Liver phosphorus content in Holstein-Friesian cows during the transition period

Transcriptomic profiling of gastrointestinal tracts in dairy cattle during lactation reveals molecular adaptations for milk synthesis

During lactation, dairy cattle's digestive tract requires significant adaptations to meet the increased nutrient demands for milk production. As we attempt to improve milk-related traits through selective pressure, it is crucial to understand the biological functions of the epithelia of the rumen, small intestine, and colonic tissues in response to changes in physiological state driven by changes in nutrient demands for milk synthesis. In this study, we obtained a total of 108 transcriptome profiles from three tissues (epithelia of the colon, duodenum, and rumen) of five Holstein cows, spanning eight time points from the early, mid, late lactation periods to the dry period. On average 97.06% of reads were successfully mapped to the reference genome assembly ARS-UCD1.2. We analyzed 27,607 gene expression patterns at multiple periods, enabling direct comparisons within and among tissues during different lactation stages, including early and peak lactation. We identified 1645, 813, and 2187 stage-specific genes in the colon, duodenum, and rumen, respectively, which were enriched for common or specific biological functions among different tissues. Time series analysis categorized the expressed genes within each tissue into four clusters. Furthermore, when the three tissues were analyzed collectively, 36 clusters of similarly expressed genes were identified. By integrating other comprehensive approaches such as gene co-expression analyses, functional enrichment, and cell type deconvolution, we gained profound insights into cattle lactation, revealing tissue-specific characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract and shedding light on the intricate molecular adaptations involved in nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and cellular processes for milk synthesis during lactation.

Unraveling the Genetic Basis of Feed Efficiency in Cattle through Integrated DNA Methylation and CattleGTEx Analysis

Feed costs can amount to 75 percent of the total overhead cost of raising cows for milk production. Meanwhile, the livestock industry is considered a significant contributor to global climate change due to the production of greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane. Indeed, the genetic basis of feed efficiency (FE) is of great interest to the animal research community. Here, we explore the epigenetic basis of FE to provide base knowledge for the development of genomic tools to improve FE in cattle. The methylation level of 37,554 CpG sites was quantified using a mammalian methylation array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40) for 48 Holstein cows with extreme residual feed intake (RFI). We identified 421 CpG sites related to 287 genes that were associated with RFI, several of which were previously associated with feeding or digestion issues. Activator of transcription and developmental regulation (AUTS2) is associated with digestive disorders in humans, while glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2) encodes a protein on the inner mitochondrial membrane, which can regulate glucose utilization and fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis. The extensive expression and co-expression of these genes across diverse tissues indicate the complex regulation of FE in cattle. Our study provides insight into the epigenetic basis of RFI and gene targets to improve FE in dairy cattle.

Effects of restricted dietary phosphorus supply during the dry period on productivity and metabolism in dairy cows

Phosphorus in bovine nutrition is under ongoing scrutiny because of concerns with excessive amounts of P excreted in manure contributing to environmental pollution. Feeding rations with excessive P content, however, still remains common practice, particularly during the transition period, as limited P supply in late gestation and early lactation is thought to present a risk for health and productivity of high-yielding dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of restricted P supply during the last 4 wk of pregnancy on Ca and P homeostasis during the transition period in high-yielding dairy cows, and to identify possible effects on metabolism and productivity throughout the following lactation. Thirty late-pregnant multiparous dairy cows were randomly assigned to either a dry cow diet with low (LP) or adequate P (AP) content [0.16 and 0.30% P in dry matter (DM), respectively] to be fed in the 4 wk before calving. After calving all cows received the same ration with adequate P content (0.46% P in DM). Blood, milk, and liver tissue samples were obtained during the dry period and the following lactation, DM intake (DMI), body weight, milk production, and disease occurrence were monitored. Plasma was assayed for the concentrations of P, Ca, Na, and K, metabolic parameters, and liver enzyme activities. Liver tissue was analyzed for mineral, triglyceride, cholesterol, and water contents. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to identify treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction effects. Cows fed LP had lower plasma P concentrations ([Pi]) than AP cows during restricted P feeding, reaching a nadir of 1.1 mmol/L immediately before calving. After calving, plasma [Pi] of LP cows was at or above the level of AP cows and within the reference range for cattle. Symptoms assumed to be associated with hypophosphatemia were not observed, but plasma Ca was higher from 1 wk before to 1 wk after calving in LP cows, which was associated with a numerically lower incidence of clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia in LP cows. Both treatments had a similar 305-d milk yield (12,112 ± 1,298 kg for LP and 12,229 ± 1,758 kg for AP cows) and similar DMI. Plasma and liver tissue biochemical analysis did not reveal treatment effects on energy, protein, or lipid metabolism. The results reported here indicate that restricted dietary P supply during the dry period positively affected the Ca homeostasis of periparturient dairy cows but did not reveal negative effects on DMI, milk production, or metabolic activity in the following lactation. Restriction of P during the dry period was associated with hypophosphatemia antepartum but neither exacerbated postparturient hypophosphatemia, which is commonly observed in fresh cows, nor was associated with any clinical or subclinical indication of P deficiency in early lactation.

