Immunometabolic Status during the Peripartum Period Is Enhanced with Supplemental Zn, Mn, and Cu from Amino Acid Complexes and Co from Co Glucoheptonate

Inflammatory tone in liver and adipose tissue in dairy cows experiencing a healthy transition from late pregnancy to early lactation

The transition from late pregnancy (LP) to early lactation (EL) in dairy cows is characterized by a major reorganization of the metabolic activities of liver and adipose tissue in support of milk synthesis. This reorganization has been attributed in large part to variation in the plasma concentration and actions of growth hormone, insulin, and other metabolic hormones. A role for the immune system has also been suggested by a near-universal rise in circulating levels of liver-derived acute-phase proteins (APP) in early lactating cows. However, less attention has been devoted to the possibility that resident macrophages of liver and adipose tissue adopt a proinflammatory state (referred herein as inflammatory tone) in parallel with the rise in plasma APP. We addressed this question by measuring the expression of genes expressed predominantly in the resident macrophage population of liver and adipose tissue and indicative of a proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, IL-12, resistin, and cluster of differentiation 80 [CD80]) or anti-inflammatory state (IL-10 and chitinase-3-like protein 1 [CHI3L1]). In a first group of cows, none of these inflammatory gene markers were regulated in liver between LP on d -29 (relative to parturition) and on d 8 of EL despite 1.7 to 5.6-fold upregulation in the expression of the APP (haptoglobin, serum amyloid α, and orosomucoid 1). In a second group of healthy cows, expression of the inflammatory gene markers did not differ between livers with low (<5.3%) or high (>11.5%) triglyceride content on d 7 of EL. In adipose tissue, a modest increase in inflammatory tone was suggested between LP and EL by increased CD80 expression and decreased CHI3L1 expression in EL. To assess the possibility that inflammatory tone would be more prominent if assayed in a cell compartment enriched with macrophages, adipose tissue was obtained in LP on d -28 and in EL on d +10 from cows experiencing a healthy transition period and fractionated into its adipocyte and stromal vascular cell (SVC) compartments. Expression of inflammatory gene markers was higher in SVC than adipocytes but remained unregulated in SVC between LP and EL. Overall, these results suggest little change in the inflammatory tone of resident macrophages in liver and adipose tissue of healthy transition dairy cows and do not support a role for the local immune system in the reorganization of metabolism in these tissues at the onset of lactation.

A survey of Canadian dairy nutritionists to assess current trace element formulation practices

The purpose of this study was to identify current practices and perceptions around trace element feeding for dairy cows through a Canadian dairy nutritionist survey. An online survey with 23 questions was used to collect data from Canadian dairy nutritionists with the help of professional associations and social media. The survey was active from November 2021 to April 2022. The first 7 questions collected descriptive information on respondents, and the subsequent 16 questions focused on trace element feeding. A total of 92 participants from all over Canada filled out the survey, and about 26% of Canadian herds and cows were represented by these respondents. The participants had diverse views on the importance of diet formulations for trace elements to optimize cow health and productivity, with perceptions varying from very important to not important. In comparison, macronutrients and selenium were consistently rated as very important by between 58% and 74% of respondents. Software reference values were used by 54%, 72%, and 73% of participants to estimate trace element concentrations of forages, cereals, and protein sources, respectively, highlighting the importance of regularly updating the feed library of the software. More than 60% of nutritionists participating in this study had intentionally formulated diets above trace element software recommendations, considered mineral interactions occurring in the rumen, and used a trace element source known for its better bioavailability (e.g., organic, chelate) when they formulated diets. Herds with more than 80 cows were more likely to be given trace element supplements known for their greater bioavailability. The most used supplement with enhanced bioavailability was selenium. In addition, different trace element feeding strategies pertaining to different stages of lactation and breeds were reported. This finding can be explained by the absence of clear recommendations on trace element feeding by breed. The participants who adjusted trace element feeding according to the stages of lactation considered the transition period as the most challenging period, and they identified the need for a source of trace element known for its greater bioavailability for this period. Further research should aim to identify environmental risk of trace element overfeeding using the One Health approach. Moreover, strategies to avoid trace element overfeeding should be evaluated.

