Article

Propylene glycol for dairy cows

August 2004
Animal Feed Science and Technology 115(3):191-213

August 2004
115(3):191-213

DOI:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2004.03.008

Authors:

Nicolaj Nielsen

Videncentret for Landbrug

Klaus L Ingvartsen

Aarhus University

The objective of this review was to describe how propylene glycol (PG) is metabolised in the rumen and liver and how it affects metabolites, hormones, liver composition, feed intake and milk production, in order to evaluate whether PG is likely to prevent excessive fat mobilisation and imbalances in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and thereby reduce the risk of ketosis. PG decreases the molar ratio of acetate to propionate in rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) because part of PG is metabolised to propionate in the rumen. The remaining PG is absorbed directly from the rumen without alteration and enters gluconeogenesis via pyruvate. Oral administration of PG increases insulin by 200–400% within 30min after drenching, indicating that PG is absorbed rather quickly. Allocation of PG also increases plasma glucose, although the response is limited, probably because of the large increase in insulin. PG decreases plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), especially in early lactating cows with relatively high levels of NEFA. PG also reduces the triacylglycerol (TG) content of the liver and the concentrations of ketone bodies in milk and hence, has anti-ketogenic properties. Factors, such as metabolic status of the animals, time of blood sampling in relation to time of feeding PG, supplementation method and dose of PG influence the magnitude of the response in blood parameters. Generally, PG has no statistically significant effect on milk production, but for cows in early lactation PG tends to increase milk yield and reduce milk fat percentage, while milk protein percentage is unchanged. Thus, PG has no effect on energy corrected milk yield (ECM). In general, PG does not affect feed intake. However, due to its low palatability it may reduce feed intake if not mixed thoroughly with other feed components or drenched. PG may improve reproduction efficiency but more studies are needed to confirm this. PG has some side effects including ataxia, salivation, hyperventilation, and depression. However, only some cows show these signs and great variation in susceptibility is likely. The reducing effect of PG on NEFA, hepatic TG concentrations, and milk fat content indicate that PG increases energy balance of cows in early lactation. Together with the anti-ketogenic properties of PG, this suggests that PG may reduce the risk of subclinical and clinical ketosis.

Glucose precursor supplementation of Holstein and Jersey cows as a preventative treatment for ketosis in the transition period

Thesis

Full-text available

Jan 2017

Kelly Mitchell

Effect of propylene glycol on blood metabolites, ruminal and productive parameters of growing-finishing lambs

Article

Full-text available

May 2022

p class="Default"> Background. Propylene glycol has been used successfully since the 1950’s for him acute and prophylactic treatment of ketosis in dairy cows however; its use has been poorly evaluated in beef cattle and meat sheep. Objective . Evaluate the effects of different doses of propylene glycol on the productive parameters, blood metabolites and ruminal parameters in fattening lambs. Methodology . Twenty lambs 14.70 ±0.57 kg of weigh, 2 months old, males and Katahdin-Black Belly breed, were randomly assigned to one of four treatments, a control mixed ration and an experimental diet with three different levels of propylene glycol: 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/20 kg live weight/day. The effects of propylene glycol on blood metabolites, ruminal and productive parameters were assessed. Results . Propylene glycol supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) glucose, total lipids, triglycerides and cholesterol concentration as well as increased (P<0.05) the concentration of beta hydroxybutyrate. In addition, its inclusion resulted in an increase in pH and protozoa population and in a decrease of reductive activity (P<0.05). No effect was observed (P>0.05) on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio of lambs but carcass yield was improved without increasing the feeding cost of production. Implications . Propylene glycol is a viable option as an energy source in fattening lambs. Conclusion . Inclusion of PPG increased the pH and the population of ruminal protozoa, reduced the formation of ketone bodies and improved the carcass yield of lambs without increasing the meat production cost.</p

Feed restriction and supplementing with propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride in periparturient Ghezel ewes: Implications on production and performance of ewes and their offspring

Article

Nov 2021
LIVEST SCI

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride to the late gestational restricted diet on milk production and composition, rumen fermentation and dry matter intake of ewes and their offspring performance. During the final trimester of pregnancy, 48 Ghezel ewes were randomly assigned to one of the 6 treatments: ad libitum feeding (CG, control); feed restriction (FR, 60% of ad libitum intake); feed restriction + propylene glycol (67 g/d) (FR-PG); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium (30 mg/d) (FR-MS); feed restriction + propylene glycol + rumen-protected choline chloride (6 g/d) (FR-RPC); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium + rumen-protected choline chloride (FR-PMC). Milk samples were collected during the first 4 weeks of lactation and analyzed for fat, protein and solids non-fat contents. Ruminal fluid was sampled on day 125 of pregnancy for the determination of volatile fatty acids and ammonia-nitrogen concentration. Dry matter intake of ewes was calculated daily according to the differences between feed provided and refused. The average daily gain of lambs was recorded until 30 days postnatal and weight on day 87 was considered as weaning weight. The data were analyzed in a completely randomized design using SAS v.9.3. The results showed that FR-RPC and FR-PMC ewes presented approximately a higher milk production (P < 0.05), milk protein and solids non-fat percentages (P < 0.01) than other ewes in almost all recording points. During the first and second weeks of lactation, the milk produced by FR ewes had the lowest fat percentage among all experimental groups (P < 0.0001). The lowest ruminal pH and ammonia-nitrogen concentration was found in FR and FR-MS ewes (P < 0.0001). Ewes in the CG and FR groups produced lower levels of total volatile fatty acids than other experimental groups (P < 0.0001). Besides, compared with other treatments, choline chloride supplementation caused a higher molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.001) while FR treatment resulted in a higher acetate production (P < 0.001) and acetate to propionate ratio (P < 0.01) compared to FR-RPC and FR-PMC treatments. Lambs born from FR-RPC ewes presented a greater average daily gain than those born from other ewes (P < 0.0001). Lambs reared by FR-PMC and FR ewes presented the highest and lowest weaning weight, respectively (P < 0.0001). It can be concluded that although feed restriction diminished animal production and offspring performance, simultaneous administration of propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride in restricted diets alleviated these negative effects and improved ewes milk production and offspring growth performance.

Behavior changes in grazing dairy cows during the transition period are associated with risk of disease: A dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Thesis

Full-text available

Feb 2020

Stacey J. Hendriks

There is growing interest in the use of behavior data derived from accelerometers as a potential measure of animal health, however, research determining the optimal use of these devices and the interpretation of data derived from them, is lacking, particularly in grazing systems. The aims of this thesis were to understand: 1) data management considerations that need to be taken into account when using accelerometer devices to measure behavior in a research setting; 2) environmental and other potentially-confounding variables that can influence cow behavior and, therefore, the interpretation of behavior data; 3) ‘normal’ behavior of clinically-healthy grazing dairy cows during the transition period, and; 4) changes to behavior of grazing dairy cows experiencing varying degrees of hypocalcemia and hyperketonemia. To do this, data from 4 separate parent experiments were collated to generate a database containing detailed phenotype data, including, but not limited to, measures of cow performance (e.g., milk production and composition, body weight and body condition score), cow health (e.g., energy and protein metabolites, minerals, liver enzymes, and immune markers in blood), and cow behavior (e.g., lying behavior and activity derived from triaxial accelerometers). My review of the appropriate use of leg-mounted accelerometers to monitor lying behaviors of dairy cows indicated that applying editing criteria to remove errors in lying behavior data caused by erroneous movements of the leg (e.g., scratching and kicking) can improve the accuracy of data derived from accelerometers for recording daily lying bouts (LB); however, has little to no impact on the accuracy of lying time. Lying behavior data must be edited using a suitable LB criterion where the interest is in studying both lying time and LB. My results indicated that inclement weather, parity, and physiological state are important variables that influence behavior in their own right and must be considered in subsequent analyses. Interestingly, when comparing my results with lying behaviors previously reported in housed cows, my results indicated that grazing dairy cows engage in similar lying behaviors to housed cows before and at the time of calving, while postcalving, grazing cows spend less time lying. Furthermore, grazing dairy cows displayed greater behavioral synchrony (i.e., cows engaged in the same behaviors simultaneously) compared with reports in housed cows. These postcalving differences highlight the importance of assessing behavior within the farming system of interest. My results also indicated that cows alter their behavior in response to ill health, whereby grazing dairy cows experiencing clinical hypocalcemia (without paresis) and hyperketonemia [with severe negative energy balance (NEB)] altered their behavior before, at the time of, and after disease diagnosis compared with healthy cows. My results indicated that behavioral differences between cows classified into 3 blood calcium groups [clinically-hypocalcemic (without paresis), subclinically-hypocalcemic, and normocalcemic] were transient. On the day of calving, clinically-hypocalcemic cows (without paresis), were less active, spent more time lying, and had more frequent LB compared with subclinically-hypocalcemic and normocalcemic cows; however, changes in behavior were short lived and were no longer present by 2 d postcalving. My results indicate that observed differences in behavior associated with hypocalcemia are small and may not be biologically significant as a metric to discriminate between hypocalcemic and normocalcemic cows. On the contrary, changes in behavior over time and within cow may allow differences between hypocalcemic and normocalcemic cows to be more easily discerned than using mean values of lying behavior and activity at a specific time point. My findings indicated that a relative increase in the number of steps taken within cow compared with a baseline period 2 wk precalving was positively associated with blood calcium concentrations postcalving. Further, my results indicated the behavioral differences between cows classified into 3 energy status groups [Hi–Hi = high non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and high β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB); Hi–Lo = high NEFA and low BHB, and; Lo–Lo = low NEFA and low BHB] occurred up to 2 wk before calving. During the 2 wk before calving, cows identified as Hi–Hi were more active, spent less time lying, and had fewer LB than the other 2 energy status groups. Interestingly, similar to the hypocalcemia work, my results indicated that a relative increase in the number of steps taken within cow during the 2 wk before calving was associated with lower odds of developing hyperketonemia with NEB; therefore, greater increases in activity before calving were associated with improved health outcomes postcalving in both studies. My results suggest that relative changes in behavior, in particular, step activity, might be an improved metric to discriminate between clinically-healthy grazing cows and cows experiencing a subclinical metabolic disease. My research provides an improved understanding of the associations between cow behavior and health, particularly for grazing dairy cows. This information provides a base for further exploring the potential for behavior and activity measures to identify cows experiencing ill health during the transition period. Future work should focus on continuing to improve our understanding of associations between behavior and disease, particularly in grazing dairy cows. Using within-cow behavior measures and determining how these data could be interpreted so that farmers could be alerted to sick animals and make actionable decisions on farm, should be the focus of future studies.

