Effects of injectable trace element and vitamin supplementation during the gestational, peri-parturient, or early lactational periods on neutrophil functions and pregnancy rate in dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of injectable trace element and vitamin combination on phagocytic, oxidative burst activity of neutrophils and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows. Cows were to assigned to the following groups: (1) injectable trace element supplementation (ITES, n = 44, containing zinc, manganese, copper, selenium); (2) injectable vitamin supplementation (VIT, n = 48, containing vitamins A, D3, E); (3) ITES + VIT (n = 46); and (4) control (CON, n = 44). Cows were administered four injections between 230 and 260 days of the gestational period, on day of parturition, and 30 days postpartum. Neutrophil function was assessed at 10 days before and after calving. Phagocytosis was greater in cows of the ITES + VIT group at 10 days prepartum (P < 0.05) while oxidative burst was similar among groups. There were greater non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in cows of the ITES+VIT group at 10 days prepartum (P < 0.05). Cows supplemented with ITES+ VIT had less SOD activity than those supplemented with ITES or vitamin during the pre- to post-partum transition period (P < 0.05). The total odds of pregnancy were greater in cows supplemented with trace element and/or vitamin (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of ITES and/or VIT resulted in an increased total pregnancy rate. Vitamin or trace element supplementation did not differ with the control group in both the prepartum and postpartum period for immune variables. There, however, was greater phagocytosis in cows supplemented with vitamin and trace elements during the prepartum period that might be related to metabolic-induced inflammation.

The effects of prepartum energy intake and peripartum rumen-protected choline supplementation on hepatic genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism.

Nutritional interventions, either by controlling dietary energy (DE) or supplementing rumen-protected choline (RPC) or both, may mitigate negative postpartum metabolic health outcomes. A companion paper previously reported the effects of DE density and RPC supplementation on production and health outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of DE and RPC supplementation on the expression of hepatic oxidative, gluconeogenic, and lipid transport genes during the periparturient period. At 47 ± 6 d relative to calving (DRTC), 93 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned in groups to dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial of (1) excess energy (EXE) without RPC supplementation (1.63 Mcal of NEL/kg of dry matter; EXE-RPC); (2) maintenance energy (MNE) without RPC supplementation (1.40 Mcal of NEL/kg dry matter; MNE-RPC); (3) EXE with RPC supplementation (EXE+RPC); and (4) MNE with RPC supplementation (MNE+RPC). To achieve the objective of this research, liver biopsy samples were collected at -14, +7, +14, and +21 DRTC and analyzed for mRNA expression (n = 16/treatment). The interaction of DE × RPC decreased glucose-6-phosphatase and increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α in MNE+RPC cows. Expression of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was altered by the interaction of dietary treatments with reduced expression in EXE+RPC cows. A dietary treatment interaction was detected for expression of pyruvate carboxylase although means were not separated. Dietary treatment interactions did not alter expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A or microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. The 3-way interaction of DE × RPC × DRTC affected expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, glucose-6-phosphatase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and tended to affect cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Despite previously reported independent effects of DE and RPC on production variables, treatments interacted to influence hepatic metabolism through altered gene expression.

Production responses to rumen-protected choline and methionine supplemented during the periparturient period differ for primi- and multiparous cows.

The objective of this experiment was to examine production performance responses to feeding rumen-protected choline (RPC) or methionine (RPM), or both, during the periparturient period. Fifty-four Holstein cows (25 primiparous, 29 multiparous) were used in a randomized block design experiment with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. Cows were blocked by expected calving date and parity and assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: CON (no RPC or RPM); RPC (13.0 g/d of choline ion); RPM (9 g/d of dl-methionine prepartum; 13.5 g/d of dl-methionine postpartum); or RPC + RPM. Treatments were applied once daily as a top-dress from 3 wk before through 5 wk after calving. Dry matter intake and milk production were recorded daily, and milk samples were obtained once weekly. Data were analyzed for primi- and multiparous cows separately, using a repeated-measures mixed model that included random effects of cow and block and fixed effects of RPC, RPM, week, and their interactions; week served as the repeated effect. Initial BW and previous lactation milk yield were included as covariates in the statistical model for multiparous cows. Feeding RPC without RPM increased milk yield for multiparous cows by 8.7 kg/d, but this increase was not observed when RPC was fed with RPM. In multiparous cows, feeding RPM increased milk fat concentration and tended to increase milk fat yield. Because of this, RPM increased fat-corrected milk (FCM) by 2.8 kg/d at wk 2 postpartum, and this increase was sustained through wk 5 postpartum. In contrast, RPM did not affect overall milk fat yield and concentration for primiparous cows. Feeding RPC increased milk yield for primiparous cows by 3.5 kg/d irrespective of RPM inclusion, which is contrary to observations in multiparous cows, where RPC increased milk yield only in the absence of RPM. These results indicate that responses to RPC during the periparturient period may be dependent upon supply of methionine. Our observations also demonstrate that primi- and multiparous cows respond differently to RPC and RPM supplemented individually or simultaneously during the periparturient period. This variation in response could have been mediated by putative differences in choline and methionine requirements of primiparous versus multiparous cows, or by differences in the levels of milk production between the 2 groups (36 vs. 25 kg of FCM/d). However, cows in this study did not experience severe negative energy balance (mean nadirs of -6.6 and -5.0 Mcal/d for multiparous and primiparous cows, respectively), which likely affected their responses to RPC and RPM.