Feeding reduced levels of trace minerals in proteinate form and selenium-yeast to transition cows: Performance, trace minerals, and antioxidant status, peripheral neutrophil activity, and oocyte quality

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of inorganic trace minerals (TM) and reduced levels of TM by using proteinate forms of Co, Zn, Mn, and Cu, and Se-yeast in diets of transition cows on performance, TM concentrations in colostrum, plasma, and liver, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, peripheral neutrophil activity, and oocyte quality. Thirty-two Holstein cows (22 multiparous and 10 primiparous cows) were enrolled in this study from 30 d before the expected calving date to 56 DIM. Cows were blocked according to body condition score, parity, and previous milk yield and randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: control (CON), with TM (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co) supplied in form of sulfate and Se as sodium selenite to meet or exceed requirement estimates of the National Research Council; and proteinate trace minerals (PTM), with TM supplied bound with AA and peptides at 50% of CON levels and inorganic Se replaced with Se-yeast at 100% of CON level. Treatments were supplied until 56 DIM. Eight cows were removed from the study because of early calving (n = 3) or health issues (n = 5); thus, data of 24 cows (16 multiparous and 8 primiparous cows) were used in the statistical analysis. No differences between treatments were detected on nutrient intake or digestibility. Total excretion of purine derivatives was decreased when feeding PTM during the prepartum period. Feeding reduced levels of TM in proteinate form resulted in greater yield of milk (27.7 and 30.9 kg/d for CON and PTM, respectively) and protein (0.890 and 0.976 kg/d) between wk 5 and 8 of lactation. No treatment differences were detected for feed efficiency, milk somatic cell count, and milk urea nitrogen. Cows fed PTM had lower milk fat concentration during the 56 d of evaluation (4.08 and 3.74% for CON and PTM, respectively). Selenium concentration was greater in colostrum of cows fed PTM compared with CON (48.5 and 71.3 µg/L for CON and PTM, respectively), whereas Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations were not different. Cows fed PTM showed lower liver Cu concentration compared with CON (51.4 and 73.8, respectively). Plasma concentrations of Mn and Zn were lower, but plasma Se concentration tended to be higher with PTM treatment. Feeding PTM resulted in greater blood concentrations of urea-N (16.6 and 18.2 mg/dL for CON and PTM, respectively) and β-hydroxybutyrate (0.739 and 0.940 mmol/L). Counts of lymphocytes were higher with PTM but counts of monocytes were lower in complete blood cell count. No differences were observed in serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. No differences were detected in phagocytosis and oxidative burst potential of neutrophils after incubation with bacteria. Cows fed PTM had fewer viable oocytes per ovum pick-up in comparison with CON (8.00 and 11.6). Feeding PTM to transition cows may sustain performance without altering neutrophil activity despite some alterations in blood TM concentrations. More studies should be performed to evaluate production and fertility measurements when reducing TM dietary levels by using proteinate forms and Se-yeast with larger number of animals.

Yeast Culture Supplementation Effects on Systemic and Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes' mRNA Biomarkers of Inflammation and Liver Function in Peripartal Dairy Cows

This study evaluated the effects of feeding a commercial yeast culture on blood biomarkers and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) gene expression in dairy cows during the transition period until 50 d postpartum. Forty Holstein dairy cows were used in a randomized complete block design from -30 to 50 d. At -30 d, cows were assigned to a basal diet plus 114 g/d of top-dressed ground corn (control; n = 20) or 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of a yeast culture product (YC; n = 20). Blood samples were collected at various time points from -30 to 30 DIM to evaluate blood biomarkers and PMNL gene expression related to inflammation, liver function, and immune response. Liver function biomarkers, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin were greater and lower, respectively, in YC cows in comparison to control. However, these biomarkers remained within physiological levels, indicating an active inflammatory process. Genes in PMNL expression related to inflammation (NFKB1, TNFA, TRAF6), anti-inflammation (IL10), and cell membrane receptors (SELL) were upregulated in the YC group in comparison to control. These results suggest that YC could stimulate a more active inflammatory response with signs of a resolution of inflammation in transition cows.

LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network Analysis Reveals the Potential Biomarkers in Crohn’s Disease Rats Treated with Herb-Partitioned Moxibustion

Background

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is receiving growing attention in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, the mechanism by which herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) regulates the expression and functions of lncRNAs in CD rats is still unclear. The aim of our study is to identify lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network potential biological functions in CD.

