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Ferraz PA, Poit DAS, Ferreira Pinto LM, Guerra AC, Laurindo Neto A, do Prado FL, Azrak AJ, Çakmakçı C, Baruselli PS, Pugliesi G. Accuracy of early pregnancy diagnosis and determining pregnancy loss using different biomarkers and machine learning applications in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2024; 224:82-93. [PMID: 38759608 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the accuracy of IFN-τ stimulated gene abundance (ISGs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), CL blood perfusion by Doppler ultrasound (Doppler-US), plasma concentration of P4 on Day 21 and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) test on Day 25 after timed-artificial insemination (TAI) for early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows and heifers. Holstein cows (n = 140) and heifers (n = 32) were subjected to a hormonal synchronization protocol and TAI on Day 0. On Day 21 post-TAI, blood samples were collected for PBMC isolation and plasma concentration of P4. The CL blood perfusion was evaluated by Doppler-US. Plasma samples collected on Day 25 were assayed for PAGs. The abundance of ISGs (ISG15 and RSAD2) in PBMCs was determined by RT-qPCR. Pregnancy was confirmed on Days 32 and 60 post-TAI by B-mode ultrasonography. Statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA using the MIXED procedure and GLIMMIX in SAS software. The pregnancy biomarkers were used to categorize the females as having undergone late luteolysis (LL); early embryonic mortality (EEM); late embryonic mortality (LEM); or late pregnancy loss (LPL). The abundance of ISGs, CL blood perfusion by Doppler-US, and concentrations of P4 on Day 21, and PAGs test on Day 25 were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of early pregnancy in dairy cows and heifers. Dairy cows had a greater (P = 0.01) occurrence of LL than heifers, but there was no difference (P > 0.1) for EEM, LEM, and LPL in heifers compared to cows. Cows with postpartum reproductive issues had a greater (P = 0.008) rate of LEM and a lesser (P = 0.01) rate of LPL compared to cows without reproductive issues. In summary, the CL blood perfusion by Doppler-US had the highest accuracy and the least number of false negatives, suggesting it is the best predictor of pregnancy on Day 21 post-TAI. The PAGs test was the most reliable indicator of pregnancy status on Day 25 post-TAI in dairy heifers and cows. The application of machine learning, specifically the MARS algorithm, shows promise in enhancing the accuracy of predicting early pregnancies in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Assis Ferraz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Diego Angelo Schmidt Poit
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Marin Ferreira Pinto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arthur Cobayashi Guerra
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adomar Laurindo Neto
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cihan Çakmakçı
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Section, Faculty of Agriculture, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Turkey
| | - Pietro Sampaio Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Rasmussen AE, Holtenius K, Båge R, Strandberg E, Åkerlind M, Kronqvist C. Customized voluntary waiting period before first insemination in primiparous dairy cows. Effect on milk production, fertility and health. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00988-3. [PMID: 39004120 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Customized voluntary waiting period (VWP) before first insemination was tested in 18 commercial dairy herds in Sweden, to assess milk production, fertility and health in primiparous cows expected to be suited for extended VWP. Cow selection for extended VWP was based on 3 criteria in early lactation: 1) the 10% of cows with highest genomic persistency index, 2) cows with a difficult calving or disease during the first month of lactation, and 3) cows with higher yield during d 4-33 after calving than the herd average for primiparous cows. Cows meeting at least one of these criteria were randomly assigned to either the ExtExt treatment (extended VWP of at least 175 d, n = 174; calving interval (CInt) = 16.3 mo) or the ExtConv treatment (conventional VWP of maximum 100 d n = 173; CInt = 12.4 mo). Cows not meeting any of the criteria were assigned to the ConvConv treatment (conventional VWP, n = 183; CInt = 12.0 mo). There were no differences in milk yield per day in the CInt between treatments, although 305-d and whole-lactation (WL) milk yields were higher for ExtExt cows (10,371 and 13,803 kg) than ExtConv cows (9,812 and 10,257 kg). Milk yield at the last test milking before dry-off was lower in ExtExt compared with ExtConv cows (24.9 vs 28.3), however the results showed no difference in dry period length between the treatments. Regarding reproductive performance, the ExtExt cows had higher first service conception rate (FSCR; 60% vs. 45%) and lower number of inseminations per conception (NINS; 1.67 vs. 2.19), compared with the ExtConv cows. As expected, ConvConv cows had the lowest milk yield in 305-d, in WL, and per day in the CInt, however, FSCR and NINS did not differ between ConvConv cows and cows in the other 2 VWP treatments. Disease incidence was higher for cows in the ExtConv compared with the ConvConv treatment, but there was no difference between ExtExt and the 2 other VWP treatments. Further, no difference in proportion of cows with good udder health or culling rate was detected between any of the treatments, though due to low prevalence the study lacked power to draw major conclusions on these results. Thus prolonging VWP for suitable primiparous cows can produce benefits such as improved fertility in the form of higher FSCR and lower NINS, as well as lower dry-off yield, without compromising milk yield or prolonging dry period length.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Edvardsson Rasmussen