Impact of Supplementing Feed Restricted Ewes' Diet with Propylene Glycol, Monensin Sodium and Rumen-Protected Choline Chloride During Late Pregnancy on Blood Biochemical Indices, Body Condition Score and Body Weight

Article

Dec 2020
ANIM FEED SCI TECH

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing feed restricted diet with propylene glycol, monensin sodium and rumen-protected choline chloride on blood metabolic status, body condition score (BCS) and body weight of ewes in late pregnancy. At the final six weeks of pregnancy, 48 pregnant Ghezel ewes (body weight 65.53 ± 6.90 kg) were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 8) as follows: control (CG, ad libitum); feed restriction (FR, 60% of the dry matter intake offered to CG group); feed restriction + propylene glycol (67 g/d) (FR-PG); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium (30 mg/d) (FR-MS); feed restriction + propylene glycol + rumen-protected choline chloride (6 g/d) (FR-RPC); feed restriction + propylene glycol + monensin sodium + rumen-protected choline chloride (FR-PMC). Blood samples were collected on days 90, 117, 124, 135 and 140 of pregnancy, at lambing and days 7 and 17 after lambing for analysis of glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein, albumin, urea, non-esteriﬁed fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and insulin using the automated biochemical analyzer and ELISA microplate reader. Body weight and BCS of ewes were recorded on days 90, 110, 130 and 140 of pregnancy, at lambing and also day 7 after lambing. All statistical analyses were carried out in a completely randomized design using the MIXED procedure of SAS v.9.3. Results of analysis revealed that pre-parturient administration of rumen-protected choline chloride combined with propylene glycol and monensin sodium elevated both pre- and postpartum concentrations of insulin (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P < 0.05), total cholesterol (P < 0.05), total protein (P < 0.01) and albumin (P < 0.01) compared with other treatments. The weight and BCS loss of these ewes were also lower during the pre- and postpartum periods (P < 0.05). In this study, except for day 124 of pregnancy, when the liver enzyme levels of the choline chloride supplemented ewes were numerically low, nutritional treatments did not affect the concentrations of these enzymes at other sampling points (P > 0.05). Regarding BHBA, NEFA and urea, FR and FR-MS ewes had a higher level of these parameters than other groups (P < 0.05). It was concluded that although Ghezel ewes showed some ability in tolerating late gestational feed restriction mainly through lipomobilization, supplementing the restricted diet with rumen-protected choline chloride combined with propylene glycol and monensin sodium during the final trimester of pregnancy could result in beneficial effects on metabolic status and finally good health and condition of animals.

Milk Production and Energetic Metabolism of Heat-Stressed Dairy Goats Supplemented with Propylene Glycol

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020

Heat-stressed dairy animals increase their reliance on glucose. This elevated glucose demand is partially met by increasing the conversion of glucogenic amino acids (AA) in the liver. Propylene glycol (PG) is a glucogenic precursor and was not tested in dairy goats under thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) conditions simultaneously. We hypothesize that if HS-goats are fed with PG, they would get more glucose and consequently spare more glucogenic AA for milk protein synthesis rather than gluconeogenesis. Eight multiparous dairy goats (40.8 ± 1.1 kg body weight; 84 ± 1 days in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design of 4 periods; 21 d each (14 d adaptation, 5 d for measurements, and 2 d of transition). Goats were allocated to one of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Factors were control (CO) without PG or 5% of PG, and thermoneutral (TN; 15 to 20 • C) or heat stress (HS; 12 h/d at 37 • C and 12 h/d at 30 • C) conditions. Feed intake, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, milk yield, milk composition, and blood metabolites were measured. Compared to TN, HS goats had lower (p < 0.01) feed intake (-34%), fat-corrected milk (-15%), and milk fat (-15%). Heat-stressed goats also tended (p < 0.10) to produce milk with lower protein (-11%) and lactose (-4%) contents. Propylene glycol increased blood glucose (+7%; p < 0.05), blood insulin (+37%; p < 0.10), and body weight gain (+68%; p < 0.05), but decreased feed intake (-9%; p < 0.10) and milk fat content (-23%; p < 0.01). Furthermore, blood non-esterified fatty acids (-49%) and β-hydroxybutyrate (-32%) decreased (p < 0.05) by PG. In conclusion, supplementation of heat-stressed dairy goats with propylene glycol caused milk fat depression syndrome, but reduced body weight loss that is typically observed under HS conditions. Supplementation with lower doses of PG would avoid the reduced feed intake and milk fat depression, but this should be tested.

The distinctive short-term response of late-pregnant prolific ewes to propylene glycol or glycerol drenching

Article

Sep 2020
J DAIRY SCI

Pregnancy toxemia is the most frequent metabolic disorder of ewes in late pregnancy. Although propylene glycol (PG) and glycerol (GLY) are common glucogenic supplements for treating pregnancy toxemia in ewes, the relative benefit of these 2 supplements is not entirely clear. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine the changes during 24 h in key blood metabolites and insulin in response to PG or GLY drenching in prolific ewes. To this end, 36 multiparous late-pregnant Afec-Assaf ewes (~132.4 d pregnant) bearing 2 to 4 fetuses, divided into 2 blocks (18 ewes in each block), with a blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration of 0.5 to 1.6 mmol/L were included. Ewes were divided into 3 groups (12 ewes each; 6 ewes in each experimental day), according to their BHB levels, expected litter size, body weight, and body condition score, and were drenched with the following: (1) control group (CTL), 55 mL of water; (2) PG, 106 mL of PG (100% PG, 448 calories); or (3) GLY, 108 mL of Koforin 80 (80% GL; 448 calories). Blood samples were taken before drenching and every hour after drenching for 24 h. Plasma concentration of glucose, BHB, nonesterified fatty acids, lactate, glycerol, and insulin were determined. Because there were no effects of treatments after 12 h in the first block, the data were analyzed for 12 h after drenching rather than 24 h. The plasma glucose concentration during the first 5 h after drenching was the highest in the GLY, BHB concentration was the lowest in the PG, and the nonesterified fatty acid levels were lower in the PG compared with the CTL ewes during the first 5 h after drenching. However, glucose concentration was higher in the PG ewes at 9, 11, and 12 h after drenching than in CTL or GLY ewes. The mean lactate concentration in plasma for 12 h was 2.5- and 1.9-fold higher in the PG compared with the CTL and GLY ewes, respectively, and except at 11 h after drenching, it was significantly higher at each time point. The insulin concentration was higher in the GLY than in both other groups at 2 to 5 h after drenching. These results suggest that during the first few hours after drenching the effect of PG was more effective in reducing the BHB concentration, whereas the GLY effect was more effective in enhancing glucose concentration. The increased concentration in lactate following PG treatment suggests that the PG contribution to gluconeogenesis is mediated through its metabolism to lactate. In contrast, the lack of an effect on lactate, and the faster increase in blood glucose in response to GLY suggest that GLY has a more advanced entry point to gluconeogenesis, which influences the immediate response in enhancing the glucose blood concentration.

Effects of Propylene Glycol on Negative Energy Balance of Postpartum Dairy Cows

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2020

With the improvement in the intense genetic selection of dairy cows, advanced management strategies, and improved feed quality and disease control, milk production level has been greatly improved. However, the negative energy balance (NEB) is increasingly serious at the postpartum stage because the intake of nutrients cannot meet the demand of quickly improved milk production. The NEB leads to a large amount of body fat mobilization and consequently the elevated production of ketones, which causes metabolic diseases such as ketosis and fatty liver. The high milk production of dairy cows in early lactation aggravates NEB. The metabolic diseases lead to metabolic disorders, a decrease in reproductive performance, and lactation performance decline, seriously affecting the health and production of cows. Propylene glycol (PG) can alleviate NEB through gluconeogenesis and inhibit the synthesis of ketone bodies. In addition, PG improves milk yield, reproduction, and immune performance by improving plasma glucose and liver function in ketosis cows, and reduces milk fat percentage. However, a large dose of PG (above 500 g/d) has toxic and side effects in cows. The feeding method used was an oral drench. The combination of PG with some other additives can improve the effects in preventing ketosis. Overall, the present review summarizes the recent research progress in the impacts of NEB in dairy cows and the properties of PG in alleviating NEB and reducing the risk of ketosis.

The Effect of Propylene Glycol and Chromium on The Productive Capacity of Dairy Cattle Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences https://ejvs.journals.ekb.eg

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025

D AIRY CATTLE management assures the integration between nutrition, biochemistry, and microbiology. Close up and post parturient stages are stressful conditions manifested by several physiological changes including feed intake, body reserves mobilization, and nutritional requirements. Chromium (Cr.) and Propylene glycol (PG) have been reported to affect energy metabolism and negative energy balance in periparturient dairy cows, respectively. Fifteen Friesian heifers were selected in the last 3 weeks of pregnancy (500 ± 5 Kg), allotted to three groups (n=5). The first group was assigned to the basal diet, the second group was fed on the basal supplemented with100 ml propylene glycol, and the third group was fed on the basal diet fortified with 10 g chromium. The highest increase milked produced was related to the addition of propylene glycol (P<0.05). The propylene glycol showed high efficacy in decreasing the problem of negative energy balance (NEB) in comparison with control group (P<0.05). After 7 weeks of the feeding trial, differential leukocyte counts showed a significant improvement referring to dietary propylene glycol and chromium supplementation. Serum glucose concentration showed the highest level within the 2nd and 8th week due to addition of propylene glycol and within the 6th week due to supplementation of Chromium. In the 8th week, serum insulin achieved a significant progression due to incorporation of Propylene glycol. During the 8th week, serum triglycerides exhibited the lowest value in the control group and the highest serum HDL value showed due to incorporation of Propylene glycol. Serum non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) displayed a significant alteration after the 7th week of the trial and chromium was more effective than propylene glycol (P<0.05). To sum up, the addition of organic chromium and propylene glycol during transition period enhanced milk yield and its components, biochemical and hematological indices and NEFA profile.

Propionate promotes gluconeogenesis by regulating mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in calf hepatocytes

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2023

Enhancing hepatic gluconeogenesis is one of the main modes of meeting the glucose requirement of dairy cows. This study attempted to determine whether the gluconeogenesis precursor propionate had an effect on the expression of the main genes involved in gluconeogenesis in calf hepatocytes and elucidate the associated mechanisms. Calf hepatocytes were obtained from 5 healthy calves (1 d old; 30 to 40 kg) and exposed to 0-, 1-, 2.5-, or 5-mM sodium propionate (NaP), which is known to promote the expression of genes involved in the gluconeogenesis pathway, including fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase. With regard to the underlying mechanism, propionate promoted the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4, and forkhead box O1 (transcription factors that regulate the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic genes) by promoting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), but inhibiting mTORC2 activity (P < 0.01). We also established a model of palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatic injury in calf hepatocytes and found that PA could inhibit the gluconeogenic capacity of calf hepatocytes by suppressing the expression of gluconeogenic genes, inhibiting mTORC1, and promoting the activity of mTORC2 (P < 0.01). In contrast, NaP provided protection to calf hepatocytes by counteracting the inhibitory effect of PA on the gluconeogenic capacity of calf hepatocytes (P < 0.05). Collectively, these findings indicate that NaP enhances the gluconeogenic capacity of calf hepatocytes by regulating the mTOR pathway activity. Thus, in addition to improving the glucose production potential, propionate may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of hepatic injury in dairy cows.