Methods

RNA sequencing and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing were carried out to analyze lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profiles among the CD rats, normal control rats, and CD rats after HPM treatment and constructed the potential related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Then, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed to explore potentially important genes in ceRNA networks.

Results

A total of 189 lncRNAs, 32 miRNAs and 463 mRNAs were determined as differentially expressed (DE) genes in CD rats compared to normal control rats, and 161 lncRNAs, 12 miRNAs and 130 mRNAs were identified as remarkably DE genes in CD rats after HPM treatment compared to CD rats. GO analysis indicated that the target genes were most enriched in cAMP and in KEGG pathway analysis the main pathways included adipocytokine, PPAR, AMPK, FoxO and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Finally, qRT-PCR results confirmed that lncRNA LOC102550026 sponged miRNA-34c-5p to regulate the intestinal immune inflammatory response by targeting Pck1.

Conclusion

By constructing a ceRNA network with lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA, PCR verification, and KEGG analysis, we revealed that LOC102550026/miRNA-34c-5p/Pck1 axis and adipocytokine, PPAR, AMPK, FoxO, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways might regulate the intestinal immune-inflammatory response, and HPM may regulate the lncRNA LOC102550026/miR-34c-5p/Pck1 axis and adipocytokine, PPAR, AMPK, FoxO, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, thus improving intestinal inflammation in CD. These findings may be novel potential targets in CD.

An Exploration of the Effects of an Early Postpartum Intravenous Infusion with Carnosic Acid on Physiological Responses of Transition Dairy Cows

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound found in rosemary plants (Salvia rosmarinus) named carnosic acid during the transition period of dairy cows. From day 1 to 3 after calving, 16 multiparous Holstein cows received a daily intravenous infusion of either 500 mL of saline (NaCl 0.9%; Saline; n = 8) or carnosic acid at a rate of 0.3 mg/kg of BW supplied in 500 mL of saline (CA; n = 8). Blood samples were taken at –7, 2, 5, 7, 14, and 21 d relative to parturition, then analyzed for metabolites related to energy metabolism, muscle mass catabolism, liver function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. CA infusion tended to improve milk performance; however, DMI was unaffected by treatment. At 2 d relative to parturition, CA cows had lower blood concentrations of haptoglobin, paraoxonase, FRAP, and NO₂^– than saline cows. After treatment infusions, haptoglobin remained lower in CA cows than saline at 5 d relative to parturition. Our results demonstrate that carnosic acid promoted positive responses on inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers and may promote beneficial effects on lactation performance in peripartal dairy cows.

Early Life Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Neonatal Dairy Calves Promotes Growth Performance and Alleviates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress during Weaning

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early life fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the health and performance of neonatal dairy calves. The donor was selected based on health and production records and fecal material testing negative for infectious pathogens. Sixteen healthy newborn Holstein calves were randomized to either a baseline nutritional program (CON) or 1×/d inoculations with 25 g of fecal donor material (FMT) mixed in the milk replacer (n = 8/TRT) from 8 to 12 days of age. Blood and fecal samples were collected weekly, and calves were weaned at 7 weeks of age. A TRT × Week interaction was observed in haptoglobin, which was reflected in a positive quadratic effect in FMT calves but not in CON. A trend for a TRT × Week interaction was observed in the liver function biomarker paraoxonase, which resulted in greater paraoxonase in FMT calves than CON at three weeks of age. Fecal microbial community analysis revealed a significant increase in the alpha-diversity between week 1 and week 5 for the FMT calves. These results suggest that early life FMT in neonatal calves has positive effects in mediating the inflammatory response and gut microbial maturation.