Prescription patterns of benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine-related drugs in the peripartum period: A population-based study.

Using prescription drugs during pregnancy is challenging and approached with caution. In this study, we present population-based information on prescription patterns of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related drugs in the peripartum period. A population-based study of 1,154,817 pregnancies between 1997 and 2015 in Denmark, of which 205,406 (17.8%) pregnancies in women with a psychiatric history. Prescription drugs starting with Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes N05BA, N05CD, and N05CF from 12 months before pregnancy to 12 months following pregnancy were identified. We used generalised estimating equations to estimate the adjusted 5 year risk difference in the proportion of women redeeming benzodiazepines from 1 year to 5 years after. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between characteristics and discontinuation of benzodiazepines during pregnancy. The prevalence of benzodiazepine prescriptions was 1.9% before pregnancy, 0.6% during pregnancy, and 1.3% after pregnancy. In women with a psychiatric history, the prevalence was 5-6 times higher. A significant decrease in prescriptions to women with a psychiatric history was observed, which was less profound among women with no psychiatric history. Approximately 90% of women discontinue benzodiazepines during pregnancy, with a higher percentage of women discontinuing from 1997 to 2015. The observed decrease is likely explained by changing treatment guidelines.

Probenecid treatment improves outcomes in a novel mouse model of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Probenecid has been used for decades in the treatment of gout but recently has also been found to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure via stimulation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) channel in cardiomyocytes. This study tested the use of probenecid on a novel mouse model of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) as a potential treatment option. A human mutation of the human heat shock protein 20 (Hsp20-S10F) in mice has been recently shown to result in cardiomyopathy, when exposed to pregnancies. Treatment with either probenecid or control sucrose water was initiated after the first pregnancy in both wild type and Hsp20-S10F mice. Serial echocardiography was performed during subsequent pregnancies and hearts were collected after the third pregnancies for staining and molecular analysis. Hsp20-S10F mice treated with probenecid had decreased mortality, hypertrophy, TRPV2 expression and molecular parameters of heart failure. Probenecid treatment also decreased apoptosis as evidenced by an increase in the level of Bcl-2/Bax. Probenecid improved survival in a novel mouse model of PPCM and may be an appropriate therapy for humans with PPCM as it has a proven safety and tolerability in patients with heart failure.

Glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicide exposure during the peripartum period affects maternal brain plasticity, maternal behaviour and microbiome.

Glyphosate is found in a large array of non-selective herbicides such as Roundup® (Monsanto, Creve Coeur, MO, USA) and is by far the most widely used herbicide. Recent work in rodent models suggests that glyphosate-based herbicides during development can affect neuronal communication and result in altered behaviours, albeit through undefined mechanisms of action. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the effects glyphosate or its formulation in herbicide on maternal behaviour and physiology. In the present study, relatively low doses of glyphosate (5 mg kg-1  d-1 ), Roundup® (5 mg kg-1  d-1 glyphosate equivalent), or vehicle were administered by ingestion to Sprague-Dawley rats from gestational day (GD) 10 to postpartum day (PD)22. The treatments significantly altered licking behaviour toward pups between PD2 and PD6. We also show in the dams at PD22 that Roundup exposure affected the maturation of doublecortin-immunoreactive new neurones in the dorsal dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of the mother. In addition, the expression of synaptophysin was up-regulated by glyphosate in the dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, and down-regulated in the cingulate gyrus. Although a direct effect of glyphosate alone or its formulation on the central nervous system is currently not clear, we show that gut microbiota is significantly altered by the exposure to the pesticides, with significant alteration of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. This is the first study to provide evidence that glyphosate alone or in formulation (Roundup) differentially affects maternal behaviour and modulates neuroplasticity and gut microbiota in the mother.

