Effect of fish meal supplementation on plasma and endometrial fatty acid composition in nonlactating beef cows

Partitioning of fatty acids into tissues and fluids from reproductive organs of ewes as affected by dietary phenolic extracts

Evaluation of dietary interventions with regard to fertility problems often observed in ruminant livestock is of global interest. Though the effects of polyphenol supplementation in ruminants on digestion and food quality are well described, the impact on reproductive tissues and fluids remains scarcely investigated. These compounds protect dietary unsaturated fatty acids (FA) from oxidation and biohydrogenation and thus saturation. In addition, modification of the expression of genes associated with FA metabolism may occur. Therefore, we characterized for the first time the FA profiles of reproductive tissues and fluids and investigated their potential modification by dietary polyphenols in 22 cyclic ewes. The animals were randomly divided into four groups and fed a basal diet of meadow hay and one of four concentrate types either non-supplemented (control) or supplemented with grape seed extract, Acacia mearnsii bark extract (13 g/kg dry matter (DM) each) or a combination of both (26 g/kg DM). After 10 weeks of feeding, the animals were slaughtered. Samples of reproductive (oviduct, uterus) and metabolically differently active tissues (liver, muscle, adipose) as well as of plasma and fluids from oviduct and uterus were analysed for their FA composition. In addition, the expression of lipid metabolic and antioxidant genes was analysed in all tissues except the adipose tissue. Fatty acid profiles in tissues and fluids as well as gene expression in tissues significantly differed between the different fluids and tissues. In contrast, only a few diet and matrix (fluid or tissue) × diet interactions were observed. Still, the FA profile of the uterus was the only one not at all affected by the diet. The mRNA expression was not affected by the diet for most of the genes investigated, which might in part be explained by the similar plasma polyphenol concentrations found at slaughter. Overall, our findings contribute to an improved understanding of the characteristic FA composition of reproductive tissues and fluids in sheep. In addition, the effect of polyphenols on different tissues, fluids and tissue gene expression has been confirmed as described in other animal species.

Effect of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated rich fish oil supplementation on ovarian function and interferon stimulated genes in the repeat breeding cow

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) improve utero-ovarian functions and embryonic survival in postpartum dairy cows. Because early embryonic mortality is the major cause of repeat breeding (RB) in cows, there was investigation of the effect of dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFA [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] rich fish oil (FO) from -2 to +2 weeks of artificial insemination on the size of preovulatory follicle (POF), serum progesterone (P₄) and relative abundance of the mRNA of interferon stimulated genes (ISG) that encode for these proteins in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) in the RB cow (n = 12). The diet of control group was supplemented with palm oil (PO). The results indicated serum concentrations of EPA and DHA were greater by 4.6- and 3.5-fold, respectively at the end of feeding study in the RB cows of the FO group. The diameter of POF was larger by 2.2 mm in FO group; however, serum P₄ did not vary from day 14-20 post-artificial insemination. Greater abundance of ISG mRNA transcripts such as ISG15, RTP4, Mx2 and OAS1 in the PBL of pregnant cows of FO group indicates day 20 conceptuses produced more IFN-τ. It is concluded that supplementation of FO during the breeding period increased the size of POF and enhanced the abundance of ISG mRNA transcripts in RB cows that became pregnant.

Bovine embryo elongation is altered due to maternal fatty acid supplementation

The pre-implantation period is prone to embryonic losses in bovine. Embryo-maternal communication is crucial to support embryo development. Thereby, factors of the uterine fluid (UF) are of specific importance. The maternal diet can affect the UF composition. Since omega 3 fatty acids (omega 3 FA) are considered to be beneficial for reproduction, we investigated if dietary omega 3 FA affected factors in the UF related to embryo elongation. Angus heifers (n = 37) were supplemented with either 450 g of rumen-protected fish oil (omega 3 FA) or sunflower oil (omega 6 FA) for a period of 8 weeks. Following cycle synchronization and artificial insemination, the uteri were flushed post mortem to recover the embryos on day 15 of pregnancy. The UF and tissue samples of endometrium and corpus luteum (CL) were collected. Strikingly, the embryo elongation in the omega 3 group was enhanced compared to the omega 6 group. No differences were observed in uterine prostaglandins, even though the endometrial concentration of their precursor arachidonic acid was reduced in omega 3 compared to omega 6 heifers. The dietary FA neither led to differential expression of target genes in endometrium nor CL nor to a differential abundance of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cortisol or amino acids in the UF. Interestingly, the omega 3 group displayed a higher plasma progesterone concentration during luteal growth than the omega 6 group, possibly promoting embryo elongation. Further research should include an ovarian perspective to understand the functional link between dietary omega 3 FA and reproductive outcome.