Effects of peripartal yeast culture supplementation on lactation performance, blood biomarkers, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacteria species in dairy cows

Feeding yeast culture fermentation products has been associated with improved feed intake and milk yield in transition dairy cows. These improvements in performance have been further described in terms of rumen characteristics, metabolic profile, and immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial yeast culture product (YC; Culture Classic HD, Phibro Animal Health) on performance, blood biomarkers, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial population in dairy cows from -30 to 50 d in milk (DIM). Forty Holstein dairy cows were enrolled in a randomized complete block design from -30 to 50 DIM and blocked according to expected calving day, parity, previous milk yield, and genetic merit. At -30 DIM, cows were assigned to either a basal diet plus 114 g/d of ground corn (control; n = 20) or a basal diet plus 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of YC (n = 20), fed as a top-dress. Cows received the same close-up diet from 30 d prepartum until calving [1.39 Mcal/kg of dry matter (DM) and 12.3% crude protein (CP)] and lactation diet from calving to 50 DIM (1.60 Mcal/kg of DM and 15.6% CP). Blood samples and rumen fluid were collected at various time points from -30 to 50 d relative to calving. Cows fed YC compared with control showed a trend for increased energy-corrected milk (+3.2 kg/d). Lower somatic cell counts were observed in YC cows than in control. We detected a treatment × time interaction in nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) that could be attributed to a trend for greater NEFA in YC cows than control at 7 DIM, followed by lower NEFA in YC cows than control at 14 and 30 DIM. In the rumen, YC contributed to mild changes in rumen fermentation, mainly increasing postpartal valerate while decreasing prepartal isovalerate. This was accompanied by alterations in rumen microbiota, including a greater abundance of cellulolytic (Fibrobacter succinogenes) and lactate-utilizing bacteria (Megasphaera elsdenii). These results describe the potential benefits of supplementing yeast culture during the late pregnancy through early lactation, at least in terms of rumen environment and performance.

Toward Precision Feeding Regarding Minerals: What Is the Current Practice in Commercial Dairy Herds in Québec, Canada?

Simple Summary

It has been known for several years that limiting phosphorus in the cow diet mitigates its excretion in manure, hence reducing the environmental phosphorus load after manure spreading. The quantity of phosphorus that could be applied in the field is regulated by law in several countries. This is not the same for trace minerals such as cobalt, copper, manganese, and zinc. Nevertheless, if overfed, these last minerals are excreted in manure in great quantities and could accumulate in the soil after manure spreading, which could lead to detrimental environmental effects. However, formulating cow rations according to the mineral requirements is challenging for nutritionists. The aim of this analysis is to compare dietary phosphorus, cobalt, copper, manganese, and zinc concentrations from 100 commercial Holstein dairy herds with the National Research Council recommendations. Phosphorus is included as a point of comparison, as its overfeeding has been well studied compared with other studied trace minerals. The results indicate that, at the median, phosphorus, cobalt, copper, manganese, and zinc were respectively fed 8%, 405%, 52%, 372%, and 65% over the recommendations. This suggests that most nutritionists are aware that precision feeding regarding phosphorus is important for dairy production sustainability. It also shows that the other studied minerals were fed in excess and that some attempts should be made to reduce the mineral concentrations of diets.

Abstract

This analysis is performed to obtain information on the current situation regarding phosphorus (P), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in cow diets of commercial dairy herds in Québec, Canada, and to compare them with National Research Council recommendations. Data are collected on 100 Holstein dairy herds in Québec, Canada, and 4430 cows were involved. Rations are analyzed for selected minerals and cow requirements relative to the recommendations were calculated. Median percentages of mineral recommendations fulfilled by forage were 55%, 196%, 54%, 776%, 181%, and 44% for P, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, respectively. Daily dietary concentrations of P, Cu, Mn, and Zn decreased as lactation progressed, whereas Co and Fe were stable throughout lactation. Phosphorus was the mineral fed the closest to the requirements, cows below 21 days in milk were even underfed by 11%. All studied trace minerals were fed in excess for the majority of cows. Cobalt was fed on average 480% above requirements regardless of the stage of lactation. For Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, rations for cows below 21 days in milk were fed 23% (95% confidence interval: 15–32), 930% (849–1019), 281% (251–314), and 35% (22–47) above the recommendations, respectively, and were closer to the requirements than after 21 days in milk. These results show that most nutritionists are aware that precision feeding regarding P is important to minimize detrimental environmental impacts of dairy production. However, some efforts should be made to limit trace mineral overfeeding to ensure environmental resiliency.