Effects of Supplementation with an Herbal Mixture on the Antioxidant Capacity of Milk

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of a standardized herbal mixture to the feed ration for Holstein-Friesian cows on the antioxidant capacity of milk. The study was carried out on a farm specialized in breeding dairy cattle. The exact study involved 30 cows in lactation III, which were in the first phase of lactation at the beginning of the experiment (15 cows—control group; 15 cows—experimental group). The nutrition supplied to the cows was based on the TMR (total mixed ration) system, with roughage and concentrate fodder used as the basis of the feed ration. The addition of a standardized blend of dried herbs, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), was the experimental factor. Powdered herbs were administered as a component of the concentrate fodder at the dose of 3% DM ration/day/head. Milk samples were collected four times during the experiment (term 0 after the colostrum period and then after lactation weeks 2, 4, and 6). The following parameters were determined in the milk: the basic chemical composition, i.e., the content of total protein, fat, lactose, and casein; somatic cell count; content of selected whey proteins (α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, BSA); and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D3, E). Additionally, the milk antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, DPPH) was determined and the degree of antioxidant protection (DAP) was calculated. It was shown that the milk from cows receiving the herbal blend-supplemented fodder had a higher content of casein, compared to the control group. The herbal supplementation contributed to a significant increase in the content of bioactive compounds, i.e., selected whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, lactoferrin) and lipophilic vitamins (A, E). The milk was also characterized by significantly higher antioxidant potential (regardless of the measurement method) and a higher degree of antioxidant protection (DAP).

The role of silage alcohols and acetic acid in dairy cow nutrition

Conference Paper

Apr 2023

Citation

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2023

Abstract: The present study aimed to alleviate the negative effects of the peripartum and post-partum periods on the timing of ovarian follicle development, milk composition, as well as blood and metabolic profiles due to Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation. Twenty-seven pregnant Ardi goats were classified using a randomized complete design into three groups: a control group and two N. sativa groups (10.0 and 20.0 g N. sativa seeds per kg diet). Productive and reproductive performances, in addition to blood and metabolic profiles, were investigated and compared using Duncan’s multiple test. N. sativa supplementation increased dry matter in-take and body weight. Ruminal pH and total bacterial counts were increased versus a decreased total protozoal count due to N. sativa inclusion. Additionally, N. sativa supplementation increased the concentration of protein, lactose, solids not fat, fat, and ash in milk. Pulse rates were the lowest (p < 0.05) in the N. sativa group and the partial pressure of oxygen was the lowest in the control group. Red and white blood cells and their related parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophils, and lymphocytes) showed significant increases due to N. sativa inclusion. Total pro-tein, albumin, globulin, glucose, and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) values were higher (p < 0.05) in the N. sativa group. Lower concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were found in N. sativa groups compared to control one. In conclusion, N. sativa inclusion from 4 weeks prepartum to 4 weeks postpartum of Ardi goats modified productive and reproductive performances without any adverse effects on blood and metabolic profiles.

Effects of a Glucose Precursor Supplement Fed to Holstein and Jersey Cows during the Transition Period on Ketosis Prevalence and Milk Production

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2020

Objectives: To determine if a glucose precursor powder (Glucose BoosterTM, Stuhr Enterprises, LLC) added to the total mixed ration during the transition period, decreased health events, changed levels of plasma glucose and ketone bodies, and increased milk and milk component yields. Sample Population: 106 multiparous Holstein cows and 105 multiparous Jersey cows housed at a commercial dairy. Procedure: The glucose precursor powder was top dressed at a rate of 300 g/cow and then mixed into the ration just prior to the daily feeding. Blood samples were collected weekly from 21d prepartum to 21d postpartum and analyzed for glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate using NovaMax® Plus™ meter (Nova Diabetes Care, Inc., Billerica, MA). Weekly milk and milk component yields were analyzed by Tulare and Kings Counties Dairy Herd Improvement Associations for the first 21 days in milk and then monthly milk and milk component yields to 120 days in milk. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Procedure of SAS (v. 9.4, SAS Institute 2015) separately for each breed (Holstein and Jersey) with repeated measures by cow. Least square mean comparisons were considered significant if P < 0.05. Results: In the first 120 days in milk, glucose precursor powder supplementation to Holstein cows decreased the incidence of health events and ketosis (P = 0.05) and increased milk, fat, protein, fat corrected milk and energy corrected milk yield (3.3 kg/d, 0.14 kg/d, 0.092 kg/d, 4.6 kg/d, 4.4 kg/d, respectively). Plasma glucose was higher in the prepartum and postpartum fresh periods for Holstein cows fed glucose precursor powder than Holstein control cows. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Jersey cows had a very low incidence of hyperketomia and thus did not benefit from glucose precursor powder supplementation. Supplementing Holstein cows with glucose precursor powder was beneficial to decrease health events during the transition period and increase milk production during the first 120 days in milk.

Challenges in rabbit doe feeding, including the young doe

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022

In this review is summarized the last knowledge on rabbit doe nutrition, to complement the current nutritional requirements and strategies for the young and adult rabbit does, considering the production, health, and welfare issues. The rabbit doe must reach an adequate maturity level (body condition) at first artificial insemination (AI) to face its productive life with minimal guarantees (around 7.0 mm of perirenal fat thickness, 2.8 ng/mL of plasma leptin concentration and around 18% and 15-20% of body protein and fat, respectively). This goal can be achieved by restricting feed intake from 12 weeks of age until first AI or feeding ad libitum with a fibrous diet (<10.5 MJ digestible energy/kg) from 60 d of age to first parturition. Once the doe is reproducing, the increase of the n-3 fatty acids (or reduction of the n-6/n-3 ratio), soluble fibre (under epizootic enteropathy) and the Arg/Lys and Gln/Lys ratios may help to improve the reproductive traits of rabbit does, although their optimal level of inclusion remain to be identified. It is recommended to limit an excessive negative energy balance before parturition, and the supplementation of glucose precursors to reduce the ketosis incidence could be useful. The formulation of different diets for the doe and the litter to fit better their requirements and assuring their health would be an option to consider when it would be applicable in the farm. The influence of the mother on the litter microbiota and immune status and its potential modulation through the diet open a new research area that will deserve more studies in the next future.

Efficacy of propylene glycol on prevention and treatment of ketosis for dairy cows in lactation stage

Article

May 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of propylene glycol (PG) on prevention and treatment of ketosis in dairy cows from 09/2018 to 03/2019. The study consisted of 2 experiments using a total of 126 multiparous dairy cows in a HF crossbred herd. Cows in both experiments were randomly assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design. In Exp. 1, 96 cows without ketosis disease (BHBA < 1.4 mmol/L) were assigned to 2 groups (48 cows/group), including (1) untreated control group (no PG) and (2) treatment group (oral PG for 3 consecutive days after parturition). In Exp. 2, 30 ketotic cows (BHBA ≥ 1.4 mmol/L) were divided into 3 groups (10 cows/group), including (1) cows provided with glucose + vitamin B12 + dexamethasone (TT1), (2) cows treated with PG for 3 days (TT2), and (3) combination of TT1 and TT2 (TT3). The results of the Exp. 1 showed that the proportion of ketotic cows was lower (P < 0.01) in the PG-treated group (18.75%) than in the control group (47.92%). The PG treatment also reduced (P < 0.01) the blood ketone concentration of cows as compared with the control without PG use (0.89 vs. 1.22 mmol/L). In the Exp. 2, after treatment the reduction of blood ketone concentration was much greater (P < 0.01) in TT3 cows (1.97 mmol/L) than in TT2 cows (1.30 mmol/L) and TT1 cows (1.23 mmol/L). The percentage of cows recovered from ketosis was greatest in TT3 (90%), followed by TT2 (60%), and then TT1 (50%) (P > 0.05).

EFFECTS OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL ON OVARIAN RESTORATION, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, METABOLIC STATUS AND MILK PRODUCTION OF FARAFRA EWES IN SUBTROPICS

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021

The beneficial effect of propylene glycol (PG) to mammals as an energy source has been reported. The aims of present study were to investigate the effects of propylene glycol drenching to Farafra ewes on body weight gain and feed utilization efficiency, development of ovarian follicles, uterine involution and reproductive. Fifty ewes were randomly distributed to control (n=20) and propylene glycol goups (PG; n=30). Ewes of PG group were drenched 100 ml/head PG twice weekly from 4 weeks pre-partum to 8 weeks post-partum whereas those of control group were drenched 100 ml/head of saline solution. Development of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were checked during postpartum weeks in addition to uterine involution and reproductive indices. Body weight gain recorded higher (P<0.05) in PG group than control one. PG supplemetation had a significant effect (P<0.05) on postpartum reproductive performance of ewes in terms of fast uterine involution, earlier resumption of ovarian function, high number of small, medium, and large-sized follicles, decreased number of services per conception (1.2 vs. 1.8) and improved pregnancy rate (90% vs. 50%). Higher concentrations (P<0.05) of total protein, glucose, T3 and T4 were detected in PG group while AST, ALT and NEFA concentrations were lower (P<0.05) if compared to control one. In addition, milk yield were improved (P<0.05) due to PG treatment. It could be concluded that PG drenching during peripartum period in ewes can supply energy rapidly resulting in anabolism of body tissue, improved reproductive performance and milk yield without any adverse effect on physiological responses.

Propionate alleviates palmitic acid–induced endoplasmic reticulum stress by enhancing autophagy in calf hepatic cells

Article

May 2021
J DAIRY SCI

Negative energy balance–induced high blood concentrations of free fatty acids during the early postpartum period in dairy cows is a major cause of liver injury. Cows in severe negative energy balance often have suboptimal intakes of feed, which contributes to shortfalls in production of ruminal propionate and circulating glucose. Although increasing propionate production by the rumen through feed additives such as propylene glycol is effective in helping cows alleviate the shortfall in dietary energy supply, mechanisms whereby propionate affects liver function beyond gluconeogenesis are unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether propionate could protect calf hepatic cells from palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. Calf hepatic cells were isolated from 5 healthy calves (1 d old, female, 30–40 kg, fasting) and treated with various concentrations of PA (0, 100, 200, or 400 μM) and propionate (0, 1, 2, or 4 mM) after being administered with or without autophagic inhibitor. Propionate enhanced autophagic activity in calf hepatic cells, as indicated by elevated expression of autophagy markers LC3-II (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II, encoded by MAP1LC3) and decreased expression of SQSTM1 (sequestosome-1, also called p62). Conversely, PA suppressed autophagic activity and decreased cell viability, which was improved by propionate in calf hepatic cells. In addition, propionate decreased the phosphorylation of proteins EIF2AK3 (kinase R/PKR like ER kinase) and ERN1 (inositol-requiring enzyme 1α) and cleaved ATF6 (activating transcription factor 6) in PA-treated calf hepatic cells, indicating the suppression effect of propionate on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, inhibition of autophagic activity by chloroquine or bafilomycin A1 impede the beneficial effects of propionate on ER stress and cell viability. These results demonstrated that propionate alleviates ER stress and elevates cell viability in PA-treated calf hepatic cells by enhancing autophagy, which implies that autophagy may be a promising target in improving liver injury of dairy cows during transition period.