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - K Holtenius
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, P.O. Box 7024, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R Båge
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Strandberg
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Biosciences, P.O. Box 7023, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - M Åkerlind
- Växa Sverige, P.O. Box 288, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C Kronqvist
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, P.O. Box 7024, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Salamone M, Adriaens I, Liseune A, Heirbaut S, Jing XP, Fievez V, Vandaele L, Opsomer G, Hostens M, Aernouts B. Milk yield residuals and their link with the metabolic status of dairy cows in the transition period. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:317-330. [PMID: 37678771 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The transition period is one of the most challenging periods in the lactation cycle of high-yielding dairy cows. It is commonly known to be associated with diminished animal welfare and economic performance of dairy farms. The development of data-driven health monitoring tools based on on-farm available milk yield development has shown potential in identifying health-perturbing events. As proof of principle, we explored the association of these milk yield residuals with the metabolic status of cows during the transition period. Over 2 yr, 117 transition periods from 99 multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows were monitored intensively. Pre- and postpartum dry matter intake was measured and blood samples were taken at regular intervals to determine β-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, glucose, fructosamine, and IGF1 concentrations. The expected milk yield in the current transition period was predicted with 2 previously developed models (nextMILK and SLMYP) using low-frequency test-day (TD) data and high-frequency milk meter (MM) data from the animal's previous lactation, respectively. The expected milk yield was subtracted from the actual production to calculate the milk yield residuals in the transition period (MRT) for both TD and MM data, yielding MRTTD and MRTMM. When the MRT is negative, the realized milk yield is lower than the predicted milk yield, in contrast, when positive, the realized milk yield exceeded the predicted milk yield. First, blood plasma analytes, dry matter intake, and MRT were compared between clinically diseased and nonclinically diseased transitions. MRTTD and MRTMM, postpartum dry matter intake and IGF1 were significantly lower for clinically diseased versus nonclinically diseased transitions, whereas β-hydroxybutyrate and NEFA concentrations were significantly higher. Next, linear models were used to link the MRTTD and MRTMM of the nonclinically diseased cows with the dry matter intake measurements and blood plasma analytes. After variable selection, a final model was constructed for MRTTD and MRTMM, resulting in an adjusted R2 of 0.47 and 0.73, respectively. While both final models were not identical the retained variables were similar and yielded comparable importance and direction. In summary, the most informative variables in these linear models were the dry matter intake postpartum and the lactation number. Moreover, in both models, lower and thus also more negative MRT were linked with lower dry matter intake and increasing lactation number. In the case of an increasing dry matter intake, MRTTD was positively associated with NEFA concentrations. Furthermore, IGF1, glucose, and insulin explained a significant part of the MRT. Results of the present study suggest that milk yield residuals at the start of a new lactation are indicative of the health and metabolic status of transitioning dairy cows in support of the development of a health monitoring tool. Future field studies including a higher number of cows from multiple herds are needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Salamone
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Biosystems, Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Campus Geel, KU Leuven, 2440 Geel, Belgium.
| | - I Adriaens
- Department of Biosystems, Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Campus Geel, KU Leuven, 2440 Geel, Belgium; KERMIT, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Liseune
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Heirbaut
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - X P Jing
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - V Fievez
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Vandaele
- Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), 9090 Melle, Belgium
| | - G Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M Hostens
- Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - B Aernouts
- Department of Biosystems, Division of Animal and Human Health Engineering, Campus Geel, KU Leuven, 2440 Geel, Belgium
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Hansen PJ. Perspective: Can early embryonic losses be reduced in lactating dairy cows? J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6593-6596. [PMID: 37210359 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910.