Aspects of transition cow metabolomics-Part I: Effects of a metaphylactic butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin treatment on the metabolome in liver, blood, and urine in cows with different liver metabotypes

Dairy cows in modern production systems are at risk to develop metabolic disorders during the transition period. Reasons for individual differences in susceptibility, as well as the underlying pathomechanisms, are still only partially understood. The development of metaphylactic treatment protocols is needed. In this context, an on-farm prospective 3-fold blinded randomized study involving 80 German Holstein cows was performed throughout 1 yr. The trial involved a thorough recording of the production and clinical traits, clinical chemistry, and liver biopsies and blood and urine sampling at d 14 (mean: 12 d, range: 1-26 d) antepartum (AP), and d 7 (7, 4-13) and 28 (28, 23-34) postpartum (PP) for metabolomics analyses. Two groups received a treatment with butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BCC) at either the dosage recommended by the manufacturer or the double dosage (5 or 10 mL/100 kg of body weight 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin (Catosal, Bayer Animal Health), n = 20 in each group, parity: 4.2 ± 2.0 and 3.4 ± 1.3, respectively (mean ± SD)] and one group a placebo treatment (NaCl 0.9%, n = 40, parity: 4.0 ± 1.9). The animals were treated at 6 time points (7, 6, and 5 d AP, and 1, 2, and 3 d PP) via intravenous injection. Mass spectroscopy-based targeted metabolomics analysis of blood plasma and liver samples were performed using the AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit (Biocrates Life Sciences), whereas the urine samples were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate [partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)] and univariate methods (linear mixed model). Multivariate data analysis (PLS-DA plots) of the liver metabolome revealed 3 different metabotypes (A = medium, B = minor, C = large alterations in liver metabolome profile between AP and PP status). Metabotype B animals were characterized by higher PP lipomobilization (stronger PP body condition decrease and higher blood bilirubin, fatty acids, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and triglyceride levels) and a higher occurrence of transition cow diseases, compared with the animals in metabotype C. Analysis of the feeding data showed that the period of metabotype B animals (calving in a distinct time frame) was characterized by a decreased grass silage quality. The PP liver metabolome of the metabotype C animals was characterized by higher concentrations of AA, acylcarnitines, lysoPC and sphingomyelins compared with metabotype B. For the metaphylactic treatment with BCC a dose-dependent effect was confirmed, differing between the metabotypes. In all matrices and metabotypes at various time points significant treatment effects were observed, with different profiles in clinical chemistry and as well in metabolomics data. The most clear-cut treatment effect was observed in metabotype B in the liver at 7 d PP, characterized by an increase in several acylcarnitines and phosphatidylcholines, indicating a more efficient influx and oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria and thereby an increase in energy supply and more efficient triglyceride export in the liver. The results from the liver metabolomics analysis support the application of an indication-based metaphylactic treatment with BCC.

Liver phosphorus content and liver function in states of phosphorus deficiency in transition dairy cows

Phosphorus (P) deficiency in early lactating dairy cows is receiving increased attention because of incentives aiming at curtailing environmental pollution with P by reducing dietary P in ruminant diets. An in-vitro study using bovine hepatocytes incubated for 7 days with phosphate (Pi) concentrations of 0.9, 1.8 or 2.7 mmol/L, and an in-vivo study feeding late pregnant dairy cows diets with either adequate (0.28% and 0.44% in DM ante-partum and post-partum respectively) or low P content (0.15% and 0.20% in DM ante-partum and post-partum respectively) from 4 weeks before to 4 weeks after calving were conducted to explore effects of P deprivation on liver function. In vitro the relative abundance of mRNA of key enzymes of the carbohydrate metabolism in incubated hepatocytes and liver metabolites in culture medium were determined. In vivo health and productivity of experimental cows on low and adequate dietary P supply were monitored, and liver tissue and blood samples were obtained repeatedly. Liver tissue was assayed for its triacylglycerol-, mineral and water content as well as for the relative abundance of mRNA of enzymes of the carbohydrate-, fat- and protein metabolism. Reduced Pi-availability was not associated with altered enzyme transcription rates or metabolic activity in-vitro. The most prominent clinical finding associated with P deprivation in-vivo was feed intake depression developing after the first week of lactation. Accordingly cows on low P diets had lower milk yield and showed more pronounced increases in liver triacylglycerol after calving. Although the liver P content decreased in P deficient cows, neither negative effects on enzyme transcription rates nor on blood parameters indicative of impaired liver metabolic activity or liver injury were identified. These results indicate the P deprivation only indirectly affects the liver through exacerbation of the negative energy balance occurring as P deficient cows become anorectic.

Combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina no metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras após o parto

RESUMO A hipótese deste estudo é de que o uso da combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina pode melhorar a resistência periférica à insulina, aumentar a quantidade de glicose disponível para a glândula mamária e a produção de leite. Assim, o objetivo foi investigar os efeitos combinados de butafosfan e cianocobalamina sobre o metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no período pós-parto. Vinte e uma vacas leiteiras foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo controle (CON, n= 11), que recebeu cinco aplicações de solução salina (20mL / animal 0,9% NaCl), e grupo Catosal(r) (ABC, n= 10), que recebeu cinco aplicações de 20mL de uma solução contendo as substâncias butafosfan e cianocobalamina (B12 Catosal(r), 100mg da substância butafosfan e 50µg de cianocobalamina por mL). As aplicações foram realizadas por via intramuscular, nos dias sete, 12, 17, 22 e 27 pós-parto. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas para a avaliação das concentrações plasmáticas de fósforo, glicose, ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), albumina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e creatina quinase (CK). Nos dias oito e 28 pós-parto, os animais foram pesados e submetidos aos testes de tolerância à glicose e à insulina. O tratamento promoveu perda de peso (ABC 40,4kg, CON 10,73kg, P<0,05) e aumento da AST (ABC 62,92 ±3,31U/L, CON 53,11±3,49 U / L, P<0,05) e dos níveis de CK (ABC 134,09± 19,08U / L, CON 79,43 ± 18,27U / L). Os grupos não diferiram quanto ao metabolismo (área sob a curva) da glicose nos dias oito e 28, porém os animais tratados tiveram um aumento na glicemia (P<0,05) no dia 28 pós-parto (97,54 ± 8,54mg / dL), após a administração de insulina, em comparação ao dia oito (83,01 ± 8,54mg / dL). Assim, pode-se concluir que a combinação de butafosfan e cianocobalamina melhora a adaptação do metabolismo da glicose em vacas leiteiras no início da lactação.

Prediction of Altered Bile Acid Disposition Due to Inhibition of Multiple Transporters: An Integrated Approach Using Sandwich-Cultured Hepatocytes, Mechanistic Modeling, and Simulation

Transporter-mediated alterations in bile acid disposition may have significant toxicological implications. Current methods to predict interactions are limited by the interplay of multiple transporters, absence of protein in the experimental system, and inaccurate estimates of inhibitor concentrations. An integrated approach was developed to predict altered bile acid disposition due to inhibition of multiple transporters using the model bile acid taurocholate (TCA). TCA pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by mechanistic modeling using sandwich-cultured human hepatocyte data with protein in the medium. Uptake, basolateral efflux, and biliary clearance estimates were 0.63, 0.034, and 0.074 mL/min/g liver, respectively. Cellular total TCA concentrations (Ct,Cells) were selected as the model output based on sensitivity analysis. Monte Carlo simulations of TCA Ct,Cells in the presence of model inhibitors (telmisartan and bosentan) were performed using inhibition constants for TCA transporters and inhibitor concentrations, including cellular total inhibitor concentrations ([I]t,cell) or unbound concentrations, and cytosolic total or unbound concentrations. For telmisartan, the model prediction was accurate with an average fold error (AFE) of 0.99-1.0 when unbound inhibitor concentration ([I]u) was used; accuracy dropped when total inhibitor concentration ([I]t) was used. For bosentan, AFE was 1.2-1.3 using either [I]u or [I]t This difference was evaluated by sensitivity analysis of the cellular unbound fraction of inhibitor (fu,cell,inhibitor), which revealed higher sensitivity of fu,cell,inhibitor for predicting TCA Ct,Cells when inhibitors exhibited larger ([I]t,cell/IC50) values. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the applicability of a framework to predict hepatocellular bile acid concentrations due to drug-mediated inhibition of transporters using mechanistic modeling and cytosolic or cellular unbound concentrations.