Serum Biochemical Changes in Relation to Some Nutritional and Hormonal Managements for Treatment of Inactive Ovaries in Buffaloes

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2020

Serum Biochemical Changes in Relation to Some Nutritional and Hormonal Managements for Treatment of Inactive Ovaries in Buffaloes

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2020

Hiệu quả của Propylene glycol trong phòng và trị bệnh xeton huyết trong chăn nuôi bò sữa giai đoạn khai thác sữa. (Efficacy of Propylene glycol on prevention and treatment of ketosis for dairy cows in milking stage)

Article

Apr 2020

INVITED REVIEW: Ketone biology: the shifting paradigm of ketones and ketosis in the dairy cow

Article

Jan 2024
J DAIRY SCI

In-Line Registered Milk Fat-to-Protein Ratio for the Assessment of Metabolic Status in Dairy Cows

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2023

Simple Summary In this study, our goal was to develop a simple-to-use method for evaluating the health status of dairy cows by analyzing the milk composition data collected via in-line sensors. Cows were divided into the following groups: subclinical ketosis (n = 62), subclinical acidosis (n = 14), and healthy group (H; n = 20). Our focus was on quantifying the levels of fat and protein in cow milk and uncovering intriguing patterns. Specifically, cows struggling with a particular health issue (subclinical ketosis) displayed an elevated fat-to-protein ratio in their milk. Conversely, cows with a different health complication (subclinical acidosis) exhibited a reduced fat-to-protein ratio. We scrutinized their blood samples and unveiled correlations between specific blood constituents and variations in milk composition. Notably, heightened concentrations of certain substances in the bloodstream coincided with alterations in milk composition. This insight suggests the potential utility of in-line milk composition as a non-invasive method for assessing the metabolic well-being of dairy cows, circumventing the need for intrusive diagnostic procedures. These findings hold promise for enhancing livestock management practices and promoting animal welfare. Abstract This study endeavors to ascertain alterations in the in-line registered milk fat-to-protein ratio as a potential indicator for evaluating the metabolic status of dairy cows. Over the study period, farm visits occurred biweekly on consistent days, during which milk composition (specifically fat and protein) was measured using a BROLIS HerdLine in-line milk analyzer (Brolis Sensor Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania). Clinical examinations were performed at the same time as the farm visits. Blood was drawn into anticoagulant-free evacuated tubes to measure the activities of GGT and AST and albumin concentrations. NEFA levels were assessed using a wet chemistry analyzer. Using the MediSense and FreeStyle Optium H systems, blood samples from the ear were used to measure the levels of BHBA and glucose in plasma. Daily blood samples were collected for BHBA concentration assessment. All samples were procured during the clinical evaluations. The cows were categorized into distinct groups: subclinical ketosis (SCK; n = 62), exhibiting elevated milk F/P ratios without concurrent clinical signs of other post-calving diseases; subclinical acidosis (SCA; n = 14), characterized by low F/P ratios (<1.2), severe diarrhea, and nondigestive food remnants in feces, while being free of other post-calving ailments; and a healthy group (H; n = 20), comprising cows with no clinical indications of illness and an average milk F/P ratio of 1.2. The milk fat-to-protein ratios were notably higher in SCK cows, averaging 1.66 (±0.29; p < 0.01), compared to SCA cows (0.93 ± 0.1; p < 0.01) and healthy cows (1.22). A 36% increase in milk fat-to-protein ratio was observed in SCK cows, while SCA cows displayed a 23.77% decrease. Significant differences emerged in AST activity, with SCA cows presenting a 26.66% elevation (p < 0.05) compared to healthy cows. Moreover, SCK cows exhibited a 40.38% higher NEFA concentration (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was identified between blood BHBA and NEFA levels (r = 0.321, p < 0.01), as well as a negative association between BHBA and glucose concentrations (r = −0.330, p < 0.01). Notably, AST displayed a robust positive correlation with GGT (r = 0.623, p < 0.01). In light of these findings, this study posits that milk fat-to-protein ratio comparisons could serve as a non-invasive indicator of metabolic health in cows. The connections between milk characteristics and blood biochemical markers of lipolysis and ketogenesis suggest that these markers can be used to check the metabolic status of dairy cows on a regular basis.

Impact of a feed additive (acidifier and toxin-binder) in milk production in dairy cattleUčinak dodatka hrani (zakiseljivača i sredstva za vezivanje toksina) u proizvodnji mlijeka u mliječnih krava

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2023

Dairy cow feeding plays an important role in milk production. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a feed additive (association of acidifier and mycotoxin binder) on milk production in dairy cattle. For this purpose, 22 cows belonging to three breeds (Montbeliard, Holstein, and Flekveih) were used. The cows were divided into two groups; a control group with seven cows and an experimental group with 15 animals. The results showed that the additive had a positive effect on milk production (23.14±5.87 litres for the experimental group vs 18.00±6.90 litres for the control). The additive also had a good effect on the percentage of sub-clinical mastitis: the Californian Mastitis Test (CMT) carried out at monthly intervals showed a clear improvement in the udder health of females in the experiment with 13 positive samples in the first test for nine cows (with four affected teats) and 10 positive samples for the second test in three cows (with three affected teats). Moreover, statistical tests revealed a significant difference in the mean fat content (35 g/L vs 23.86 g/L, respectively) while the average Faeces Consistency Score and Dornic acidity was lower in the experimental group compared to the control (2.23 vs 3.21 and 13.83 vs 16.14, respectively). These results show the importance of incorporating the feed additive into the diet of dairy cows and the need to implement an extension programme and zootechnical supervision of all actors in the sector to ensure the quality of milk production and the performance of dairy cows.

Production Responses of Holstein Dairy Cows to a Sodium Propionate Supplement Fed Postpartum to Prevent Hyperketonemia

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2023

Hyperketonemia is common in cows postpartum and is associated with a decrease in milk production, reproductive efficiency, and increased risk of periparturient diseases and early culling from the herd. The objective of this research was to determine if feeding an exogenous source of propionate increased milk and milk component yield and reduced the incidence of hyperketonemia and other health events in Holstein dairy cows. Cows were systematically enrolled in the control group (C) or sodium propionate treatment group (SP) in a randomized block design. A subset of cows was sampled for blood glucose and betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in milk at 3, 7, and 14 days using a NovaMax® Plus™ meter (Nova Diabetes Care, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA). Data were analyzed using a mixed model. Average blood BHB and glucose concentrations during the postpartum period did not differ between treatments for multiparous or primiparous cows (C = 0.53 ± 0.02, SP: 0.55 ± 0.02 mmol BHB/L, p = 0.5; C = 44.0 ± 0.77, SP = 43.0 ± 0.78 glucose mg/dL, p = 0.6). However, the prevalence of hyperketonemia and metritis was high in primiparous cows (C = 35.6% and 19.8%, respectively; SP = 35.8% and 18.9%, respectively). Blood glucose was inversely related to BHB concentration for cows below 40 mg/dL blood glucose. Feeding sodium propionate during the postpartum period increased milk fat yield (C = 1.71 ; SP = 1.86 kg/day, p = 0.01), tended to increase milk yield in multiparous cows (C = 39.3; SP = 40.5 kg/day, p = 0.06) and increased milk fat yield in primiparous cows (C = 1.18; SP = 1.27 kg/day, p = 0.02). Including sodium propionate in the total mixed ration is beneficial to reduce health events and increase milk fat production in multiparous cows but may only increase milk fat production in primiparous cows.

Het gebruik van glucogene precursoren in de voeding van hoogproductief melkvee

Article

Aug 2010
VLAAMS DIERGEN TIJDS

SOME BLOOD METABOLIC PARAMRTERS AND BODY WEIGHT OF REPLACEMENT FRIESIAN HEIFERS TREATED WITH SOME ENERGY SOURCES

Article

Aug 2022

Effect of propylene glycol supplementation to feed of dairy cows on some biochemical measurements

Article

Nov 2015

Subclinical Ketosis in Dairy Herds: Impact of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2022

Clinical and subclinical ketosis (SCK) in dairy cows occurs during the lactation period frequently in many herds, causing a reduction in milk yield and alterations in milk quality with significant economic losses for farmers. SCK is defined as a preclinical stage of ketosis characterized by an elevated ketone body level without clinical signs. Often many cows develop an elevated ketone body level during the first weeks of lactation even though it never goes up to a critical point causing clinical signs. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SCK in Sicily and assess the effect of a treatment with propylene glycol (PG) to control the SCK, thus, reducing the negative effect on milk quality yield. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 22 farms located south-east of Sicily and 1,588 cows in lactation. A total of 3,989 individual milk samples were collected from calving to 80 subsequently days to check the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) values in order to establish the SCK status by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Moreover, the contents of fat, protein, lactose, casein, urea, somatic cell count and acetone were evaluated to identify a correlation between SCK and milk quality. A total of 1,100 cows showed BHB values higher than 0.10 mmol/L. These cows were considered SCK positive, were separated from the rest of the herd, and treated with PG (400 g/head per day), all SCK cows were treated with PG and cows without SCK were not treated. The results showed a prevalence of 41.5% of SCK-positive cows during the first 9 days of lactation. The comparison among the cure rate of treated cows shows that the treatment was most effective in the first 7 days of lactation (76.5% of treated cows) than in the following days. PG positively influenced the milk quality parameters, except for the fat proportion. Moreover, the animals treated with PG showed also an increase in milk yield, supporting the economical sustainability of treatment.