Supplementing Trace Minerals to Beef Cows during Gestation to Enhance Productive and Health Responses of the Offspring

Simple Summary

During gestation, the fetus relies on the dam for the supply of all nutrients, including trace minerals, which are essential for developmental processes including organogenesis, vascularization, and differentiation. Alterations in maternal nutritional status may promote adaptations that permanently alter the trajectory of growth, physiology, and metabolism of the offspring. Supplementing trace minerals to gestating cows may be a strategy to enhance progeny performance and health. The purpose of this review is to highlight current information relevant to trace mineral supplementation during gestation, with an emphasis on Zn, Cu, Co, and Mn, and their impacts on offspring productive responses. Identifying nutritional strategies targeted at this period of development and understanding the implications of such provides an opportunity to enhance the productive efficiency of beef cattle systems.

Abstract

Nutritional management during gestation is critical to optimize the efficiency and profitability of beef production systems. Given the essentiality of trace minerals to fetal developmental processes, their supplementation represents one approach to optimize offspring productivity. Our research group investigated the impacts of supplementing gestating beef cows with organic-complexed (AAC) or inorganic sources (INR) of Co, Cu, Mn, or Zn on productive and health responses of the progeny. Calves born to AAC supplemented cows had reduced incidence of bovine respiratory disease and were >20 kg heavier from weaning until slaughter compared to unsupplemented cohorts. Complementing these findings, heifer progeny born to AAC supplemented cows had accelerated puberty attainment. Collectively, research demonstrates supplementing trace minerals to gestating beef cows may be a strategy to enhance offspring productivity in beef production systems.

The effects of dry period body condition score on some trace minerals, oxidative, and inflammatory indicators in transition dairy cows

Context Body condition score (BCS) management throughout the dry period to calving is one of the strategies that can ensure optimal overall health and high milk yield after parturition. Aim The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BCS during the dry period on serum concentrations of some trace elements, oxidative, and inflammatory indices during the transition period of Holstein cows. Methods Fifty multiparous cows were classified based on their dry BCS (scale of 1 to 5) at the beginning of dry period as non-fat (NFC) (BCS &lt;3.75; BCS minimum: 3; BCS maximum: 3.5, BCS means: 3.36; n = 25), and fat (FC) (BCS ≥ 3.75; BCS maximum: 4.25, means: 3.87; n = 25) groups, and received similar diet and kept under same management condition. Sampling was performed at 14 ± 2 days before expected calving date and 10, 20 and 30 days after calving. Key results FC had lower zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn) concentrations. Furthermore, iron (Fe) concentrations were significantly higher in FC in comparison with NFC –14 days before parturition. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and haptoglobin (Hp) elevated significantly in FC 20 days after calving, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in NFC on day 14 before calving. Its activities increased significantly in FC on day30thof lactation. In addition, the highest serum ferric reducing antioxidants power (FRAP) and copper (Cu) and the lowest serum paraoxonase 1(PON1) and iron (Fe) concentrations were observed on day 20th of lactation. Conclusion Serum Zn, Mn, and Cr amounts were significantly affected by BCS. Furthermore, fat cows had more extensively endogenous antioxidant and inflammatory responses. Implication Our data highlights the fact that although all cellular metabolic, oxidative and inflammatory processes varied at different times of transition period, fat cows are more susceptible to metabolic and health disorders than non-fat animals.

Colostrum and milk performance, and blood immunity indices and minerals of Holstein cows receiving organic Mn, Zn and Cu sources

Effects of supplementing the basal diets with Mn, Zn and Cu, as sulphate, glycine or methionine salts, on colostrum and milk performance, some blood immunity indices and blood minerals of pre- and post-partum Holstein cows were accessed. Forty cows in different groups received: 1) a diet without supplementary Mn, Zn and Cu (control), 2) a diet containing Mn, Zn and Cu sulphates, 3) a diet containing Mn, Zn and Cu glycine, or 4) a diet containing Mn, Zn and Cu methionine with 10 cows per group from d 60 before calving (dry period) to d 100 of lactation. Dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), colostrum and milk performance, milk somatic cell count (SCC), blood and milk total antioxidant capacity (TAC), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin A (IgA), and blood Mn, Zn and Cu were determined. Dietary supplementation with Mn, Zn and Cu as methionine, glycine or sulphate salts had positive effects on DMD, DMI, colostrum and milk performance, milk SCC, and blood Mn and Zn. Addition of Mn, Zn and Cu in diets could increase (P < 0.05) blood and milk TAC and blood IgA and IgM in the cows and their new-born calves. There were no differences in DMI, DMD, colostrum and milk yields, milk SCC, blood Mn (except d 50 postpartum), Zn and Cu and TAC (except d 50 postpartum) among the organic and inorganic minerals-supplemented groups (P > 0.05), however, the blood concentrations of IgA (except d 1 postpartum) and IgM in the cows supplemented with organic Mn, Zn and Cu were higher (P < 0.05) than those in the cows receiving the sulphate sources of minerals. Overall, dietary supplementation of Mn, Zn and Cu as methionine, glycine or sulphate salts can improve colostrum and milk performance, blood Zn and Mn and immunity indices in Holstein cows and their new-born calves. Moreover, the organic sources of Mn, Zn and Cu have advantage over the sulphate forms in terms of the blood immunoglobulins.