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Pascottini OB, Aurich C, England G, Grahofer A. General and comparative aspects of endometritis in domestic species: A review. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:49-71. [PMID: 37191856 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Endometritis is a leading cause of sub- and infertility in domestic animal species. The healthy uterus is colonized by commensal bacteria, viruses and yeast/fungi that represent the nonpathogenic microbiota. A shift in the number or type of organisms accompanied by immune dysfunction, however, may trigger uterine infection and inflammation. Metritis is associated with inflammation of all uterine layers (endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium), whereas endometritis is a more superficial inflammation involving solely the endometrium. Endometritis generally occurs at two time points in domestic animal species, postpartum and postmating. Postpartum endometritis may chronically persist, either as a low-grade disease that often manifests as a vaginal discharge but not a systemic illness (in some species termed clinical endometritis) or sometimes subclinical where features are only detected by endometrial sampling. Contamination of the uterus at the time of mating occurs by direct deposition of semen (ejaculated or artificially inseminated) into the uterus. Improper drainage of the ejaculatory fluid or an inadequate immune response may result in persistent mating-induced endometritis. Both postpartum and postmating endometritis interferes with fertility by creating a suboptimal environment for embryo development and placentation, and chronic endometritis may have an impact on sperm survival and fertilization ability. In the postpartum animal, there may also be changes in milk production and maternal behaviour, which can affect offspring health and survival. Preventive strategies for endometritis largely depend on monitoring their known risk factors, which are sometimes specific with regard to the species. Effective, nonantibiotic therapy for endometritis is not available to date. Overall, extensive research has been performed in cattle and horses to unravel key aspects of endometritis, but in sows and bitches, the available literature is scant. Thus, the need and opportunity to investigate the condition vary considerably among domestic species and necessitate their comparative assessment. This article reviews general and comparative aspects of the diagnosis and classification, pathogenesis, preventive strategies and therapeutics of endometritis in domestic species with a specific focus on cows, mares, sows and bitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G England
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
| | - A Grahofer
- Clinic for Swine, Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Breda JCDS, Facury Filho EJ, Flaiban KKDC, Lisboa JAN. Effect of Parity, Body Condition Score at Calving, and Milk Yield on the Metabolic Profile of Gyr Cows in the Transition Period. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2509. [PMID: 37570316 PMCID: PMC10417048 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of parity, body condition score (BCS) at calving, and milk yield on the metabolic profile of Gyr (Zebu) cows. Healthy cows in late pregnancy were grouped according to parity (primiparous, biparous, and multiparous); to BCS scale at calving (high-HBCS and normal-NBCS); and to milk yield (high-HP and moderate-MP production). BCS was assessed, and blood samples were collected on -21, -7, 0, 7, 21, and 42 days relative to parturition. The concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, total calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg); and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were measured. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The frequencies of high lipomobilization, subclinical ketosis, subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH), and the occurrence of diseases during early lactation were established. Regardless of grouping, NEFA, BHB, and cholesterol increased during early lactation; glucose showed higher values at calving; TP and albumin were higher at 21 and 42 DIM; and Ca, P, and Mg were lower at calving. Parity had little effect on the metabolic profile, HBCS did not differ from NBCS cows, and HP did not differ from MP cows in most metabolites. High lipomobilization in early lactation and SCH at calving were the most common imbalances but were not related to postpartum diseases. High-yielding Gyr cows have a balanced metabolic profile during the transition period, with few biologically relevant effects of parity, BCS at parturition, or milk yielded.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos dos Santos Breda
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Veterinary School, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil
| | - Elias Jorge Facury Filho
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | | | - Julio Augusto Naylor Lisboa