Early career achievement award: supplementing omega-6 fatty acids to enhance early embryonic development and pregnancy establishment in Bos indicus and B. taurus beef cows

Our research group investigated the impacts of supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO), a source of omega-6 fatty acids (FAs), on reproductive performance of beef cows. Initial studies were conducted with Nelore (Bos indicus) cows grazing tropical pastures. Cows were assigned to fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) and supplemented or not with 100 g/d (as-fed basis) of CSSO, and supplementation regimens ranged from days -11 to 28 relative to AI. Overall, CSSO supplementation during the 21 d after AI increased (P < 0.01) pregnancy rates from 38.1% (623/1,635 as pregnant/total nonsupplemented cows) to 49.0% (843/1,720 as pregnant/total CSSO-supplemented cows), and these outcomes were associated with enhanced early embryonic development and pregnancy establishment when omega-6 FA were supplemented. To verify this rationale, our group compared FA incorporation in grazing Nelore cows (n = 90) supplemented or not with CSSO (100 g/d; as-fed basis) beginning at fixed-time AI until slaughter at day 19 of gestation. Supplementing CSSO increased (P ≤ 0.05) incorporation of linoleic acid and its omega-6 derivatives in plasma, endometrium, corpus luteum, and conceptus, whereas the same responses were not observed (P ≥ 0.25) for omega-3 FA. Complementing these findings, grazing Nelore cows (n = 100) were supplemented or not with CSSO (100 g/d; as-fed basis) beginning at fixed-time AI, and assigned to transcervical uterine flush on day 15 of gestation. Supplementing CSSO increased (P ≤ 0.04) conceptus length (2.58 vs. 1.15 cm) and mRNA expression of interferon-tau (4.1-fold increase) and prostaglandin E synthase 2 (2.6-fold increase), which are critical regulators of pregnancy establishment. These outcomes were recently replicated in B. taurus beef cows consuming temperate forages. Pregnancy rates were greater (P = 0.01) in Angus cows receiving CSSO (100 g/d; as-fed basis) for 21 d after fixed-time AI (60.2%; 226/383 as pregnant/total cows) compared with nonsupplemented cows (51.7%; 193/388 as pregnant/total cows). Supplementing CSSO to Angus × Hereford cows (n = 96) beginning after AI also increased (P = 0.05) mRNA expression of interferon-tau in day 15 conceptuses (1.8-fold increase). Collectively, our research demonstrated that post-AI CSSO supplementation favors incorporation of omega-6 FA into maternal and embryonic tissues, which enhances interferon-tau synthesis by the conceptus and increases pregnancy rates to fixed-time AI in B. indicus and B. taurus beef cows.

Dietary supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alters endometrial expression of genes involved in prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway in breeding sows (Sus scrofa)

The present investigation was designed to study the effect of dietary supplementation of omega-3 (n-3) PUFA on endometrial expression of fertility-related genes in breeding sows. Sixteen crossbred sows were randomized to receive diets containing 4% (wt/wt) flaxseed oil as n-3 PUFA source (TRT group) or iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric standard control diet (CON group), starting from the first day of estrus up to 40 days and were artificially bred on the second estrus. Endometrial samples were collected during days 10-11 and 15-16 post-mating for studying relative expression profile of candidate genes viz. Prostaglandin F Synthase (PGFS), microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and Carbonyl Reductase-1 (CBR-1) using quantitative Real-Time PCR. Expression level of mPGES-1 gene transcript was 2.1-fold higher (P < 0.05) during 10-11 days of pregnancy and 1.4-fold higher (P > 0.05) during 15-16 days of pregnancy in TRT group as compared to CON group. Relative expression of PGFS gene transcript was significantly lower (P < 0.05) during 10-11 days of pregnancy in TRT group while there was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of dietary supplementation during 15-16 days of pregnancy. Endometrial mRNA level of CBR1 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) with 3.93-fold decrease in TRT group during 10-11 days of pregnancy whereas 2.82-fold reduction in expression (P > 0.05) was observed subsequently during 15-16 days of pregnancy as compared to CON group. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary n-3 PUFA supplementation can modulate gene expression of key enzymes in prostaglandin biosynthetic pathway during early gestation, which in turn might have beneficial impact on overall reproductive response in breeding sows. These findings partly support strategic dietary supplementation of plant-based source of n-3 PUFA with an aim to improve overall reproductive performance in sows.