Effects of dietary zinc source on the metabolic and immunological response to lipopolysaccharide in lactating Holstein dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of replacing 40 mg/kg of Zn from Zn sulfate (control; CON) with Zn AA complex (AvZn) on metabolism and immunological responses following an intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in lactating cows. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: (1) pair-fed (PF) control (PF-CON; 5 mL of saline; n = 5), (2) PF AvZn (PF-AvZn; 5 mL of saline; n = 5), (3) LPS euglycemic clamp control (LPS-CON; 0.375 μg of LPS/kg of BW; n = 5), and (4) LPS euglycemic clamp AvZn (LPS-AvZn; 0.375 μg of LPS/kg of BW; n = 5). Cows were enrolled in 3 experimental periods (P). During period 1 (3 d), cows received their respective dietary treatments and baseline data were obtained. During period 2 (P2; 2 d), a 12-h LPS euglycemic clamp was conducted or cows were PF to their respective dietary counterparts. During period 3 (P3; 3 d), cows received their dietary treatment and consumed feed ad libitum. Mild hyperthermia (1°C) was observed in LPS cows at 3 h postbolus. Throughout P2, the rectal temperature of LPS-AvZn cows was decreased (0.3°C) relative to LPS-CON cows. Administrating LPS decreased dry matter intake (47%) during P2, and by experimental design the pattern was similar in PF cohorts. During P3, dry matter intake from LPS cows remained decreased (15%) relative to PF cows. Milk yield from LPS cows decreased (54%) during P2 relative to PF cows, but it was similar during P3. During P2, somatic cell count increased 3-fold in LPS cows relative to PF controls. Dietary AvZn tended to decrease somatic cell count (70%) during P3 relative to LPS-CON cows. Insulin increased 7-fold in LPS cows at 12 h postbolus and remained increased (4-fold) for the duration of P2. Circulating glucagon from LPS cows increased (65%) during P2, and supplementing AvZn blunted the increase (30% relative to LPS-CON). During P2, circulating cortisol increased 7-fold post-LPS infusion relative to PF cows, and supplementing AvZn decreased cortisol (58%) from 6 to 48 h postbolus relative to LPS-CON cows. Administrating LPS increased circulating LPS-binding protein and serum amyloid A (3- and 9-fold, respectively) relative to PF cows. Compared with LPS-CON, LPS-AvZn cows had increased circulating serum amyloid A (38%) 24 h postbolus. The 12-h total glucose deficit was 36 and 1,606 g for the PF and LPS treatments, respectively, but was not influenced by Zn source. In summary, replacing a portion of the Zn sulfate with Zn AA complex appeared to reduce the inflammatory response but had no effect on the glucose deficit.

Deposition and transport of trace mineral elements were affected by stocking density in fattening pigs