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Veterinary School, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina 86057-970, PR, Brazil
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Sones J, Balogh O. Body Condition and Fertility in Dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023:S0195-5616(23)00067-0. [PMID: 37211441 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ideal body condition and nutritional status in dogs is essential for quality of life, including reproductive health. Herein, we review the implications body condition, particularly fat, has on puberty, fertility, pregnancy, and parturition in dogs. Ideal body condition at puberty is necessary for dogs to achieve sexual maturity and reproduce. Moreover, over and under conditioned female dogs have increased risk of adverse pregnancy, parturition, and neonatal outcomes. Less is known about body condition and male dog fertility but some evidence is provided in this article. Finally, recommendations for maintaining an ideal body condition in intact adult dogs for optimal fertility are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Sones
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Orsolya Balogh
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, 215 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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Kra G, Daddam JR, Moallem U, Kamer H, Mualem B, Levin Y, Kočvarová R, Nemirovski A, Contreras AG, Tam J, Zachut M. Alpha-linolenic acid modulates systemic and adipose tissue-specific insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and the endocannabinoid system in dairy cows. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5280. [PMID: 37002295 PMCID: PMC10066235 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders are often linked to alterations in insulin signaling. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids modulate immunometabolic responses; thus, we examined the effects of peripartum n-3 on systemic and adipose tissue (AT)-specific insulin sensitivity, immune function, and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in dairy cows. Cows were supplemented peripartum with saturated fat (CTL) or flaxseed supplement rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Blood immunometabolic biomarkers were examined, and at 5-8 d postpartum (PP), an intravenous glucose-tolerance-test (GTT) and AT biopsies were performed. Insulin sensitivity in AT was assessed by phosphoproteomics and proteomics. Peripartum n-3 reduced the plasma concentrations of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17α, lowered the percentage of white blood cells PP, and reduced inflammatory proteins in AT. Systemic insulin sensitivity was higher in ALA than in CTL. In AT, the top canonical pathways, according to the differential phosphoproteome in ALA, were protein-kinase-A signaling and insulin-receptor signaling; network analysis and immunoblots validated the lower phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), and lower abundance of insulin receptor, together suggesting reduced insulin sensitivity in ALA AT. The n-3 reduced the plasma concentrations of ECS-associated ligands, and lowered the abundances of cannabinoid-1-receptor and monoglycerol-lipase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells PP. Peripartum ALA supplementation in dairy cows improved systemic insulin sensitivity and immune function, reduced ECS components, and had tissue-specific effects on insulin-sensitivity in AT, possibly counter-balancing the systemic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitit Kra
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, ARO Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZiyon, Israel
- Department of Animal Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jayasimha Rayalu Daddam
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, ARO Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZiyon, Israel
| | - Uzi Moallem
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, ARO Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZiyon, Israel
| | - Hadar Kamer
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, ARO Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZiyon, Israel
| | - Batel Mualem
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, ARO Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZiyon, Israel
| | - Yishai Levin
- The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Radka Kočvarová
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, The Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alina Nemirovski
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, The Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andres G Contreras
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Joseph Tam
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, The Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maya Zachut
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Sciences, ARO Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZiyon, Israel.