Influence of omega-3 fatty acids on bovine luteal cell plasma membrane dynamics

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which disrupt lipid microdomain structure and affect mobility of the prostaglandin F_2α (FP) receptor in bovine luteal cells. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of individual omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on 1) membrane fatty acid composition, 2) lipid microdomain structure, and 3) lateral mobility of the FP receptor in bovine luteal cells. Ovaries were collected from a local abattoir (n=5/experiment). The corpus luteum was resected and enzymatically digested using collagenase to generate a mixed luteal cell population. In all experiments, luteal cells were treated with 0, 1, 10 or 100μM EPA or DHA for 72h to allow incorporation of fatty acids into membrane lipids. Results from experiment 1 show that culturing luteal cells in the presence of EPA or DHA increased these luteal fatty acids. In experiment 2, both EPA and DHA increased spatial distribution of lipid microdomains in a dose-dependent manner. Single particle tracking results from experiment 3 show that increasing both EPA and DHA concentrations increased micro- and macro-diffusion coefficients, increased domain size, and decreased residence time of FP receptors. Collectively, results from this study demonstrate similar effects of EPA and DHA on lipid microdomain structure and lateral mobility of FP receptors in cultured bovine luteal cells. Moreover, only 10μM of either fatty acid was needed to mimic the effects of fish oil.

Effect of fish meal supplementation on spatial distribution of lipid microdomains and on the lateral mobility of membrane-bound prostaglandin F2α receptors in bovine corpora lutea

This study examined the effects of fish meal supplementation on spatial distribution of lipid microdomains and lateral mobility of prostaglandin F_2α (FP) receptors on cell plasma membranes of the bovine corpus luteum (CL). Beef cows were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to receive a corn gluten meal supplement (n = 4) or fish meal supplement (n = 4) for 60 d to allow incorporation of fish meal-derived omega-3 fatty acids into luteal tissue. Ovaries bearing the CL were surgically removed between days 10 to 12 after estrus corresponding to approximately day 60 of supplementation. A 200-mg sample of luteal tissue was analyzed for fatty acid content using gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The remaining tissue was enzymatically digested with collagenase to dissociate individual cells from the tissue. Cells were cultured to determine the effects of dietary supplementation on lipid microdomains and lateral mobility of FP receptors. Luteal tissue collected from fish meal-supplemented cows had increased omega-3 fatty acids content (P < 0.05). Lipid microdomain total fluorescent intensity was decreased in dissociated luteal cells from fish meal-supplemented cows (P < 0.05). Micro and macro diffusion coefficients of FP receptors were greater for cells obtained from fish meal-supplemented cows (P < 0.05). In addition, compartment diameter of domains was larger, whereas resident time was shorter for receptors from cells obtained from fish meal-supplemented cows (P < 0.05). Data indicate that dietary supplementation with fish meal increases omega-3 fatty acid content in luteal tissue causing disruption of lipid microdomains. This disruption leads to increased lateral mobility of the FP receptor, increased compartment sizes, and decreased resident time, which may influence prostaglandin signaling in the bovine CL.

Role of lipids on elongation of the preimplantation conceptus in ruminants

Elongation of the preimplantation conceptus is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy in ruminants and depends on histotroph secretion by the endometrium. Lipids are an essential component of the histotroph, and recent studies indicate that lipids have important roles in the elongation phase of conceptus development. The onset of elongation is marked by dynamic changes in the transcriptome of trophectoderm cells, which are associated with lipid metabolism. During elongation, the trophectoderm increases transcript expression of genes related to uptake, metabolism andde novobiosynthesis of fatty acids and prostaglandins. Expression of the genePPARGincreases substantially, and activation of the transcription factor PPARG by binding of lipid ligands appears to be crucial for the coordination of cell biology during elongation. Lipids accumulated in the epithelial cells of the endometrium during diestrus are likely the most important source of fatty acids for utilization by the conceptus and become available in the uterine lumen through exporting of exosomes, microvesicles, carrier proteins and lipoproteins. Targeting of uterine lipid metabolism and PPARG activity during preimplantation conceptus development through nutraceutical diets may be a good strategy to improve pregnancy survival and reproductive efficiency in ruminants.