Kinetics of phosphate absorption in lactating dairy cows after enteral administration of sodium phosphate or calcium phosphate salts

Hypophosphataemia is frequently encountered in dairy cows during early lactation. Although supplementation of P is generally recommended, controversy exists over the suitability of oral P supplementation in animals with decreased or absent rumen motility. Since the effects of transruminal P absorption and the reticular groove reflex on the absorption kinetics of P are not well understood, it is unclear in how far treatment efficacy of oral P supplementation is affected by decreased rumen motility. Phosphate absorption was studied in six phosphate-depleted dairy cows fitted with rumen cannulas and treated with test solutions containing either NaH2PO4 or CaHPO4 with acetaminophen. Each animal was treated orally, intraruminally and intra-abomasally in randomised order. Absorption kinetics of P were studied and compared with the absorption kinetics of acetaminophen, a marker substance only absorbed from the small intestine. Intra-abomasal treatment with NaH2PO4 resulted in the most rapid and highest peaks in plasma inorganic P (Pi) concentration. Oral and intraruminal administration of NaH2PO4 resulted in similar increases in plasma Pi concentration from 4 to 7 h in both groups. Treatment with NaH2PO4 caused more pronounced peaks in plasma Pi concentration compared with CaHPO4. Neither transruminal P absorption nor the reticular groove reflex affected P absorption kinetics as determined by comparing plasma concentration–time curves of P and acetaminophen after administration of 1M-phosphate salt solutions. It is concluded that oral treatment with NaH2PO4 but not CaHPO4 is effective in supplementing P in hypophosphataemic cows with adequate rumen motility. Decreased rumen motility is likely to hamper the efficacy of oral phosphate treatment.

Effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on postpartum metabolism and milk production in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BTPC) supplementation on plasma metabolites and milk production in postpartum dairy cows. A total of fifty-two Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive either: (1) 10 ml of saline (NaCl 0.9%, control group); (2) 1000 mg of butaphosphan and 0.5 mg of cyanocobalamin (BTPC1 group); and (3) 2000 mg of butaphosphan and 1.0 mg of cyanocobalamin (BTPC2 group). All cows received injections every 5 days from calving to 20 days in milk (DIM). Blood samples were collected every 15 days from calving until 75 DIM to determine serum concentration of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, urea, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), aminotransferase aspartate (AST) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The body condition score (BCS) and milk production were evaluated from calving until 90 DIM. Increasing doses of BTPC caused a linear reduction in plasma concentrations of NEFA and cholesterol. Supplementation of BTPC also reduced concentrations of BHB but it did not differ between the two treatment doses. Milk yield and milk protein had a linear increase with increasing doses of BTPC. A quadratic effect was detected for milk fat and total milk solids according to treatment dose, and BTPC1 had the lowest mean values. Concentrations of glucose, urea, P, Mg, AST, GGT, milk lactose and BCS were not affected by treatment. These results indicate that injections of BTPC during the early postpartum period can reduce NEFA and BHB concentrations and increase milk production in Holstein cows.

Effects of percutaneous needle liver biopsy on dairy cow behaviour

In cattle, percutaneous needle liver biopsy is used for scientific examination of liver metabolism. The impact of the biopsy procedure is, however, poorly investigated. Our aim was to examine the behaviour of dairy cows during and after liver biopsy. Data were collected from 18 dry cows. Percutaneous needle liver biopsies (after administration of local anaesthesia (2% Procaine)) and blood samples were taken during restraining. During the control treatment, animals were restrained and blood sampled. During the biopsy procedure, cows showed increased restlessness (P=0.008), frequency of head shaking (P=0.016), and decreased rumination (P=0.064). After biopsies, tail pressing (P=0.016) and time spent perching (P=0.058) increased. Time spent upright (P=0.10) and number of leg movements (P=0.033) increased during the night as compared to controls. Thus, liver biopsy induced behavioural changes for up to 19 h--and particularly for behaviour previously associated with pain. Even though the exact welfare impact of percutaneous needle liver biopsies in cows is not known, and the magnitude of the behavioural changes was limited, pain always has negative effects on animal welfare. Therefore, if the present biopsy procedure--involving several biopsy passes--is to be used, improvement of the anaesthetic protocol as well as the inclusion of analgesics should be considered.