Associations between peripartum lying and activity behaviour and blood non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in grazing dairy cows

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2022
ANIMAL

During early lactation, most dairy cows experience negative energy balance (NEB). Failure to cope with this NEB, however, can place cows at greater risk of developing metabolic disease. Our objective was to characterise, retrospectively, lying behaviour and activity of grazing dairy cows grouped according to blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as indicators of postpartum metabolic state. Blood was sampled weekly for up to 4 weeks precalving, on the day of calving (day 0), daily between 1 and 4 days postcalving, and then at least weekly between week 1 and week 5 postcalving for analysis of plasma NEFAs and BHB concentrations. Two hundred and forty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey cows were classified into one of three metabolic status groups based on maximum blood NEFAs and BHB concentrations during week 1 and 2 postcalving. A cow was classified as having either: (1) low NEFAs and low BHB (Lo–Lo; n = 78), when all blood samples were

Propionate alleviates fatty acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis by upregulating PPARG coactivator 1 alpha in hepatocytes

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2022
J DAIRY SCI

Reduced feed intake during the transition period renders cows unable to meet their energy needs for maintenance and lactation, leading to a state of negative energy balance. Severe negative energy balance initiates fat mobilization and increases circulating levels of free fatty acids (FFA), which could induce hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Enhancing the hepatic supply of propionate (major gluconeogenic substrate) is a feasible preventive and therapeutic strategy to alleviate hepatic metabolic disorders during the transition period. Whether propionate supply affects pathways beyond gluconeogenesis during high FFA loads is not well known. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate whether propionate supply could protect calf hepatocytes from FFA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Hepatocytes were isolated from 5 healthy calves (1 d old, female, 30–40 kg, fasting) and treated with various concentrations of propionate (0, 1, 2, and 4 mM propionate for 12 h) or for different times (2 mM propionate for 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h). Furthermore, hepatocytes were treated with propionate (2 mM), fatty acids (1.2 mM), or both for 12 h with or without 50 nM PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha) small interfering RNA. Compared with the control group, protein abundance of PGC-1α was greater with 2 and 4 mM propionate treatment groups. Furthermore, protein abundance of TFAM (mitochondrial function marker mitochondrial transcription factor A) and VDAC1 (voltage-dependent anion channel 1) was greater with 1, 2, and 4 mM propionate, and COX4 (cyclooxygenase 4) was greater with 2 and 4 mM propionate groups. In addition, propionate supply led to an increase in protein abundance of PGC-1α, TFAM, VDAC1, and COX4 over time. Flow cytometry revealed that propionate treatment increased the number of mitochondria in hepatocytes compared with control group, but inhibition of PGC1α abolished these beneficial effects. The lower protein abundance of PGC-1α, TFAM, COX4, and VDAC1 and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, along with greater production of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and apoptosis rate in response to treatment with high concentrations of FFA suggested an impairment of mitochondrial function and induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis. In contrast, propionate treatment hastened these negative effects. Knockdown of PGC-1α by small interfering RNA impeded the beneficial role of propionate on FFA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Overall, results demonstrated that propionate supply alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in FFA-treated calf hepatocytes by upregulating PGC-1α. Together, the data suggest that PGC-1α may be a promising target for preventing or improving hepatic function during periods such as the transition into lactation where the FFA load on the liver increases.

Antioxidant Activity of Milk and Dairy Products

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2022

The aim of the study was to present a review of literature data on the antioxidant potential of raw milk and dairy products (milk, fermented products, and cheese) and the possibility to modify its level at the milk production and processing stage. Based on the available reports, it can be concluded that the consumption of products that are a rich source of bioactive components improves the antioxidant status of the organism and reduces the risk of development of many civilization diseases. Milk and dairy products are undoubtedly rich sources of antioxidant compounds. Various methods, in particular, ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH assays, are used for the measurement of the overall antioxidant activity of milk and dairy products. Research indicates differences in the total antioxidant capacity of milk between animal species, which result from the differences in the chemical compositions of their milk. The content of antioxidant components in milk and the antioxidant potential can be modified through animal nutrition (e.g., supplementation of animal diets with various natural additives (herbal mixtures, waste from fruit and vegetable processing)). The antioxidant potential of dairy products is associated with the quality of the raw material as well as the bacterial cultures and natural plant additives used. Antioxidant peptides released during milk fermentation increase the antioxidant capacity of dairy products, and the use of probiotic strains contributes its enhancement. Investigations have shown that the antioxidant activity of dairy products can be enhanced by the addition of plant raw materials or their extracts in the production process. Natural plant additives should therefore be widely used in animal nutrition or as functional additives to dairy products.

Hepatic effects of rumen-protected branched-chain amino acids with or without propylene glycol supplementation in dairy cows during early lactation

Article

Jun 2021
J DAIRY SCI

Essential amino acids (EAA) are critical for multiple physiological processes. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation provides energy substrates, promotes protein synthesis, and stimulates insulin secretion in rodents and humans. Most dairy cows face a protein and energy deficit during the first weeks postpartum and utilize body reserves to counteract this shortage. The objective was to evaluate the effect of rumen-protected BCAA (RP-BCAA; 375 g of 27% l-leucine, 85 g of 48% l-isoleucine, and 91 g of 67% l-valine) with or without oral propylene glycol (PG) administration on markers of liver health status, concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in plasma, and liver triglycerides (TG) during the early postpartum period in dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in blocks of 3 and randomly assigned to either the control group or 1 of the 2 treatments from calving until 35 d postpartum. The control group (n = 16) received 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d; the RP-BCAA group (n = 14) received RP-BCAA mixed with 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d; the RP-BCAA plus PG (RP-BCAAPG) group (n = 16) received RP-BCAA mixed with 200 g of dry molasses per cow/d, plus 300 mL of PG, once daily from calving until 7 d in milk (DIM). The RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAGP groups, on average (± standard deviation), were predicted to receive a greater supply of metabolizable protein in the form of l-Leu 27.4 ± 3.5 g/d, l-Ile 15.2 ± 1.8 g/d, and l-Val 24.2 ± 2.4 g/d compared with the control cows. Liver biopsies were collected at d 9 ± 4 prepartum and at 5 ± 1 and 21 ± 1 DIM. Blood was sampled 3 times per week from calving until 21 DIM. Milk yield, dry matter intake, NEFA, BHB, EAA blood concentration, serum chemistry, insulin, glucagon, and liver TG and protein abundance of total and phosphorylated branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase E1α (p-BCKDH-E1α) were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Cows in the RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAPG groups had lower liver TG and lower activities of aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase during the first 21 DIM, compared with control. All cows, regardless of treatment, showed an upregulation of p-BCKDH-E1α at d 5 postpartum, compared with levels at 21 d postpartum. Insulin, Met, and Glu blood concentration were greater in RP-BCAA and RP-BCAAPG compared with control during the first 35 DIM. Therefore, the use of RP-BCAA in combination with PG might be a feasible option to reduce hepatic lipidosis in dairy cows during early lactation.

Longitudinal Metabolic Biomarker Profile of Hyperketonemic Cows from Dry-Off to Peak Lactation and Identification of Prognostic Classifiers

Article

Full-text available

May 2021

Currently about 30% to 50% of all dairy cows are affected by a metabolic or infectious disease during the transition period. A key factor for preventive actions is the ability to precisely predict metabolic diseases at an early stage. We report the longitudinal metabolic profile of non-esterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), total bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase in hyperketonemic dairy cows. Aiming for a novel measurement regime to improve metabolic health in dairy cows, we evaluated prognostic classifiers for hyperketonemia. In the observational longitudinal study, 99 healthy adult primiparous and multiparous Simmental dairy cows were included. Every cow was monitored weekly for 14 consecutive weeks, beginning two weeks prior to the expected day of parturition until peak lactation. Cows with serum concentrations of BHB > 0.8 mmol/L were considered hyperketonemic. Biomarker profiles were fitted by the maximum likelihood method using a mixed effects natural cubic spline model. In the hyperketonemic group, the BHB profile remained significantly higher than that of the control group until the end of the study period. As a prognostic classifier, the cut-off level of 0.54 mmol/L BHB measured on the 10th day post partum had the highest area under the curve. These results provide new longitudinal insights into the metabolic biomarker progression of dairy cows and enable an early onset diagnosis of hyperketonemia.

Effects of propylene glycol on in vitro ruminal fermentation, methanogenesis, and microbial community structure

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2021

We evaluated the effects of propylene glycol (PG) on in vitro ruminal fermentation, methanogenesis, and microbial community structure. A completely randomized design was conducted in the in vitro incubation, and 4 culture PG dose levels (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5 μL/g of dry matter) were used in the trial. Based on the fermentation results, the control group (0 μL/g of dry matter, CON) and the second treatment group (15.0 μL/g of dry matter, TRT) were chosen for further analysis to explore the effects of PG on the bacterial and archaeal community structure. The concentrations of propanol, propanal, and succinate increased linearly, whereas the concentration of l-lactate decreased linearly as PG doses increased. The molar proportion of propionate demonstrated a linear increase with increasing PG doses. In contrast with propionate, the molar proportion of acetate and butyrate, and acetate-to-propionate ratio decreased linearly with increasing PG doses. The addition of PG markedly decreased methane production without negative effects on nutrient degradability. In the archaeal level, the relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter tended to decrease, but that of Methanomassiliicoccus significantly increased in TRT group. At the bacterial level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Prevotella in TRT group was numerically higher than that in CON group. The analysis of the Negativicutes class showed that the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum tended to increase, whereas that of Selenomonas tended to decrease in TRT group. These results demonstrated that PG might be used as an inhibitor to mitigate methane emission. However, the small decrease in methane production will limit the application of PG as a methane inhibitor in production practices. Further research is needed to determine whether use together with other inhibitors may improve the effects of PG on the utilization of reducing equivalents ([H]) and methane production.

Short communication: Short-term effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol on feed dry matter intake in lactating dairy cows

Article

Dec 2020

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), an enteric methane inhibitor under investigation, on short-term dry matter intake (DMI) in lactating dairy cows. Following a 1-wk adaptation period, 12 multiparous Holstein cows were fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR) containing increasing levels of 3-NOP during 5 consecutive, 6-d periods. The experiment was conducted in a tiestall barn. Feed bins were split in half by a solid divider, and cows simultaneously received the basal TMR supplemented with the following: (1) a placebo without 3-NOP or (2) 3-NOP included in the TMR at 30, 60, 90, or 120 mg/kg of feed dry matter (experimental periods 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively). Cows received the control diet (basal TMR plus placebo premix) during experimental period 1. A premix containing ground corn grain, soybean oil, and dry molasses was used to incorporate 3-NOP in the ration. Cows were fed twice daily as follows: 60% of the daily feed allowance at 0800 h and 40% at 1800 h. Feed offered and refused was recorded at each feeding. During the morning feedings, each cow was offered either control or 3-NOP-treated TMR at 150% of her average intake during the previous 3 d. After collection of the evening refusals, cows received only the basal TMR without the premix until the next morning feeding. The test period for the short-term DMI data collection was defined from morning feeding to afternoon refusals collection during each day of each experimental period. Location (left or right) of the control and 3-NOP diets within a feed bin was switched every day during each period to avoid feed location bias. Dry matter intake of TMR during the test period was quadratically increased by 3-NOP compared with the control. Inclusion of 3-NOP at 120 mg/kg of feed dry matter resulted in decreased 10-h DMI compared with the lower 3-NOP doses, but was similar to the control. There was no effect of feed location (left or right) within feed bin on DMI. Data from this short-term study suggests that 3-NOP does not have a negative effect on DMI in lactating dairy cows.

Propylene Glycol and Maize Grain Supplementation Improve Fertility Parameters in Dairy Cows

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of propylene glycol and maize grain content by-pass starch supplementation during the transition period and the first 56 days of lactation on blood metabolic indices, milk production and fertility parameters in dairy cows. Seventy-five Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were assigned to treatment 21 days before calving. The treatments included: TG—2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from 14 days prepartum to day 56 postpartum, PG—2.5 kg triticale grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to day 56 postpartum, and 400 g propylene glycol/cow per day from 14 days prepartum to 14 days of lactation and MG—2.5 kg maize grain/cow per day supplemented from day 14 before parturition to day 56 postpartum. PG and MG had an effect resulting in the highest glucose concentration at 28 d of lactation. Cows assigned to the PG and MG groups had significantly higher cholesterol levels confronted with TG group at day 14 of lactation, while at days 28 and 56 the same difference was observed only between the MG and TG groups. PG had an effect on shortening the period to first ovulation. PG and MG improved the first service conception rate and decreased the number of services per conception in cows. In conclusion, both treatments of dairy cows with PG and MG improved their fertility parameters, while they had a slight effect on their metabolic profile and no effect on their milking performance.