Effects of calcium salts of soybean oil on factors that influence pregnancy establishment in Bos indicus beef cows

The objective of this experiment was to compare fatty acid (FA) concentrations in plasma and reproductive tissues as well as hormones and expression of genes associated with pregnancy establishment in beef cows supplemented or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) beginning after timed AI. Ninety nonlactating multiparous Nelore (Bos indicus) cows were timed inseminated on d 0 of the experiment and divided into 18 groups of 5 cows/group. Groups were randomly assigned to receive (as-fed basis) 100 g of a protein-mineral mix plus 100 g of ground corn per cow daily in addition to 1) 100 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 9) or 2) 100 g/cow daily of kaolin (CON; rumen-inert indigestible substance; n = 9). All groups were maintained in a single Brachiaria brizanta pasture (24 ha) with ad libitum access to forage and water. However, groups were segregated daily and offered treatments individually at the working facility during the experimental period (d 0 to 18). Blood samples were collected and transrectal ultrasonography was performed to verify ovulation and estimate corpus luteum (CL) volume immediately before AI (d 0) and on d 7 and 18 of the experiment. On d 19, 36 cows (18 cows/treatment; 2 cows/group) diagnosed without the presence of a CL on d 0 but with a CL greater than 0.38 cm(3) in volume on d 7 and 18 were slaughtered for collection of conceptus, uterine luminal flushing, and tissue samples from the CL and endometrium. Cows receiving CSSO had greater concentrations of linoleic and other ω-6 FA in plasma (P < 0.01), endometrium (P ≤ 0.05), CL (P ≤ 0.05), and conceptus (P ≤ 0.08) compared to CON. On d 7 of the experiment, CSSO-supplemented cows had greater plasma progesterone concentrations (P < 0.01) and CL volume (P = 0.02) compared to CON, whereas no treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.15) for these parameters on d 18 (treatment × day interaction; P < 0.01). Cows receiving CSSO tended (P = 0.09) to have greater concentrations of interferon-tau in the uterine flushing media compared with CON. However, no treatment effects were detected for mRNA expression genes associated with pregnancy establishment in endometrial, CL, and conceptus samples (P ≥ 0.12). In summary, supplementing beef cows with 100 g of CSSO beginning after AI favored incorporation of ω-6 FA into their circulation, reproductive tissues, and conceptus, without impacting expression of genes associated with pregnancy establishment on d 19 of gestation.

Effect of dietary enrichment with either n-3 or n-6 fatty acids on systemic metabolite and hormone concentration and ovarian function in heifers

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of dietary n-3 or n-6 fatty acid (FA) supplementation on blood FA, metabolite and hormone concentrations, follicle size and dynamics and corpus luteum (CL) size. Reproductively normal heifers (n = 24) were individually fed diets of chopped straw and concentrate containing either (i) no added lipid (CON; n = 8); (ii) 2% added fat as whole raw soya beans (WSB, n-6; n = 8); or (iii) 2% added fat as fish oil (FO, n-3; n = 8). Following oestrous cycle synchronisation, blood samples were collected at appropriate times and intervals for the measurement of hormones, FAs and metabolites. On days 15 and 16 of the cycle, animals were subjected to an intravenous oxytocin challenge and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) response, measured as venous concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2α (PGFM). Dry matter intake and average daily gain were similar among treatments (P > 0.05). Plasma concentration of linoleic acid was highest on WSB (P < 0.05), while eicosapentaenoic (EPA, n-3; P < 0.0001) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n-3; P < 0.0001) were greatest in the FO group. Plasma concentrations of arachidonic acid were higher on FO (P < 0.05) compared with CON and WSB. Plasma triglyceride concentrations increased, while β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) decreased with time on all diets (P < 0.05). There was a diet × time interaction (P < 0.01) for non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Plasma cholesterol was higher on WSB and FO (P < 0.01) compared with CON. Progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) concentrations, as well as follicle growth rate and CL diameter were similar across diets (P > 0.05). There was a diet × day interaction for PGFM (P < 0.01). When corrected for systemic E2 : P4 ratio, day 15 concentrations of PGFM were higher in the WSB group at 15 and 30 min (P < 0.01) post oxytocin administration compared with CON and FO, which were similar (P > 0.05). Concentrations of PGFM on day 16 were similar for WSB and FO and were greater than CON at 15 (P < 0.01) and 45 min (P < 0.05) post oxytocin administration, and at 30 min for FO (P < 0.05). With the exception of PGFM, dietary lipid source did not affect the reproductive variables measured.