Treatment of Peripartum Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects women throughout their childbearing years. During the perinatal period, women with bipolar disorder are vulnerable to depressive episode recurrences and have an increased risk for postpartum psychosis. Perinatal screening is critical to identify women at risk. Although medications are the mainstay of treatment, the choice of pharmacotherapy must be made by the patient based on a risk-benefit discussion with her physician. For optimal dosing in pregnancy, therapeutic drug monitoring may be required to maintain effective drug concentrations. Residual symptoms of bipolar depression are treatable with bright light therapy as an alternative to medication augmentation.

Inability to suppress the stress-induced activation of the HPA axis during the peripartum period engenders deficits in postpartum behaviors in mice.

The stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is normally suppressed during pregnancy. Dysregulation of the HPA axis has been proposed to play a role in postpartum depression. However, direct investigation into the relationship between the HPA axis and postpartum depression has been hindered by the lack of useful animal models. Building on our discovery of a role for the K+/Cl-co-transporter, KCC2, in the GABAergic regulation of CRH neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), critical for mounting the body's physiological response to stress, we assessed the role of KCC2 in the regulation of the HPA axis during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Here we demonstrate that the normal suppression of the stress-induced activation of the HPA axis during the peripartum period involves maintenance of KCC2 in the PVN. Mice lacking KCC2 specifically in corticosterone-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons, which govern the activity of the HPA axis (KCC2/Crh mice), exhibit dysregulation of the HPA axis and abnormal postpartum behaviors. Loss of KCC2 specifically in CRH neurons in the PVN is sufficient to reproduce the depression-like phenotype and deficits in maternal behaviors during the postpartum period. Similarly, chemogenetic activation of CRH neurons in the PVN is sufficient to induce abnormal postpartum behaviors and chemogenetic silencing of CRH neurons in the PVN can ameliorate abnormal postpartum behaviors observed in KCC2/Crh mice. This study demonstrates that dysregulation of the HPA axis is sufficient to induce abnormal postpartum behaviors and deficits in maternal behaviors in mice, providing empirical support for a role of HPA axis dysfunction in the pathophysiology of postpartum depression.

Effects of Boron Supplementation on Peripartum Dairy Cows' Health.

Although many different dietary studies on the prevention of negative energy balance related diseases are often encountered, this is the first study investigating the effects of boron supplementation on peripartum dairy cows' health in the light of an omics approach. Twenty-eight healthy cows (1 control and 3 experimental groups) were enrolled from 2 months before predicted calving until 2 months after calving. Experimental groups were assigned to receive boron at increasing doses as an oral bolus. Production parameters, biochemical profile, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance based metabolomics profile, and mRNA abundance of gluconeogenic enzymes and lipid oxidation genes were determined. Pivotal knowledge was obtained on boron distribution in the body. Production parameters and mRNA abundance of the genes were not affected by the treatments. Postpartum nonesterified fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly decreased in experimentals. The primary differences among groups were in lipid-soluble metabolites. There were significant differences in metabolites including postpartum valine, ß-hydroxybutyrate, polyunsaturated fatty acid and citrate, propionate, isobutyrate, choline metabolites (betaine, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin), and some types of fatty acids and cholesterol in experimentals. Boron appears to be effective in minimizing negative energy balance and improving health of postpartum dairy cows.

Rumen-protected methionine compared with rumen-protected choline improves immunometabolic status in dairy cows during the peripartal period.