Metabolism, Ketosis Treatment and Milk Production after Using Glycerol in Dairy Cows: A Review

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2020

The aim of this paper is to review and systematize the current state of knowledge on glycol metabolism in cattle. Glycerol, derived from biodiesel production, must be purified in order to be a useful product for feeding livestock. The use of glycerol in the feeding of ruminants can be justified for several reasons: (i) it is a source of energy in the ration, (ii) it is a glucogenic precursor, and (iii) it may have an effect on milk composition. The high energy value of glycerol provides the opportunity to use this raw material as a partial grain substitute in cattle feed rations. Dietary supplementation of glycerol is associated with increased propionate, butyrate, valerate, and isovalerate concentrations in the rumen. Glycerol can be used at up to 10%–15% of the dietary dry matter (DM) and is well-established as a treatment for ketosis in cows. Glycerol increases plasma glucose and may reduce non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate levels. The use of glycerol does not have a clear effect on DM intake, milk yield, or milk composition. However, some authors have reported an increase in milk yield after glycerol supplementation associated with decreased milk fat concentration. It is also possible that the concentration in the milk of odd-chain fatty acids and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid may increase after glycerol application.

Economic value of information from an alert system on physiological imbalance in fresh cows

Article

Jul 2020

Pharmacokinetics of bromoform in dairy heifers

Article

Apr 2024

ABSTRACT Aims To determine the pharmacokinetics in dairy heifers after oral and IV administration of bromoform, a potential antimethanogenic agent found in red seaweed, Asparagopsis spp. Methods Twenty-four dairy heifers with a mean weight of 319 (SD 36.9) kg were used. The study was conducted in two phases, and each cohort of 12 heifers received an escalating dose of bromoform. In the first phase, 12 heifers successively received doses of 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg of bromoform orally, separated by a 72-hour washout period. In the second phase, a different cohort of 12 dairy heifers was used. Each heifer received a total of four doses of bromoform separated by a wash-out period of 72 hours. Sequentially the treatments were (for each of the 12 heifers) an oral dose of 50 mg, followed by an IV dose of 50 mg, followed by an oral dose of 100 mg and finally an IV dose of 100 mg. Blood samples were assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry for bromoform and dibromomethane to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters using a non-compartmental analysis. Results Bromoform was rapidly absorbed as indicated by a short time to the maximum observed concentration of 15 minutes. For the routes of administration and dose ranges investigated, the mean terminal half-life ranged from 0.32 (SE 0.03) hours to 5.73 (SE 1.64) hours when administered orally or IV. With values for the mean area under the curve (AUC) to dose ratio ranging from 0.25 (SE 0.04) to 0.82 (SE 0.19) for oral and 1.39 (SE 0.39) to 4.02 (SE 0.37) for IV administration, bromoform appeared to exhibit non-proportional pharmacokinetic behaviour. The mean absolute bioavailability was 39.13 (SE 10.4)% and 3.36 (SE 0.83)% for 50-mg and 100-mg doses, respectively. Conclusions and clinical relevance Bromoform is rapidly absorbed and exhibits dose dependent elimination kinetics.

Показники якості кормової добавки для корів у транзитний період

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2023

Мета. Розробити склад кормової добавки, що включає композиції інгредієнтів на основі біологічно активних сполук рослинного і мінерального походження для профілактики порушень обміну речовин у організмі тварин, попередження виникнення кетозів у сухостійних і новотільних корів через згодовування у перехідний період. Методи. Застосовано аналітичні методи дослідження, аналіз, зоотехнічний дослід, методи зоотехнічного аналізу. Результати досліджень піддані статистичній обробці згідно існуючих стандартів. Результати. Теоретично обґрунтовано склад та спосіб компонування інгредієнтів кормової добавки на основі використання біологічно активних сполук рослинного і мінерального походження та створення з неї кормових гранул. Основним компонентом добавки є сіно розторопші плямистої, скошене на початку дозрівання насіння. В якості мінерального компоненту використовували сапонітове борошно, а вуглеводного – мелясу (патоку). Показники якості виготовлених гранул з кормової добавки відповідають стандартам, прийнятим для цих кормів: вологість складала 12-13%, показник крихкості становив 1,5%, індекс міцності – більше 90%, вміст дрібних частинок не перевищував 10%. Хімічний склад та поживна цінність кормової добавки за варіантами виготовлення: у одному кілограмі абсолютно сухої речовини міститься: сирого протеїну – 7,81-7,91%, сирого жиру – 3,79-4,09%, сирої клітковини – 31,25-29,82%, обмінної енергії – 8,03-8,00 МДж. Висновки. Основні компоненти добавки: сіно розторопші плямистої, скошене на початку дозрівання насіння. Мінеральний компонент – сапонітове борошно; вуглеводний − меляса (патока). Поживна цінність: 7,81-7,91% сирого протеїну; 3,79-4,09%, сирого жиру; 31,25-29,82% сирої клітковини; 8,03-8,00 МДж обмінної енергії.

Effects of prophylactic propylene glycol administration at calving on subclinical ketosis in holstein dairy cowsHolstein süt ineklerine doğumda koruyucu propilen glikol uygulamasının subklinik ketozise etkisi

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2023

Forty-four holstein dairy cows were randomly enrolled in the treatment group (group 1, n=19) or control group (group 2, n=25) at calving. Group 1 received prophylactic propylene glycol treatment (PPGT) (300 ml/cow, beginning at calving, total 3 days). The group 2 remained untreated. All animals were tested on blood and milk beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) at postpartum week 2 and 4 (PW2 and 4), body condition scores (BCS), average daily milk production (ADMP) and postpartum health disorders were monitored in 90 days in milk (90 DIM). The incidence of subclinical ketosis (SCK) was 8% and 4% in blood test (BHBA≥1.2 mmol/L) and by 12% and 24% in milk test (BHBA≥200 µmol/L) in group 2 at PW2 and PW4 respectively. SCK was not detected in group 1. The study cows lost BCS on postpartum days 30 and 60. ADMP was significantly different (P

What's new in ketosis in dairy cows?

Article

Sep 2023

Over the last twenty years, much has been learned about ketosis as a disease of dairy cattle. Its aetiology has been found to be more complex than it was previously thought to be, with new factors coming to light–such as the discovery that the disease actually begins in the weeks before calving – and the exploration of the risk factors and genetics of insulin resistance. The importance of abnormalities other than hyperketonaemia has been demonstrated, and a better understanding of its treatment and prevention has been gained, including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and the most suitable gluconeogenic precursors, and the selection of replacement heifers with a lower genetic predisposition to ketosis.

Efecto del uso de una mezcla de compuestos gluconeogénicos en vacas lecheras en transición

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2023

Introducción. Durante el periodo de transición las vacas lecheras sufren grandes cambios metabólicos, ocasionados por el final de la gestación y el inicio de la lactancia. Durante este periodo la mayoría de vacas presentan un balance energético negativo, debido a la reducción en la ingesta de materia seca y un aumento de los requerimientos energéticos, que induce a la movilización de tejido adiposo y una consecuente cetogénesis, asociada con un menor aporte de glucosa a nivel hepático y menor capacidad oxidativa de ácidos grasos no esterificados en este órgano. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de una mezcla de compuestos gluconeogénicos (propilenglicol, propionato de calcio y propionato de sodio) sobre los parámetros productivos de vacas en transición. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se desarrolló en San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica de junio a octubre de 2020. Se ofrecieron 400 g de la mezcla de compuestos gluconeogénicos desde los 21 días antes de parto hasta los 21 días posparto. Se utilizaron 18 vacas multíparas a las que se les asignó aleatoriamente uno de los 2 tratamientos: vacas que consumían la mezcla de compuestos gluconeogénicos (PG) y vacas que no consumían dicha mezcla (TG). Se midió el peso vivo, la condición corporal, las concentraciones de glucosa y β-hidroxibutirato en sangre, la producción de leche y sus componentes. Resultados. El tratamiento no afectó el peso vivo, la condición corporal ni la producción de leche. Se observaron diferencias significativas en las concentraciones de glucosa 7 días antes del parto, siendo mayores para las PG que para TG (p<0,05). Las concentraciones de betahidroxibutirato fueron mayores para TG que para PG (p<0,05) los días 7 y 21 posparto. La concentración de sólidos totales y grasa en la leche fueron mayores para TG que PG (p<0,05) en el día 7 posparto. Conclusión. Los resultados sugieren que suplementar con una mezcla de compuestos gluconeogénicos mejora el balance energético de vacas en transición.

Prevention of subclinical forms of hypocalcemia and ketosis in dairy cows

Article

Jan 2023

Obtaining livestock products from healthy livestock is the main goal of the entire livestock industry. The intensification of animal husbandry is accompanied by the active introduction of modern technologies for keeping, feeding and exploitation. Against the background of technological stress factors in cattle, there is a decrease in the duration of productive use, which is due to high morbidity against the background of a decrease in the immune response. The economic losses associated with postpartum illness are forcing professionals to make more informed decisions about prevention and treatment. It is for this reason that the purpose of our study was to study the spread of postpartum diseases in highly productive cows and the prevention of metabolic disorders in newborn cows with PS-2, Prevention-N-E and PDE with E-selenium. In the course of the analysis of morbidity, it was revealed that after calving cows, obstetric and gynecological pathologies are most often recorded: mastitis (26.5%), endometritis (24.5%), subinvolution of the uterus (24.15%), retention of the placenta (7.15%), ovarian diseases (17.45%). Against the background of inaccuracies in feeding during the transition period, the animals have a deficiency of calcium, glucose, phosphorus, as well as an excess of reference values in terms of aminotransferase metabolism. Against the background of immunocorrection of the body in cows of 1,2 and 3 experimental groups, an increase in the level of calcium, in contrast to the control, is noted by 0.22 mmol / l - PS-2, 0.27 - Prevention-NE and 0.24 mmol / l - PDE+ E-selenium. Similar dynamics was observed in the level of glucose in the blood of cows of the experimental groups, exceeding the control values by 22-38%. The use of PS-2, Prevention-N-E and PDE with E-selenium made it possible to reduce the risk of latent ketosis and hypocalcemia by 2 times, compared with animals that did not receive prophylaxis. The obtained results of biochemical studies prove the stimulating effect of biological products on the mineral metabolism of the body and the absorption of macronutrients.