Effect of supplementation with different fat sources on the mechanisms involved in reproductive performance in lactating dairy cattle

Supplementary fat positively influences reproductive performance in dairy cattle, although the mechanisms involved are not clearly defined. Our objective was to determine the effects of four different fat supplements on follicle development, plasma steroid hormone concentrations and prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in lactating dairy cattle. Forty-eight early lactation Holstein-Friesian cows (21 primiparous, 27 multiparous) were used in a completely randomized block design. Cows were fed the same basal TMR diet and received one of four fat supplements: (i) palmitic acid (18:0 fatty acid; Control), (ii) flaxseed (rich in 18:3 n-3 fatty acid; Flax), (iii) conjugated linoleic acid (a mixture of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers; CLA), and (iv) fish oil (rich in 20:5 and 22:6 n-3 fatty acids; FO). All lipid supplements were formulated to be isolipidic; palmitic acid was added as necessary to provide a total lipid supplement intake of 500 g/day. Cows were synchronized to be in estrus on Day 15 of dietary treatment. All antral follicles were counted, and dominant follicles, subordinate follicles and corpora lutea were measured daily via transrectal ovarian ultrasonography for one complete estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected daily, and selected samples were analyzed for progesterone, estradiol, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids. Estrus was synchronized a second time, and liver and endometrial biopsies were collected on Day 7 of the estrous cycle. Gene expression was evaluated for a number of genes involved in prostaglandin synthesis (endometrium) and fatty acid uptake and utilization (liver). Fat supplementation had little effect on follicle development. Cows receiving supplementary n-3 fatty acids had lesser plasma progesterone (P4) and smaller corpora lutea than cows receiving the CLA or Control supplements. Effects of fat supplementation on the endometrial expression of genes involved in PG synthesis were minor. Hepatic expression of SREBF1, ASCL1 and FABP1 was reduced by FO supplementation. Reduced plasma P4 in n-3 supplemented cows may lead to a suboptimal uterine environment for embryo development and hence reduced fertility compared to cows receiving the control or CLA supplements.

Fish meal supplementation increases bovine plasma and luteal tissue omega-3 fatty acid composition

The objective of this experiment was to determine if dietary inclusion of fish meal would increase plasma and luteal tissue concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Seventeen nonlactating Angus cows (2 to 8 yr of age) were housed in individual pens and fed a corn silage-based diet for approximately 60 d. Diets were supplemented with fish meal at 5% DMI (a rich source of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid; n = 9 cows) or corn gluten meal at 6% DMI (n = 8 cows). Body weights and jugular blood samples were collected immediately before the initiation of supplementation and every 7 d thereafter for 56 d to monitor plasma n-3 fatty acid composition and BW. Estrous cycles were synchronized using 2 injections of PGF(2α) administered at 14-d intervals. The ovary bearing the corpus luteum was surgically removed at midcycle (between d 10 and 12) after estrus synchronization, which corresponded to approximately d 60 of supplementation. The ovary was transported to the laboratory, and approximately 1.5 g of luteal tissue was stored at -80°C until analyzed for n-3 fatty acid content. Initial and ending BW did not differ (P > 0.10) between cows supplemented with fish meal and those with corn gluten meal. Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid was greater (P < 0.05) beginning at d 7 of supplementation and docosahexaenoic was greater (P < 0.05) beginning at d 14 of supplementation for cows receiving fish meal. Luteal tissue collected from fish meal-supplemented cows had greater (P < 0.05) luteal n-3 fatty acids and reduced (P < 0.05) arachidonic acid and n-6 to n-3 ratio as compared with tissue obtained from cows supplemented with corn gluten meal. Our data show that fish meal supplementation increases luteal n-3 fatty acid content and reduces available arachidonic acid content, the precursor for PGF(2α). The increase in luteal n-3 fatty acids may reduce PGF(2α) intraluteal synthesis after breeding resulting in increased fertility in cattle.

Increased preconception omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake improves embryo morphology

The association between preconception dietary intake of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) omega-6 and omega-3 and the E(2) levels and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome were investigated in women in a prospective study. It revealed that high intakes of omega-3 LC-PUFA alpha-linolenic acid increase baseline E(2), high intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid reduce E(2) response and the number of follicles after ovarian stimulation, and total omega-3 intake, in particular alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, improve embryo morphology.