The immunometabolic status of peripartal cows is altered due to changes in liver function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Nutritional management during this physiological state can affect the biological components of immunometabolism. The objectives of this study were to measure concentrations of biomarkers in plasma, liver tissue, and milk, and also polymorphonuclear leukocyte function to assess the immunometabolic status of cows supplemented with rumen-protected methionine (Met) or choline (CHOL). Forty-eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design with 2×2 factorial arrangement of Met (Smartamine M, Adisseo NA, Alpharetta, GA) and CHOL (ReaShure, Balchem Inc., New Hampton, NY) level (with or without). Treatments (12 cows each) were control (CON), no Met or CHOL; CON and Met (SMA); CON and CHOL (REA); and CON and Met and CHOL (MIX). From -50 to -21d before expected calving, all cows received the same diet [1.40Mcal of net energy for lactation (NEL)/kg of DM] with no Met or CHOL. From -21d to calving, cows received the same close-up diet (1.52Mcal of NEL/kg of DM) and were assigned randomly to each treatment. From calving to 30d, cows were on the same postpartal diet (1.71Mcal of NEL/kg of DM) and continued to receive the same treatments until 30d. The Met supplementation was adjusted daily at 0.08% DM of diet, and CHOL was supplemented at 60g/cow per day. Liver (-10, 7, 21, and 30d) and blood (-10, 4, 8, 20, and 30d) samples were harvested for biomarker analyses. Neutrophil and monocyte phagocytosis and oxidative burst were assessed at d 1, 4, 14, and 28d. The Met-supplemented cows tended to have greater plasma paraoxonase. Greater plasma albumin and IL-6 as well as a tendency for lower haptoglobin were detected in Met- but not CHOL-supplemented cows. Similarly, cows fed Met compared with CHOL had greater concentrations of total and reduced glutathione (a potent intracellular antioxidant) in liver tissue. Upon a pathogen challenge in vitro, blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytosis capacity and oxidative burst activity were greater in Met-supplemented cows. Overall, liver and blood biomarker analyses revealed favorable changes in liver function, inflammation status, and immune response in Met-supplemented cows.

High-fat diet prevents adaptive peripartum-associated adrenal gland plasticity and anxiolysis.

Maternal obesity is associated with lower basal plasma cortisol levels and increased risk of postpartum psychiatric disorders. Given that both obesity and the peripartum period are characterized by an imbalance between adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, we hypothesized that the adrenal glands undergo peripartum-associated plasticity and that such changes would be prevented by a high-fat diet (HFD). Here, we demonstrate substantial peripartum adrenal gland plasticity in the pathways involved in cholesterol supply for steroidogenesis in female rats. In detail, the receptors involved in plasma lipid uptake, low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1), are elevated, intra-adrenal cholesterol stores are depleted, and a key enzyme in de novo cholesterol synthesis, hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), is downregulated; particularly at mid-lactation. HFD prevented the lactation-associated anxiolysis, basal hypercorticism, and exaggerated the corticosterone response to ACTH. Moreover, we show that HFD prevented the downregulation of adrenal cholesterol stores and HMGCR expression, and LDLR upregulation at mid-lactation. These findings show that the adrenal gland is an important regulator of peripartum-associated HPA axis plasticity and that HFD has maladaptive consequences for the mother, partly by preventing these neuroendocrine and also behavioural changes.

[Influence of anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy on the peripartum and anesthesia delivery terms]. / Influence d'un traitement anticoagulant pendant la grossesse sur l'anesthésie per-partum et les modalités d'accouchement.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of anticoagulation on intrapartum anesthesia and delivery modalities. METHODS: This ancillary study is concerned with anticoagulated patients included in the study STRATHEGE, in the Saint-Etienne and Lyon University Hospital from 2007 to 2012, which are compared to a control population. The primary endpoint is to evaluate the type of anesthesia received by women in labor, according to the center at the time of delivery compared to no treatment. The secondary endpoints are comparing the input mode to work, mode of delivery, stop management arrangements of these treatments, the rate of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: Two hundred and three cases were included and 812 controls, matched on age, body mass index and parity. 61.6% of the cases had an epidural during childbirth against 87% of controls (p<0.05), spinal rates (22.5% versus 1.85%) and general anesthesia (5.4% versus 0.7%) were higher in the case group. The delivery rate vaginally was 90% in controls, against 65% of cases. The postpartum hemorrhage rate was similar in both groups (p> 0.05). A relay of the low molecular weight heparin was performed in 63% of the cases in Lyon, but the types of anesthesia received according to the centers were similar. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulant therapy at the time of delivery, does not limit access to effective analgesia, but with an increased rate of spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia at the expense of epidural anesthesia. The management of a parturient anticoagulant is complex and still exists today, great care disparities in the various maternity hospitals.