Vraag & Antwoord

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2016
VLAAMS DIERGEN TIJDS

Diagnose en behandeling van ketose

DESCRIPTION OF THE ODOR PROFILE OF FERMENTED ALFALFA AND RYE SILAGES USING AN ELECTRONIC NOSE

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022

Silages, as conserved forages, form a basic component of ruminant diets. The odor of silage is highly informative and helps in determining the quality. Electronic nose (e-nose) technology provides rapid and objective measurement of odors and may be applicable for quick screening of various silages. Aroma profile analysis of alfalfa and rye silages (n = 22 and 38, respectively) collected from Hungarian dairy farms, produced with different harvest technologies, and covering a wide range of quality, was performed with an e-nose utilizing the metal oxide semiconductor sensor array technology. The odor patterns of the quality categories based on the pH and the lactic acid / acetic acid ratio were compared. The applied e-nose was not suitable for distinguishing between samples made from different plant materials with average compositional parameters, because the effect of species on the odor was less characteristic than that of the diverse processing conditions. However, on the basis of the aroma profiles described by the measured sensor signals, alfalfa-based forages prepared with different processing (direct-cut vs. wilted) could be accurately identified, and rye samples were identifiable according to the different phenological phases at harvest (before heading vs. heading). In the supervised classification (discriminant analysis) of groups of samples based on pH and lactic acid/acetic acid ratio, 65-75% of the samples selected for validation were correctly identified, which indicates reliability of the method. Based on the results, the presented instrumental aroma testing methodology proved to be promising in the field of quality testing of fermented forages.

Impact of oocyte donor age and breed on in vitro embryo production in cattle, and relationship of dairy and beef embryo recipients on pregnancy and the subsequent performance of offspring: A review

Article

Dec 2021

Genomic selection combined with in vitro embryo production (IVEP) with oocytes from heifer calves provides a powerful technology platform to reduce generation interval and significantly increase the rate of genetic gain in cattle. The ability to obtain oocytes with developmental competence from calves has been recognised for more than 60years. There is renewed interest in the potential of this reproductive technology as the beef and dairy industries seek to identify and multiply animals that satisfy consumer demand for efficient utilisation of natural resources, with minimal environmental impact and high product quality. Heifer calves show a good follicular response to FSH stimulation and oocytes can be recovered by ovum pick-up (OPU). However, the efficiency of OPU/IVEP remains lower for calves compared with peripubertal heifers and cows, in both indicus (Zebu, Bos indicus) and taurus (Bos taurus) breeds. Indicus cattle generally have more follicles, yield a greater number of oocytes, and have a better IVEP outcome, compared with taurus cattle. The treatment of prepubertal heifers with bovine somatotrophin (bST) and propylene glycol before OPU/IVEP has yet to show a major improvement in embryo production. Holstein (taurus) dairy heifers derived from different reproductive technologies (AI, MOET, OPU/IVEP) showed a similar age at puberty and first-lactation milk production. OPU/IVEP Holstein embryos transferred to beef or dairy cows likewise yielded heifers with the same performance. The gains in productivity that can be achieved with strategic use of OPU/IVEP in heifer calves make this a relevant and highly important reproductive technology in cattle breeding. Ongoing optimisation of the technology is needed for the potential of OPU/IVEP in young donors to be fully realised.

Pregnancy Toxaemia in Small Ruminants

Chapter

Nov 2020

Pregnancy toxaemia (PT) is a condition occurring in ewes and does during the last month of gestation. It is characterized by anorexia, ruminal atony, depression, and reluctance to stand or walk. This condition carries a poor prognosis with a reported case fatality rate above 80% even when a caesarean section is performed or after the induction of kidding. Metabolically, PT leads to ketonemia, metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia and hypo, normo or hyperglycaemia. This condition is caused by negative energy balance resulting from increased energy demands for rapid foetal growth during late gestation. In pregnant ewes low quality roughage is a particular risk because not enough can be consumed to meet requirements when the rumen volume is reduced by the presence of an enlarged uterus in the abdomen. PT occurs commonly in dairy goats especially in specific breeds, like Saanen and Alpine, which are genetically more prone to become pregnant with multiple foetuses. Goats are considered to be tropical/sub-tropical animals and their body fat stores are laid down in intraabdominal fat rather than in the subcutaneous tissues as occurs in cows and ewes. Because of high mortality rate characteristic of PT, the strategy to deal with this condition should be based on prevention.

Modulation des taux plasmatiques d’insuline par l’apport de propylène glycol dans l’alimentation : effet sur la quantité, la qualité des ovocytes et des embryons produits in vitro chez des génisses laitières

Thesis

Oct 2014

Giselle Gamarra Lazo

L’Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) et la production d'embryons in vitro représentent une voie d’accélération du progrès génétique par la voie femelle. Ces techniques impliquent en autre la collecte d’ovocytes de qualité pour produire des embryons transférables. La qualité des ovocytes et les taux de développement embryonnaire in vitro sont impactés par la nutrition des donneuses avant OPU, les effets étant médiés par plusieurs métabolites et hormones impliqués dans la régulation du métabolisme énergétique. Les niveaux plasmatiques d'insuline et d’IGF1 accrus sont corrélés aux niveaux des apports énergétiques chez les génisses laitières. Les régimes augmentant les concentrations d'insuline influencent négativement la qualité des ovocytes. Néanmoins, une augmentation des concentrations d'insuline stimule en quelques jours le nombre des petits follicules. Ces résultats ont conduit à formuler l’hypothèse d’une modulation transitoire des concentrations d'insuline chez les donneuses d’ovocytes basée sur l'administration orale de propylène glycol (PG). En effet, le PG augmente les concentrations d'insuline et d’IGF-1 dans le plasma chez la vache au cours du post-partum. L’hormone antimüllérienne (AMH) est un marqueur endocrinien de la réserve de follicules ovariens sensibles aux gonadotrophines chez la vache. Il a été récemment établi que les concentrations plasmatiques d'AMH aident à prédire la réponse des donneuses d’embryons collectés in vivo. Dans cette thèse, nous avons étudié l'effet de l'administration de PG à court terme sur les niveaux d'insuline, la croissance folliculaire, la réponse à la stimulation de la croissance folliculaire au traitement FSH et la production d'embryons in vitro après OPU chez les génisses avec différents profils d’AMH circulante (haut H vs bas B). La relation entre la dose de PG chez les génisses laitières et la réponse à l'insuline a été établie, ainsi que les relations avec les concentrations plasmatiques d’hormones et métabolites du métabolisme énergétique. Puis, le nombre et la qualité morphologique des ovocytes et des embryons produits ont été déterminés chez les génisses donneuses ayant une alimentation restreinte. Enfin, les profils d'expression de gènes du système IGF dans les ovocytes et les cellules du cumulus et de gènes candidats de survie embryonnaire chez des blastocystes ont été évalués.Nos données ont montré que l'administration de PG chez les génisses laitières est associée à une élévation des concentrations plasmatiques d’insuline, d'IGF1 et de glucose et à une diminution de celles de β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) et d’urée. Les concentrations d’IGF1 dans le liquide folliculaire ont augmenté. De plus, l’administration de PG a été associée à un nombre plus élevé de petits follicules (2- 3mm) le 2ème jour du cycle œstral par rapport au lot contrôle. Cet effet positif a été maintenu sur le nombre de follicules moyens (4-8mm) le 5ème jour du cycle, après stimulation de la croissance folliculaire dans le groupe AMH H. En outre, une augmentation significative du taux de blastocystes de qualité 1 après 7 jours de culture in vitro (exprimés en pourcentage d'ovocytes fécondés) a été observée chez les génisses du lot PG par rapport au lot contrôle. L’administration de PG a conduit au développement d’un nombre plus élevé de blastocystes épanouis le 7ème jour du cycle par rapport au contrôle, uniquement dans le groupe AMH H. De plus, le PG a modifié les profils d'expression des gènes du système IGF dans les cellules du cumulus et des gènes de survie étudiés chez les blastocystes. Par conséquent, nos données montrent que l'administration de PG a amélioré la production et la qualité des embryons in vitro, peut-être en raison des modifications du système IGF1 induites par le PG en début de vague folliculaire. Celles-ci pourraient moduler l'environnement folliculaire et impacter l’expression des gènes y compris jusqu'au stade blastocyste, l’effet étant cependant plus marque chez les génisses a profil haut d’AMH.

Supplementation of propylene glycol to dairy cows in periparturient period: Effects on plasma concentration of BHBA, NEFA, and glucose

Article

Full-text available

Jan 1998

A Nordic proposal for an energy corrected milk (ECM) formula

Article

Full-text available

Jan 1990

Effect of forage conservation method, concentrate level and propylene glycol on intake, feeding behaviour and milk production of dairy cows

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2002

The current study was conducted to establish if effects on animal performance due to differences in forage composition resulting from conservation method could be compensated for by increases in concentrate feeding or supplements of a gluconeogenic substrate. Thirty-two Finnish Ayrshire dairy cows were used in a cyclic changeover experiment with four 21-day experimental periods and a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effects of forage conservation method, concentrate level and propylene glycol (PG), and their interactions, on intake, feeding behaviour and milk production. Experimental treatments consisted of four conserved forages offered ad libitum, supplemented with two levels of a cereal-based concentrate (7 or 10 kg/day) and PG (0 and 210 g/day) offered as three meals of equal size. Forages were prepared from primary growths of timothy and meadow fescue swards and ensiled using no additive (NA), an inoculant enzyme preparation (IE) or a formic-acid based (FA) additive or conserved as hay 1 week later. Cows given silage-based diets had higher (P < 0.001) forage dry-matter (DM) intakes (mean increase 0.76 kg/day), spent less (P < 0.001) time eating and chewing (mean response -159 and -119 min/day, respectively) and produced more (P < 0.05) energy-corrected milk (ECM), milk fat and milk lactose (respective mean responses 1.52, 0.098 and 0.033 kg/day) than animals given hay-based diets. Use of an additive during ensiling further improved (P < 0.05) silage DM intake, ECM yield and milk protein secretion (mean 0.72, 0.70 and 0.038 kg/day, respectively). Dietary inclusion of PG decreased forage DM intake for hay, IE and FA silage-based diets (mean -0.14, -0.16 and -0.42 kg/day, respectively) but elicited positive responses (mean 0.57 kg/day) for cows given NA silage. Furthermore, PG supplementation had no (P > 0.05) effects on ECM yield or milk protein output but depressed (P < 0.05) mean milk fat content from 46.6 to 45.6 g/kg. Increases in concentrate feeding were associated with a reduction in the total amount of time cows spent eating, chewing and ruminating and elicited (P < 0.001) mean DM intake, ECM yield, milk fat and milk protein responses of 1.5, 1.62, 0.061 and 0.064 kg/day, respectively. Use of a gluconeogenic substrate or increases in concentrate feeding were unable to compensate for variations in animal performance due to forage conservation method.

Supplementation of dairy cows with propylene glycol during the periparturient period: effects on body condition score, milk yield, first estrus post-partum, beta-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2004

The objective of this study was to analyse the effects of propylene glycol (PPG) supplementation to periparturient cows on: milk yield, changes in body condition score (BCS), days to first oestrus after calving, and on the b-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterefied fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose concentrations. Twenty-three Holstein cows were distributed into two treatments: a) 300 mL of PPG (group treatment, 11 cows), b) 300 mL of water (group control, 12 cows), administered via drench in periparturient period. BCS was evaluated on days -10, 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 relative to calving date. There was no effect of treatment or time on milk yield, although the interaction of time*treatment was significant and during the 4th and 5th week of lactation, milk yield was significant higher in treatment group. Days to first oestrus of PPG and control group were on average 40.2 and 45.2 respectively (P>0.05). There was no effect of treatment on body condition score (BCS) from calving to sixty days post partum. There was no effect of treatment or interaction of time*treatment on plasma parameters (BHBA, NEFA and glucose) but there was an effect of time on glucose and NEFA. However, based on an analysis of covariance, using BCS as the covariate, an effect of treatment on plasma concentrations of BHBA was observed. In conclusion, supplementation of propyleneglycol has a minor effect to alleviate the negative metabolic effects that normally occur at early lactation in dairy cows.

