Bachmann L, Hammon HM. Glucose metabolism and the somatotropic axis in dairy cows after abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids together with conjugated linoleic acid during late gestation and early lactation. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:3646-3664. [PMID: 33455762 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sufficient glucose availability is crucial for exploiting the genetic potential of milk production during early lactation, and endocrine changes are mainly related to repartitioning of nutrient supplies toward the mammary gland. Long-chain fatty acids, such as essential fatty acids (EFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), have the potential to improve negative energy balance and modify endocrine changes. In the present study, the hypothesis that combined CLA and EFA treatment supports glucose metabolism around the time of calving and stimulates insulin action and the somatotropic axis in cows in an additive manner was tested. Rumen-cannulated German Holstein cows (n = 40) were investigated from wk 9 antepartum (AP) until wk 9 postpartum (PP). The cows were abomasally supplemented with coconut oil (CTRL, 76 g/d); 78 g/d of linseed and 4 g/d of safflower oil (EFA); Lutalin (CLA, isomers cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA, each 10 g/d); or the combination of EFA+CLA. Blood samples were collected several times AP and PP to determine the concentrations of plasma metabolites and hormones related to glucose metabolism and the somatotropic axis. Liver tissue samples were collected several days AP and PP to measure glycogen concentration and the mRNA abundance of genes related to gluconeogenesis and the somatotropic axis. On d 28 AP and 21 PP, endogenous glucose production (eGP) and glucose oxidation (GOx) were measured via tracer technique. The concentration of plasma glucose was higher in CLA than in non-CLA-treated cows, and the plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was higher in EFA than in non-EFA cows on d 21 PP. The eGP increased from AP to PP with elevated eGP in EFA and decreased eGP in CLA-treated cows; GOx was lower in CLA than in CTRL on d 21 PP. The plasma insulin concentration decreased after calving in all groups and was higher in CLA than in non-CLA cows at several time points. Plasma glucagon and cortisol concentrations on d 21 PP were lower in CLA than non-CLA groups. The glucagon/insulin and glucose/insulin ratios were higher in CTRL than in CLA group during the transition period. Plasma IGF-I concentration was lower in EFA than non-EFA cows on d 42 AP and was higher during the dry period and early lactation in CLA than in non-CLA cows. The IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3/-2 ratio in blood plasma was higher in CLA than in non-CLA cows. Hepatic glycogen concentration on d 28 PP was higher, but the mRNA abundance of PC and IGFBP2 was lower in CLA than non-CLA cows on d 1 PP. The EFA treatment decreased the mRNA abundance of IGFBP3 AP and PCK1, PCK2, G6PC, PCCA, HMGCS2, IGFBP2, and INSR at several time points PP. Results indicated elevated concentrations of plasma glucose and insulin along with the stimulation of the somatotropic axis in cows treated with CLA, whereas EFA treatment stimulated eGP but not mRNA abundance related to eGP PP. The systemic effects of the combined EFA+CLA treatment were very similar to those of CLA treatment, but the effects on hepatic gene expression partially corresponded to those of EFA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vogel
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - M Gnott
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - C Kröger-Koch
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - S Görs
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - J M Weitzel
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - E Kanitz
- Institute of Behavioral Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - A Hoeflich
- Institute of Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - A Tuchscherer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | - J J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Starke
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - L Bachmann
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - H M Hammon
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology "Oskar Kellner," Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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Effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on metabolic status, BW and expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in adipose tissue of dairy cows during peripartum. Animal 2021; 15:100105. [PMID: 33579649 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) dietary supplementation reduces milk fat content and yield, but its effects on lipid metabolism and energy status remain controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary CLA on adipose tissue (AT) mRNA abundance of genes related to lipid metabolism, plasma indicators of metabolic status, body condition score (BCS) and BW changes in dairy cows. Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows (3.2 ± 1.4 lactations, 615 ± 15 kg BW) were randomly assigned to treatments: 1) CLA; rumen-protected CLA (75 g/d) or 2) Control; equivalent amount of rumen inert fatty acid (FA) as the previous diet (78 g/d), from -20.2 ± 3.2 (mean ± SEM) to 21d relative to calving (d 0). Subcutaneous AT was biopsied from the tail-head region at d 21 to determine the mRNA abundance of genes related to lipid metabolism. Blood samples were collected at -20.2 ± 3.2, 0, 7, 14 and 21d relative to calving to determine plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), insulin and glucose. Conjugated linoleic acid decreased milk fat yield and milk fat content by 15 and 16%, respectively. Cows fed CLA had lower plasma NEFA and BHBA and greater glucose and insulin concentrations (P < 0.05). Mean BCS at 21d postpartum was greater (P < 0.01; 2.89 vs 2.25), and BCS loss from the day of enrollment to 21d postpartum was reduced (P < 0.01; -0.13 vs -0.64) in the CLA group. The expression of acylcoenzyme A oxidase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, hormone-sensitive lipase, β2 adrenergic receptor and acetyl-CoA carboxylase was downregulated by CLA supplementation, whereas the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein, lipoprotein lipase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma was upregulated (P < 0.01). In summary, CLA-supplemented cows showed signs of better metabolic status and less severe fat mobilization. Moreover, CLA increased mRNA abundance of genes related to lipogenesis and decreased mRNA abundance of genes related to FA oxidation and lipolysis in the AT of dairy cows during early lactation.