Current therapeutic concepts in peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a relatively rare disease characterized by systolic heart failure occuring towards the end of pregnancy or during the months following birth. It is most often seen in women of African descent, and its incidence seems to be slightly increasing in recent years. Other etiologies of heart failure should be excluded to determine the diagnosis of PPCM. The clinical picture corresponds to systolic heart failure. The rapid onset of the symptoms in relation to pregnancy is striking. The essential diagnostic procedures such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy may be beneficial in certain situations. The etiology of the disease remains unclear. Speculated causes include myocarditis, autoimmune disorders, cardiotropic virus infection, and abnormal responses to hemodynamic and hormonal changes during pregnancy. Particular attention is currently given to the concept of increased oxidative stress inducing production of proapoptotic, angiostatic and proinflammatory mediators. Recovery of left ventricular systolic function occurs in about half of the cases. Mortality has been decreasing in recent years, especially in the United States, but is still between 10-15% in less developed countries where therapeutic possibilities are limited. In addition to standard heart failure therapy, specific treatments (pentoxyfilline, bromocriptine, immunomodulatory therapy) have been tested. Mechanical circulatory support is sometimes needed. Heart transplantation is the therapeutic option for the most severe heart failure and is used in about 10% of the cases. Recurrence in subsequent pregnancy is common and therefore, another pregnancy is not recommended in many cases.

Effect of additional vitamin E and zinc supplementation on immunological changes in peripartum Sahiwal cows.

This study was conducted to exploit ameliorative effect of additional vitamin E and/or zinc supplementation on immune response of peripartum Sahiwal cows. Thirty-two pregnant dry Sahiwal cows were blocked into four treatment groups (n = 8), namely control, zinc (Zn), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc + vitamin E (Zn + Vit E). Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that the Sahiwal cows in the zinc-, vitamin E- and zinc + vitamin E-fed groups were additionally supplemented with 60 mg Zn/kg DM, 1000 IU vitamin E and 60 mg/kg + 1000 IU Zn + vitamin E, respectively, from day 60 pre-partum to day 90 post-partum. Blood samples were collected on days -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, -3, 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 with respect to day of parturition and analysed for total immunoglobulin (TIG), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-2 (IL-2), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc (Zn) status. Before calving, cows showed a decrease in plasma TIG, IgG, IL-2, Vit E and Zn levels. However, increased levels of plasma TIG, IgG, IL-2, Vit E and Zn were observed after calving. After calving, Sahiwal cows supplemented with Zn + Vit E had higher plasma TIG, IgG and IL-2 in comparison with cows of control and Zn + Vit E-fed groups. In the present study, plasma vitamin E level was higher in Vit E-fed and Zn + Vit E-fed cows; however, zinc level was higher in Zn- and Zn + Vit E-supplemented cows. In conclusion, a reduced immune response during peripartum period in Sahiwal cows was ameliorated by dietary vitamin E and zinc supplementation.

Effects of chestnut tannins on performance and antioxidative status of transition dairy cows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chestnut tannins (CT) on performance and antioxidative status of transition dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Chinese Holstein cows in late gestation were paired according to expected calving date and randomly assigned either to a diet supplemented with CT (CNT, 10 g of CT/kg of diet, dry matter basis) or to an unsupplemented control (CON) diet from 3 wk prepartum to 3 wk postpartum. Blood samples were taken on d -21, 1, 7, and 21 relative to calving for analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Liver samples were taken by puncture biopsy on d 1 and 21 relative to calving for analysis of SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA. Data were analyzed for a completely randomized block design with repeated measures. The addition of CT had no significant effects on dry matter intake, body weight, body condition score, milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield, and milk composition but did decrease milk MDA and somatic cell score in transition dairy cows. Dry matter intake decreased from d -21 to 0 and increased from d 1 to 21 relative to calving across treatments. During the experimental period, body weight and body condition score decreased, whereas milk MDA and somatic cell score increased across treatments. A time effect was also observed for plasma MDA, which peaked on d 1 relative to calving and remained higher than that on d -21 relative to calving across treatments. Addition of CT decreased MDA concentrations in plasma and liver. Neither time nor CT × time effects were observed for SOD and T-AOC in plasma and SOD and GSH-Px in liver; a time effect was observed for plasma GSH-Px, which peaked on d 1 relative to calving and remained higher than those on d -21 relative to calving across treatments. Addition of CT increased SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC activities in plasma and SOD and GSH-Px activities in liver. In conclusion, addition of CT might inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant enzymes activities in plasma and liver of transition dairy cows. Supplementation of CT may be a feasible means to improve the antioxidative status of transition dairy cows.