Fatty acid composition of plasma, medial basal hypothalamus, and uterine tissue in primiparous beef cows fed high-linoleate safflower seeds

The experimental objectives were to evaluate the influence of supplemental high-linoleate safflower seeds on fatty acid concentrations in plasma, medial basal hypothalamus, uterine tissues, and serum 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2)alpha metabolite (PGFM) in primiparous beef cows during early lactation. Beginning 1 d postpartum, 18 primiparous, crossbred beef cows (411 +/- 24.3 kg of BW) were fed foxtail millet hay at 1.68% of BW (DM basis) and either a low-fat supplement (control: 63.7% cracked corn; 33.4% safflower seed meal; and 2.9% liquid molasses; DM basis) at 0.35% of BW (n = 9) or a supplement (linoleate) containing 95.3% cracked high-linoleate (79% 18:2n-6) safflower seeds and 4.7% liquid molasses (DM basis) at 0.23% of BW (n = 9). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The linoleate diet contained 5.4% of DMI as fat vs. 1.2% for control. Beginning 1 d postpartum, cattle were bled every 3 d for collection of serum and plasma. Cattle were slaughtered at 37 +/- 3 d postpartum for collection of the medial basal hypothalamus, myometrium, endometrium, caruncular tissue, intercaruncular tissue, and oviduct. Feeding linoleate increased (P = 0.001) plasma concentrations of 18:2n-6, 18:2cis-9 trans-11 and total unsaturated fatty acids; however, 18:1trans-11 did not differ (P = 0.19) between treatments. Concentrations of 20:5n-3 in the medial basal hypothalamus tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for cattle fed linoleate. Concentrations of fatty acids in the oviduct were greater (P < 0.05) than in other uterine tissues. Cows fed linoleate had greater (P = 0.05) concentrations of 18:3n-3 in the endometrium and less (P = 0.06) 18:2cis-9 trans-11 in the myometrium than cows fed the control. Supplemental fat increased (dietary treatment x day postpartum, P = 0.01) concentrations of PGFM in serum more in linoleate than control cows from d 3 to 9 postpartum. Lipid supplementation early in the postpartum period altered the fatty acid composition of medial basal hypothalamus, uterine tissue, and serum concentrations of PGFM. The most novel observation was that the oviduct appeared to be the most sensitive tissue to additional dietary linoleic acid, which could potentially influence fertility.

Effects of Feeding Fish Meal and n-3 Fatty Acids on Ovarian and Uterine Responses in Early Lactating Dairy Cows

The study was designed to test the effects of dietary supplementation with fish meal or specific n-3 fatty acids on ovarian activity and uterine responses in early lactating cows. From 5 to 50 d in milk (DIM), cows were fed diets that were isonitrogenous, isoenergetic, and isolipidic containing none (control), 1.25, 2.5, or 5% menhaden fish meal (FM) or 2.3% Ca salts of fish oil fatty acids (CaFOFA). Ovarian follicular dynamics were monitored along with plasma concentrations of estradiol and progesterone. Beginning at 23 DIM, cows were induced into a synchronized ovulatory cycle. On d 15 after ovulation (49 DIM), cows were injected with oxytocin and blood samples were collected to monitor uterine release of PGF(2alpha) (measured as 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2alpha); PGFM). Uterine endometrial biopsies were collected for fatty acid analysis and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein measurement. Ovarian follicular activities as well as plasma estradiol and progesterone concentrations were similar across diets. Endometrial fatty acid composition of eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, n-3) were increased as much as 3-fold by supplementation with fish meal and CaFOFA. Conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2 cis-9, trans-11) in the endometrium was also increased; conversely, arachidonic acid (C20:4, n-6) percentage was decreased by 5% FM. Plasma PGFM response to oxytocin injection was not different among diets and endometrial COX-2 protein abundance did not differ. Results from this experiment demonstrate that dietary supplementation with fish meal or n-3 fatty acids in early lactating dairy cows significantly increased uterine n-3 fatty acid concentrations, but had no apparent effect on endometrial COX-2 or PGF(2alpha) production in response to oxytocin challenge.