Trace minerals are important for balanced nutrition in pigs and to maintain pig growth under high stocking densities. To study the effects of stocking density on serum and liver trace mineral deposition in fattening pigs, 288 conventional pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large) were selected and assigned to one of three groups: low, medium or high density (8, 16, or 24 pigs, respectively, per 5.2 m × 3.8 m pen). On d 30, one pig per pen was chosen, blood samples were taken, and the pigs were sacrificed; liver and intestinal mucosa samples were obtained from these pigs for trace mineral determination and RT-PCR. The results showed that compared with those of the low-density group, serum Fe, Zn, and Mn concentrations significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while liver Fe and Mn significantly increased in both the medium- and high-density groups (P < 0.05). mRNA expression of ATP7A, ATP7B, FRRS1, and SLC30A3 transporters was significantly upregulated in the liver of the medium-density group, and FRRS1 and SLC1A2 expression in the liver, MT-2b in the jejunal mucosa, and SLC11A2 (DMT1) and FRRS1 in the ileal mucosa were upregulated in the high-density group (P < 0.05). Alternatively, ATX1 expression in the jejunal mucosa of the medium-density group, SLC30A9 in the duodenal and jejunal mucosa, ATX1 in the jejunal mucosa, and MT-2b in the ileal mucosa of the high-density group were downregulated (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that stocking density affected serum Fe, Zn, and Mn, as well as liver Fe and Mn. Stocking density also affected mRNA expression of trace mineral transporters in both the liver and intestinal mucosa of fattening pigs under the studied conditions.

Organic zinc and copper supplementation on antioxidant protective mechanism and their correlation with sperm functional characteristics in goats

Trace minerals feeding had significant effects on sperm production and fertility with better absorption and proper utilization within the body for optimum reproductive function. Several studies have shown that more influenced trace elements in the diets of animals are copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Bucks showing deficiency of this mineral might affect the quality of semen production which in turn would affect the fertility. This experiment was thus designed to test the effects of organic Cu and Zn supplementation on antioxidants enzyme activities and sperm functional attributes in fresh semen of bucks. Forty bucks (n = 40, Aged 5 months) were assigned to ten groups of four animals in each group, supplemented (for a period of 8 months) with different levels of organic Zn: 20 mg (T2), 40 mg (T3) and 60 mg (T4), organic Cu: 12.5 mg (T5), 25 mg (T6), 37.5 mg (T7) and combined organic Zn and Cu: 20 + 12.5 mg (T8), 40 + 25 mg (T9), 60 + 37.5 mg (T10), respectively, per kg dry matter and no additional mineral diet (control; T1). One hundred and sixty semen samples were collected through electro-ejaculator and analysed for sperm quantity, quality, acrosome intactness and plasma membrane integrity and correlated with the catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzyme activities in seminal plasma. The results indicated organic Cu and zinc supplemented bucks produced more sperm cells, had higher sperm concentrations, maintained higher (p < .01) sperm livability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, more motility and velocity. The increased antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced oxidative stress and lowered lipid peroxidation were positively correlated (p < .05) with the sperm functional attributes. In conclusion, organic Cu and Zn supplement to male goats showed protective roles against oxidative damage and maintained better fresh semen characteristics.

Peripheral leukocyte and endometrium molecular biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress are altered in peripartal dairy cows supplemented with Zn, Mn, and Cu from amino acid complexes and Co from Co glucoheptonate

Background

Immune dysfunction and a higher risk of uterine infections are characteristics of the transition into lactation in dairy cows. The supply of complexed trace minerals, which are more bioavailable, could help overcome the greater needs of these nutrients in tissues around parturition and early lactation.

Results

Twenty Holstein cows received an oral bolus with a mix of inorganic trace minerals (INO) or complexed trace minerals (AAC) to achieve 75, 65, 11, and 1 ppm supplemental Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co, respectively, in the total diet dry matter from -30 d through +30 d relative to parturition. Blood for polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) isolation was collected at -30, -15, +10, and + 30 d relative to parturition, whereas endometrium biopsies were performed at +14 and +30 d. Feeding AAC led to greater PMNL expression of genes related with inflammation response (DDX58), oxidative stress response (MPO), eicosanoid metabolism (PLA2G4A and ALOX5AP), transcription regulation (PPARG), and cellular adhesion (TLN1). The upregulation by AAC in endometrium of genes related with inflammation response (TLR2, TLR4, NFKB1, TNF, IL6, IL1B, IL10, IL8), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2, PTGES), and antioxidant responses (NFE2L2, SOD1) indicated a faster remodeling of uterine tissue and potentially greater capacity to control a local bacterial invasion.

Conclusions

Data indicate that trace mineral supplementation from amino acid complexes improves PMNL activity and allows the prompt recovery of uterine tissue during early lactation. As such, the benefits of complexed trace minerals extend beyond an improvement of liver function and productive performance.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40104-017-0163-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.