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Cheng Z, McLaughlin DL, Little MW, Ferris C, Salavati M, Ingvartsen KL, Crowe MA, Wathes DC. Proportion of Concentrate in the Diet of Early Lactation Dairy Cows Has Contrasting Effects on Circulating Leukocyte Global Transcriptomic Profiles, Health and Fertility According to Parity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010039. [PMID: 36613482 PMCID: PMC9820068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The functionality of circulating leukocytes in dairy cows is suppressed after calving, with negative energy balance as a risk factor. Leukocyte transcriptomic profiles were compared separately in 44 multiparous (MP) and 18 primiparous (PP) Holstein-Friesian cows receiving diets differing in concentrate proportion to test whether immune dysfunction could be mitigated by appropriate nutrition. After calving, cows were offered either (1) low concentrate (LC); (2) medium concentrate (MC) or (3) high concentrate (HC) diets with proportions of concentrate to grass silage of 30%:70%, 50%:50% and 70%:30%, respectively. Cow phenotype data collected included circulating metabolites, milk yield and health and fertility records. RNA sequencing of circulating leukocytes at 14 days in milk was performed. The HC diet improved energy balance in both age groups. There were more differentially expressed genes in PP than MP cows (460 vs. 173, HC vs. LC comparison) with few overlaps. The MP cows on the LC diet showed upregulation of the complement and coagulation cascade and innate immune defence mechanisms against pathogens and had a trend of more cases of mastitis and poorer fertility. In contrast, the PP cows on the HC diet showed greater immune responses based on both gene expression and phenotypic data and longer interval of calving to conception. The leukocytes of MP and PP cows therefore responded differentially to the diets between age, nutrient supply and immunity affecting their health and subsequent fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangrui Cheng
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Danielle L. McLaughlin
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Mark W. Little
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
| | - Conrad Ferris
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK
| | - Mazdak Salavati
- The Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Campus, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Klaus L. Ingvartsen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, Aarhus University, 8000 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Mark A. Crowe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - D. Claire Wathes
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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Li C, Huang J, Chen X, Yan Y, Li L, Zhao W. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals That NEFA and β-Hydroxybutyrate Induce Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells. Metabolites 2022; 12:1060. [PMID: 36355143 PMCID: PMC9696823 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) are the metabolites of fat mobilization initiated by negative energy balance (NEB) during the perinatal period in dairy cows, which have an adverse effect on cell physiology of various bovine cell types. The aim of this study was to explore the biological roles of NEFA and BHBA on provoking oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). RNA sequencing analysis showed that there are 1343, 48, and 1725 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BMECs treated with NEFA, BHBA and their combination. GO functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in "response to oxidative stress" and "inflammatory response". Further study demonstrated that NEFA and BHBA elevated the malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and reduced the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity to cause oxidative stress. In addition, expression of inflammatory markers (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) were increased after NEFA and BHBA stimulation. Mechanistically, our data showed that NEFA and BHBA activated the MAPK signaling pathway. Collectively, our results indicate that NEFA and BHBA induce oxidative stress and inflammatory response probably via the MAPK signaling pathway in BMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengmin Li
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Junpeng Huang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Xiangxing Chen
- Zibo Service Center for Animal Husbandry and Fishery, Zibo 255000, China
| | - Yexiao Yan
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Lian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China
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Wathes DC. Developmental Programming of Fertility in Cattle-Is It a Cause for Concern? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192654. [PMID: 36230395 PMCID: PMC9558991 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle fertility remains sub-optimal despite recent improvements in genetic selection. The extent to which an individual heifer fulfils her genetic potential can be influenced by fetal programming during pregnancy. This paper reviews the evidence that a dam's age, milk yield, health, nutrition and environment during pregnancy may programme permanent structural and physiological modifications in the fetus. These can alter the morphology and body composition of the calf, postnatal growth rates, organ structure, metabolic function, endocrine function and immunity. Potentially important organs which can be affected include the ovaries, liver, pancreas, lungs, spleen and thymus. Insulin/glucose homeostasis, the somatotropic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis can all be permanently reprogrammed by the pre-natal environment. These changes may act directly at the level of the ovary to influence fertility, but most actions are indirect. For example, calf health, the timing of puberty, the age and body structure at first calving, and the ability to balance milk production with metabolic health and fertility after calving can all have an impact on reproductive potential. Definitive experiments to quantify the extent to which any of these effects do alter fertility are particularly challenging in cattle, as individual animals and their management are both very variable and lifetime fertility takes many years to assess. Nevertheless, the evidence is compelling that the fertility of some animals is compromised by events happening before they are born. Calf phenotype at birth and their conception data as a nulliparous heifer should therefore both be assessed to avoid such animals being used as herd replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Claire Wathes
- Department for Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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