Pregnancy, Bovine Somatotropin, and Dietary n-3 Fatty Acids in Lactating Dairy Cows: III. Fatty Acid Distribution

Our objective was to examine effects of exogenous bovine somatotropin (bST), pregnancy, and dietary fatty acids on fatty acid distribution in various tissues of lactating dairy cows. Two diets were fed, starting about 17 d in milk (DIM), in which oil of whole cottonseed (control diet) was compared with a calcium salt of fish oil-enriched lipid (FO; 1.9% of dietary DM). Starting at 44 +/- 5 DIM, ovulation was synchronized with a presynchronization plus Ovsynch protocol (d 0 = time of synchronized ovulation). Some cows were inseminated (77 +/- 12 DIM) to create a pregnant group. On d 0 and 11, cows received bST (500 mg) or no bST, and were killed on d 17 (94 +/- 12 DIM). Number of cows in control group was 5 bST-treated cyclic (bST-C), 5 non-bST-treated cyclic (no bST-C), 4 bST-treated pregnant (bST-P), and 5 non-bST-treated pregnant (no bST-P) cows; and for the FO diet: 4 bST-treated (bST-FO-C) and 5 non-bST-treated cyclic (no bST-FO-C) cows. At slaughter, samples of endometrium, liver, muscle, s.c. adipose, internal adipose, and mammary gland were collected. Milk was collected at 75 +/- 5 DIM. Gas chromatography was used to determine fatty acid percentages in tissues and milk fat. Endometrium from the cows fed FO had increased proportions of C20:5 and C22:6, whereas C20:4 was decreased. Injections of bST reduced both C18:2 and the n-6:n-3 ratio, but increased C22:6 in endometrium of cyclic control-fed, but not pregnant cows. In addition, FO decreased the n-6:n-3 ratio in all tissues and milk fat except for s.c. and internal adipose tissue. Cows fed FO also had increased C18:3, C20:5, and C22:6 in the liver and mammary tissue, and C18:3 and C22:6 were increased in the milk fat. The FO diet decreased the Delta9-desaturase index [(product of Delta9-desaturase]/(product of Delta9-desaturase + substrate of Delta9-desaturase]; DIX) in muscle and s.c. tissues, accompanied by an increase in saturated fatty acid (SFA) percentage. In addition, FO diet decreased DIX in the endometrium. In mammary and internal adipose tissues, bST increased DIX in cyclic control-fed cows, whereas bST decreased DIX in FO-fed cows, with no difference in the concentration of SFA and UNSFA. Cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid was increased in milk fat, but decreased in the muscle and s.c. adipose tissue of FO-fed cows. The FO-enriched lipid, bST treatment, and early pregnancy can alter fatty acid percentages and distributions that may alter tissue functionality and functional nutrients of consumer products.

Fish meal supplementation alters uterine prostaglandin F2alpha synthesis in beef heifers with low luteal-phase progesterone

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in fish meal on mitigating uterine PGF2alpha synthesis in heifers with low luteal-phase concentrations of progesterone. Animals were individually fed a corn silage-based diet supplemented with fish meal (5% of DMI; n = 12) or corn gluten meal (6% of DMI; n = 13). Estrous cycles were synchronized using PGF2alpha beginning on d 25 of supplementation. Random heifers from each supplement group (n = 6 fish meal, and n = 7 corn gluten meal) were given three additional i.m. injections of PGF2alpha (25 mg) at 12-h intervals beginning at 0600 on d 3 after estrus to induce formation of corpora lutea that secrete lower concentrations of progesterone. Jugular blood samples were collected daily commencing on d 1 and continuing through d 16 of the estrous cycle to determine serum progesterone concentrations. Oxytocin was administered i.v. (100 IU) to heifers on d 16 after estrus to stimulate uterine PGF2alpha synthesis. Before statistical analyses, heifers were sorted to either normal or low luteal-phase progesterone as determined from serum progesterone on d 9 of the estrous cycle. After sorting, treatment groups consisted of 1) normal luteal progesterone + fish meal (n = 6); 2) low luteal progesterone + fish meal (n = 6); 3) normal luteal progesterone + corn gluten meal (n = 6); and 4) low luteal progesterone + corn gluten meal (n = 7). Serum concentrations of the PGF2alpha metabolite following oxytocin stimulation tended (P = 0.09) to be greater in heifers with low luteal-phase progesterone compared with heifers with normal luteal-phase progesterone. Fish meal supplementation mitigated this response in heifers with low luteal-phase progesterone (P < 0.05), but had no effect on heifers with normal luteal-phase progesterone. In conclusion, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish meal seem to decrease uterine PGF2alpha synthesis in heifers with low luteal-phase serum concentrations of progesterone.