First report about the mode of action of combined butafosfan and cyanocobalamin on hepatic metabolism in nonketotic early lactating cows

The primary aim was to investigate the effect of combined butafosfan and cyanocobalamin on liver metabolism in early lactating cows through mRNA expression measurements of genes encoding 31 enzymes and transport proteins of major metabolic processes in the liver using 16 multiparous early lactating dairy cows. The treatments included i.v. injection of 10 mL/100 kg of body weight combined butafosfan and cyanocobalamin (TG, n = 8) on 3 d consecutively at 25 ± 3 d in milk or injection with physiological saline solution similarly applied (CG, n = 8). Results include a higher daily milk production for TG cows (41.1 ± 0.9 kg, mean ± SEM) compared with CG cows (39.5 ± 0.7 kg). In plasma, the concentration of inorganic phosphorus was lower in the TG cows (1.25 ± 0.08 mmol/L) after the treatment than in the CG cows (1.33 ± 0.07 mmol/L). The plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was 0.65 ± 0.13 mmol/L for all cows before the treatment, and remained unaffected post treatment. The unique result was that in the liver, the mRNA abundance of acyl-coenzyme A synthetase long-chain family member 1, involved in fatty acid oxidation and biosynthesis, was lower across time points after the treatment for TG compared with CG cows (17.5 ± 0.15 versus 18.1 ± 0.24 cycle threshold, log(2), respectively). In conclusion, certain effects of combined butafosfan and cyanocobalamin were observed on mRNA abundance of a gene in the liver of nonketotic early lactating cows.

Effect of multiple intravenous injections of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on the metabolism of periparturient dairy cows

Numerous adjunct therapeutic agents have been investigated for the treatment or control of fat mobilization syndrome in periparturient dairy cows. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of multiple i.v. injections of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin combination (Catosal, Bayer Animal Health, Leverkusen, Germany) between 1 and 2 wk antepartum (a.p.) on the metabolism and health of dairy cows. Forty-five late-gestation Holstein-Friesian cows (second pregnancy) were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups with 15 cows/group: group C6 (6 daily i.v. injections of butaphosphan at 10 mg/kg of body weight (BW) and cyanocobalamin at 5 microg/kg of BW in the last 2 wk of gestation); group C3 (3 daily i.v. injections of butaphosphan at 10 mg/kg of BW and cyanocobalamin at 5 microg/kg of BW in the last week of gestation); and group C0 (equivolume daily i.v. injections of 0.9% NaCl solution). Serum biochemical analysis was performed on jugular venous blood samples that were periodically obtained a.p. and postpartum (p.p.). Health status and milk production were monitored p.p. Serum cyanocobalamin concentration increased in groups C6 and C3 p.p. Multiple daily i.v. injections of Catosal before parturition increased p.p. glucose availability, as evaluated by p.p. serum glucose concentration, and decreased peripheral fat mobilization and ketone body formation, as evaluated by p.p. serum nonesterified fatty acid and beta-OH butyrate concentrations. The number of puerperal infections in the first 5 d after calving was decreased in group C6, relative to group C0. We conclude that multiple injections of Catosal during the close-up period have a beneficial effect on the metabolism of periparturient dairy cows. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that high-producing dairy cows in early lactation may have a relative or actual deficiency of cyanocobalamin.

Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin concentrations and liver fat percentage in lactating dairy cows with abomasal displacement

BACKGROUND

There has been increased interest in measuring the serum concentration of acute phase reactants such as serum amyloid A [SAA] and haptoglobin [haptoglobin] in periparturient cattle in order to provide a method for detecting the presence of inflammation or bacterial infection.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether [SAA] and [haptoglobin] are increased in cows with displaced abomasum as compared with healthy dairy cows.

ANIMALS

Fifty-four adult dairy cows in early lactation that had left displaced abomasum (LDA, n = 34), right displaced abomasum or abomasal volvulus (RDA/AV, n = 11), or were healthy on physical examination (control, n = 9).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inflammatory diseases or bacterial infections such as mastitis, metritis, or pneumonia were not clinically apparent in any animal. Jugular venous blood was obtained from all cows and analyzed. Liver samples were obtained by biopsy in cattle with abomasal displacement.

RESULTS

[SAA] and [haptoglobin] concentrations were increased in cows with LDA or RDA/AV as compared with healthy controls. Cows with displaced abomasum had mild to moderate hepatic lipidosis, based on liver fat percentages of 9.3 +/- 5.3% (mean +/- SD, LDA) and 10.8 +/- 7.7% (RDA/AV). [SAA] and [haptoglobin] were most strongly associated with liver fat percentage, r(s) = +0.55 (P < .0001) and r(s) = +0.42 (P = .0041), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] in postparturient dairy cows with LDA or RDA/AV is not specific for inflammation or bacterial infection. An increase in [SAA] or [haptoglobin] may indicate the presence of hepatic lipidosis in cattle with abomasal displacement.