Oral supplementation of medium-chain fatty acids during the dry period supports the neutrophil viability of peripartum dairy cows.

A randomised clinical trial was conducted to explore the effect of orally supplemented medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) to heifers and cows starting 6-8 weeks prior to expected calving date on blood and milk polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leucocyte (PMNL) apoptosis between 1 and 3 d in milk (DIM). The effects of MCFA-supplementation on the likelihood of intramammary infections (IMI) in early lactation, and test-day somatic cell count (SCC) and average daily milk yield (MY) during the first 4 months of lactation were evaluated as well. Twenty-two animals were included of which half were orally supplemented with MCFA starting 6-8 weeks prior to calving and half served as non-supplemented controls. The PMNL viability in both blood and milk was quantified using dual-colour flow cytometry with fluorescein-labelled annexin and propidium iodide. In non-supplemented animals, % blood PMNL apoptosis significantly increased between start of supplementation and early lactation, reflecting a potential reduction in innate immune capacity, whereas this was not true in the MCFA-supplemented animals. Similar results were seen in milk PMNL apoptosis. Overall, the % apoptotic milk PMNL between 1 and 3 DIM was significantly lower in the MCFA-supplemented group compared with the non-supplemented group. There was no substantial effect of oral MCFA-supplementation on the likelihood of quarter IMI nor on the composite test-day milk SCC or average daily MY. In conclusion, oral MCFA-supplementation starting 6-8 weeks before expected calving date supported the blood and milk neutrophil viability in early lactating dairy cows. Still, this was not reflected in an improvement of udder health nor MY in early and later lactation. The results should trigger research to further unravel the mechanisms behind the observed immunomodulating effect, and the potential relevance for the cows' performances throughout lactation.

Effects of prepartum controlled-energy wheat straw and grass hay diets supplemented with starch or sugar on periparturient dairy cow performance and lipid metabolism.

This study examined the effects of a forage source [wheat straw (WS) versus grass hay (GH)] prepartum and supplemental carbohydrate source [corn (dry feed; DF) versus molasses (liquid feed; LF)] on pre- and postpartum intake, digestibility, selective particle consumption, milk yield, and lipid metabolism. The objectives were to determine if forage or pre- and postpartum supplement alters periparturient intake, energy balance, and milk yield. Sixty (n=15) multiparous dairy cows were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to compare WS versus GH diets supplemented with either DF or LF. Dietary treatments were (1) WS prepartum + DF pre- and postpartum (WSDF), 2) WS prepartum + LF pre- and postpartum (WSLF), (3) GH prepartum + DF pre- and postpartum (GHDF), and (4) GH prepartum + LF pre- and postpartum (GHLF). Treatments began at dry-off, × before expected calving. During the prepartum phase, cows maintained dry matter intake (DMI) at 2.0% of body weight and prepartum energy balance remained positive for all treatments until calving. Prepartum GH diets had a more positive energy balance compared with WS diets. On week -5, energy balance was more positive for GHDF than for WSDF or GHLF. Energy balance for WSLF, however, was lower on week -3 and -1 than GHDF. Liquid feed decreased dry matter digestibility and increased prepartum liver triglyceride, serum nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and tended to increase ß-hydroxybutyrate. After calving, LF decreased DMI and energy balance, but not yield of milk or 3.5% fat-corrected milk, resulting in greater feed efficiency compared with DF. Forage did not affect postpartum DMI, but milk yield tended to be higher for WS versus GH. The DMI expressed as percentage of body weight was not affected by supplement or prepartum forage type. Cows fed WS had lower serum NEFA, higher liver glycogen, and tended to have a lower triglyceride to glycogen ratio postpartum than GH. Serum NEFA peaked on d 14 for all treatments and then declined thereafter. In postpartum diets, more particles were retained on the top screen for LF (>19.0mm) of the Penn State Particle Separator, which also tended to have more particles in the second screen (particles 19.0-8.0mm). Supplement had minimal effect on postpartum selective particle consumption. In conclusion, feeding diets containing WS resulted in lower postpartum serum NEFA, higher liver glycogen, and a tendency for greater milk production and lower liver triglyceride to glycogen than those containing GH. Liquid feed reduced postpartum DMI but not yield of milk yield or 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield, resulting in an improvement in feed efficiency. Future research should continue to investigate the use of single dry cow diet feeding strategies as they affect pre- and postpartum animal responses.