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Karis P, Jaakson H, Ling K, Bruckmaier RM, Gross JJ, Pärn P, Kaart T, Ots M. Body condition and insulin resistance interactions with periparturient gene expression in adipose tissue and lipid metabolism in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:3708-3718. [PMID: 32008773 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adipose tissue plays an important role in a cow's ability to adapt to the metabolic demands of lactation, because of its central involvement in energy metabolism and immunity. High adiposity and adipose tissue resistance to insulin are associated with excessive lipid mobilization. We hypothesized that the response to a glucose challenge differs between cows of different body condition 21 d before and after calving and that the responses are explainable by gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). In addition, we aimed to investigate insulin resistance with gene expression in SAT and lipid mobilization around parturition. Multiparous Holstein cows were grouped according to body conditions score (BCS) 4 wk before calving, as follows: BCS ≤ 3.0 = thin (T, n = 14); BCS 3.25 to 3.5 = optimal (O, n = 14); BCS ≥ 3.75 = over-conditioned (OC, n = 14). We collected SAT on d -21 and d 21 relative to calving. A reverse-transcriptase quantitative (RT-q)PCR was used to measure gene expression related to lipid metabolism. One hour after the collection of adipose tissue, an intravenous glucose tolerance test was carried out, with administration of 0.15 g of glucose per kg of body weight (with a 40% glucose solution). Once weekly from the first week before calving to the third week after calving, a blood sample was taken. The transition to lactation was associated with intensified release of energy stored in adipose tissue, a decrease in the lipogenic genes lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), and an increase in the lipolytic gene hormone-sensitive lipase (LIPE). On d -21, compared with T cows, OC cows had lower mRNA abundance of LPL and DGAT2, and the latency of fatty acid response after glucose infusion was also longer (8.5 vs. 23.3 min) in OC cows. Cows with higher insulin area under the curve on d -21 had concurrently lower LPL and DGAT2 gene expression and greater concentration of fatty acids on d -7, d 7, and d 14. In conclusion, high adiposity prepartum lowers the whole-body lipid metabolism response to insulin and causes reduced expression of lipogenic genes in SAT 3 weeks before calving. In addition, more pronounced insulin release after glucose infusion on d -21 is related to higher lipid mobilization around calving, indicating an insulin-resistant state, and is associated with lower expression of lipogenic genes in SAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Karis
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - H Jaakson
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - K Ling
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3001, Switzerland
| | - J J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3001, Switzerland
| | - P Pärn
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - T Kaart
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - M Ots
- Chair of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
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Gross JJ, Bruckmaier RM. Invited review: Metabolic challenges and adaptation during different functional stages of the mammary gland in dairy cows: Perspectives for sustainable milk production. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:2828-2843. [PMID: 30799117 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Milk production of dairy cows has increased markedly during recent decades and continues to increase further. The evolutionarily conserved direction of nutrients to the mammary gland immediately after calving provided the basis for successful selective breeding toward higher performance. Considerable variation in adaptive responses toward energy and nutrient shortages exists; however, this variation in adaptability recently gained interest for identifying more metabolically robust dairy cows. Metabolic challenges during periods of high milk production considerably affect the immune system, reproductive performance, and product quality as well as animal welfare. Moreover, growing consumer concerns need to be taken into consideration because the public perception of industrialized dairy cow farming, the high dependency on feed sources suitable for human nutrition, and the apparently abundant use of antibiotics may affect the sales of dairy products. Breeding for high yield continues, but the metabolic challenges increasingly come close to the adaptational limits of meeting the mammary gland's requirements. The aim of the present review is to elucidate metabolic challenges and adaptational limitations at different functional stages of the mammary gland in dairy cows. From the challenges and adaptational limitations, we derive perspectives for sustainable milk production. Based on previous research, we highlight the importance of metabolic plasticity in adaptation mechanisms at different functional stages of the mammary gland. Metabolic adaptation and plasticity change among developing, nonlactating, remodeling, and lactational stages of the mammary gland. A higher metabolic plasticity in early-lactating dairy cows could be indicative of resilience, and a high performance level without an extraordinary occurrence of health disorders can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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