Effects of the precalving administration of omega-3 fatty acids alone or in combination with acetylsalicylic acid in periparturient dairy cows.

This study investigated the effects of the administration of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on inflammation, performance, and fertility in periparturient dairy cows. Five weeks before calving, 26 multiparous dairy cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: ω-3 FA (n = 9; OME), ω-3 FA and ASA (n = 9; OMAS), or palm oil (n = 8; CTR). During the last 3 wk of pregnancy, OME and OMAS groups received daily 12.0 g of fish-derived ω-3 FA, whereas CTR cows received only SFA. In addition, OMAS cows received daily 6.0 mg ASA/kg BW starting at 7 d before calving. Only a few cows had health problems after calving, but those in OMAS were most affected (n = 3 vs. 1 in CTR). Inflammatory status around calving did not improve in OME cows, as confirmed by the patterns of concentration of acute-phase proteins (APP), which were similar to CTR. Compared with CTR and OME, the increase of the positive APP and the decrease of the negative APP (e.g., albumin; P < 0.01) observed in OMAS cows suggested a severe inflammatory status after calving. Compared with OMAS, postcalving energy metabolism was better in OME cows as shown by a lower degree of lipomobilization (smaller BCS drop, greater glucose) and milder ketogenesis (less ß-hydroxybutyrate; P < 0.01). Cows in CTR had optimal fertility indices, whereas OMAS was the worst group. The severe inflammation and the more negative energy balance likely contributed to the poor fertility parameters in those cows. It is known that ASA exerts an inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenases, causing a possible decrease in the synthesis of PGF2α. A decreased concentration of PGF2α is connected with alterations in the physiologic processes related to labor and to uterine motility. Cows in OMAS had a longer pregnancy (P < 0.10 vs.OME) and a greater frequency of retained placenta, which may be attributed to decreased synthesis of PGF2α. The administration of ω-3 FA alone did not delay calving or the expulsion of fetal membranes. In conclusion, long-chain ω-3 FA improved the physiological status of cows, partly through better energy balance. The administration of ASA before calving (even at a low dose) in combination with ω-3 FA did not exert any synergistic positive effect on inflammation and performance.

Effect of rumen-protected choline supplementation on liver and adipose gene expression during the transition period in dairy cattle.

We previously reported that supplementation of rumen-protected choline (RPC) reduces the hepatic triacylglycerol concentration in periparturient dairy cows during early lactation. Here, we investigated the effect of RPC on the transcript levels of lipid metabolism-related genes in liver and adipose tissue biopsies, taken at wk -3, 1, 3, and 6 after calving, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this RPC-induced reduction of hepatic lipidosis. Sixteen multiparous cows were blocked into 8 pairs and randomly allocated to either 1 of 2 treatments, with or without RPC. Treatments were applied from 3 wk before to 6 wk after calving. Both groups received a basal diet and concentrate mixture. One group received RPC supplementation, resulting in an intake of 14.4 g of choline per day, whereas controls received an isoenergetic mixture of palm oil and additional soybean meal. Liver and adipose tissue biopsies were taken at wk -3, 1, 3, and 6 to determine the mRNA abundance of 18 key genes involved in liver and adipose tissue lipid and energy metabolism. Milk samples were collected in wk 1, 2, 3, and 6 postpartum for analysis of milk fatty acid (FA) composition. The RPC-induced reduction in hepatic lipidosis could not be attributed to altered lipolysis in adipose tissue, as no treatment effect was observed on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, lipoprotein lipase, or FA synthase in adipose tissue, or on the milk FA composition. Rumen-protected choline supplementation increased the expression of FA transport protein 5 and carnitine transporter SLC22A5 in the liver, suggesting an increase in the capacity of FA uptake and intracellular transport, but no treatment effect was observed on carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A, transporting long-chain FA into mitochondria. In the same organ, RPC appeared to promote apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein assembly, as shown by elevated microsomal triglyceride transfer protein expression and apolipoprotein B100 expression. Cows supplemented with RPC displayed elevated levels of glucose transporter 2 mRNA and a reduced peak in pyruvate carboxylase mRNA immediately after calving, showing that supplementation also resulted in improved carbohydrate metabolism. The results from this study suggest that RPC supplementation reduces liver triacylglycerol by improved FA processing and very-low-density lipoprotein synthesis, and RPC also benefits hepatic carbohydrate metabolism.