Milk acetone concentration as an indicator of hyperketonaemia in dairy cows: The critical value revised

Article

Full-text available

Oct 1996
Anim Sci

Acetone concentration in milk is correlated with subclinical and clinical ketosis and also with milk yield and reproductive efficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess a threshold of milk acetone at which cows tend to be adversely affected. The critical values were estimated on data from 11690 lactations where the change in daily milk yield from weeks 1 to 2 to weeks 5 to 6 of lactation was evaluated in relation to different milk acetone concentrations. Daily milk yield tended to be reduced in cows with acetone concentrations between 0·7 and 1·4 mmol/l, but responses were not entirely consistent. At concentrations >l·4 mmol/l, daily milk yield was clearly reduced. Long-term milk yield (day 0 to 100 and day 0 to 200) was about 190 kg of 40 g/kg fat-corrected milk (FCM) less in cows with acetone concentrations >l·4 vis-à-vis <0·7 mmol/l. Reproductive efficiency was also impaired in cows with acetone concentrations >l·4 mmol/l; 4·9 days longer interval from calving to first service (first parity and parity 2+ cows) and 5·7 times a greater risk of cystic ovaries (parity 1), compared with cows with milk acetone <0·7 mmol/l. However, no significant effects on long-term milk yield or on reproductive efficiency were found in cows with acetone concentrations 0·7 to 1·4 vis-à-vis <0·7 mmol/l. The results suggest that 1·4 mmol/l acetone in milk may be used as the most important critical value, as higher concentrations are detrimental to productivity. The interval 0·7 to 1·4 mmol acetone per I milk may be used as a warning class, since early lactation yield may be reduced.

Adaptations of Glucose and Long-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism in Liver of Dairy Cows during the Periparturient Period

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2001

Tremendous metabolic and endocrine adjustments must be made as dairy cows move from late gestation to early lacta-tion. Requirements for glucose and metabolizable energy in-crease two-to threefold from 21 d before to 21 d after parturi-tion. The liver must adapt quickly to provide the increased glucose needed to support high milk production, and to proc-ess the flood of nonesterified fatty acids taken up from exten-sive mobilization of adipose triglycerides. While the end re-sults of these adaptations are well known, much less is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning hepatic adaptation to lactation. Increases in metabolic activity per gram of liver tissue, not just increased liver mass, are re-sponsible for increased metabolism. Compared with activities present at 21 d before parturition, the capacity of liver tissue isolated at 1 d postpartum to convert alanine (an important glucogenic amino acid) to glucose increases more on a per-centage basis than does gluconeogenic capacity from propion-ate. Likewise, hepatic abundance of mRNA for pyruvate car-boxylase increases around calving, whereas mRNA for phos-phoenolpyruvate carboxykinase does not. These changes in gluconeogenic enzymes suggest that amino acids from body and feed protein may be critically important sources of glu-cose for peripartal cows. Hepatic tissue from cows 1 d post-partum has greater rates of palmitate esterification, total and peroxisomal beta-oxidation of palmitate, and activity of mito-chondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase than hepatic tissue from the same cows 21 d prepartum. Prepartal nutrition has been shown to modulate some of these metabolic adaptations in the liver. Effects of hormones and cytokines that mediate adaptive responses to environmental and infectious stressors (or the lack of "cow comfort") have not been investigated. Techniques of modern biochemistry promise to further our understanding of the mechanisms of metabolic adaptation dur-ing the peripartal period, and to quantify the effects of nutri-tion and environment during pre-and postpartum periods on hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. Abbreviation key: apo = apolipoprotein, CoA = coenzyme A, LCFA = long-chain fatty acids, MTP = microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, PC = pyruvate carboxylase, PEPCK = phos-phoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, PPAR = peroxisomal prolifera-tor-activated receptor, TG = triglyceride, VLDL = very low-density lipoproteins.

Risk factors associated with the incidence of ketosis in dairy cows

Article

Full-text available

Apr 1999

Various dairy cattle production and health characteristics were studied with a view to identify easily available and measurable factors associated with the incidence of ketosis. The analyses were carried out using data from the Langhill Dairy Cattle Research Centre. Two approaches were used to assess the relative risk to cows of getting ketosis: one using information known at the beginning of lactation and one using information collected as the lactation progressed. In both approaches analyses were carried out using different amounts of the available information to simulate differences between recording systems. In the first approach the following were found to relate significantly to the level of recorded ketotic incidents: parity; ketosis in the previous lactation; calving condition score; 305-day milk yield in the previous lactation; and the average milk protein percentage in the previous lactation. The effects of these were quantified. In the second approach, where the change in ketosis incidence rate over the weeks of lactation was investigated, the average dry-matter intake in the previous week and changes in live weight and body condition score over the previous week were found to have a significant effect on the probability of getting ketosis in the coming week. The risk assessments varied depending on the information used and a flexible approach is recommended if potential risk factors are to be successfully incorporated into decision support systems.

Therapy of Diseases of Ruminant Intermediary Metabolism

Article

Full-text available

Apr 1992
VET CLIN N AM-FOOD A

Diseases of intermediary metabolism include ketosis and fatty liver of dairy cattle and pregnancy toxemia of ewes. These conditions occur when there is a failure of the homeostatic mechanisms regulating the mobilization of fats and the conservation of carbohydrates. The therapeutic approach is to reestablish the normal homeostatic patterns of fuel utilization. Suppression of excessive ketogenesis is the most important factor in reestablishing homeostasis. Ketogenesis can be suppressed by a number of therapeutic agents that act either by suppressing the mobilization of fatty acids or by inhibiting the transport of fatty acids into the hepatic mitochondria, the site at which fatty acids are converted to ketone bodies. Useful therapies include bolus glucose infusions, glucose precursors, and glucocorticoids.

Effect of propylene glycol supplementation around parturition on milk yield, reproduction performance and some hormonal and metabolic characteristics in dairy cows

Article

Full-text available

Feb 1996

Thirty-nine multiparous Holstein cows were used to measure the effect of propylene glycol treatment around parturition on milk yield, reproductive efficiency and some hormone and metabolite concentrations. Cows were assigned randomly to control (n = 19) or propylene glycol treated (n = 20) groups. Propylene glycol (300 g) was administered directly mixed with the diet from day 10 prior to the expected calving date until parturition (day 0) and orally after dilution in 1 l water on days 3, 6, 9 and 12. Blood samples were collected on days -20, -5, 0, 3, 10, 25 and 50 while milk samples were taken weekly until 13 weeks post partum. Body condition scores, recorded on days -20, 15 and 50, were not affected by propylene glycol administration. Propylene glycol did not significantly affect milk yield or composition but linear somatic cell score measured from the first 13 weeks post partum was reduced by propylene glycol administration (P < 0.01). Moreover, propylene glycol reduced milk urea (-25 mg/l, P < 0.05), especially during the first 9 weeks post partum. Plasma insulin concentrations were similar in both groups during the experiment while insulin-like growth factor I (P < 0.05) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (P < 0.001) levels were higher on days 10, 25 and 50 post partum in the propylene glycol group. Propylene glycol administration decreased plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01) but increased total cholesterol levels (P < 0.01) after parturition while 3-hydroxybutyrate levels were unaffected by the treatment. Changes in the hormone and metabolic concentrations after propylene glycol administration in the last few days of gestation and the first week of lactation seem to indicate that energy balance in the treated group was probably more positive than in the control group. There was also evidence that propylene glycol administration prevented fatty liver syndrome and hastened the resumption of oestrous cycles (P < 0.001).

Routine testing for milk beta-hydroxybutyrate for the detection of subclinical ketosis in dairy cows

Article

May 1997

The milk beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB; 3-hydroxybutyric acid) concentrations were determined semi-quantitatively by means of Ketolac BHBR in 284 Israeli-Holstein cows (3 herds) on day 5, 6 or 7 post partum. The prevalence of ketolactia indicating subclinical or clinical ketosis differed markedly between herds as did the incidence in cows calving in summer or in autumn. Cows with milk BHB concentrations in the range ?100 to 199 æmol/litre, in particular those with ?200 æmol/litre were at markedly higher risk to develop clinical ketosis during early lactation than cows having a lower milk BHB content at the time of testing. Relationships between increased milk BHB concentrations at the time of testing and the incidence of genital disorders as well as to impaired reproduction in the following period could be shown. Milk testing for BHB therefore, although performed only at the end of the first week post partum, conveyed valuable information. It seems that routine testing for ketolactia is particularly important in cows under heat stress.

Effects of feeding starch to dairy cattle on nutrient availability and production

Article

Jan 1997

Using propylene glycol in dairy cow feeding

Article

Aug 1999
PRAKT TIERARZT

The glucoplastic substance propylene glycol was continuously used as a feed supplement in six dairy farms. Furthermore it was applied for the first time in one farm with a high rate of ketosis prevalence (28 %). The quantitative milk acetone test served as a suitable mean for controlling the effect of propylene glycol on the energy metabolism in the dairy cows. Application of propylene glycol diminishes significantly the number of cows with raised milk acetone concentrations (≥ 0,250 mmol/1) on herd basis. It must be particularly emphasised, that the positive metabolic effect of propylene glycol can only be expected, if the feed ration of the cows meets the basically demands of ruminants generally and the level of milk yield in the herd using propylene glycol. Feeding management must be stable without any greater variations. Propylene glycol should be feed from about three weeks ante partum at the end of the dry period to six to ten weeks post partum dependant on the special conditions in the herd especially of the milk yield level. Very important is the homogenous distribution of the propylene glycol in the whole ration without the possibility of selective eating. Relating to the cost benefit ratio, a price of about 0,40 DM per day and head opposites a lower ketosis prevalence with significant positive effects on milk yield and general health. The presented results support using propylene glycol as an important and suitable mean in feeding management of dairy herds.

Investigation into the mechanisms of reduction in fertility of high yielding cows

Article

Jan 1998

Propylene glycol and glycerol as a feed additive for lactating dairy cows: an evaluation of blood metabolite parameters

Article

Jun 1973
CAN VET J

An extensive trial for testing the antiketogenic potency of glycerol and propylene glycol (DL-1,2 propanediol) was conducted with milking Holsteins and Ayrshires over a 2-yr period. Through weekly blood analyses of free fatty acids, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and acetoacetate for an 8-wk period post-partum, it was possible to classify these cows as normal, clinically ketotic, and subclinically ketotic. The results showed that in cows that were not stressed by either high lactation yield or low concentrate intake these chemical additives only slightly depressed blood ketones and free fatty acids below control values. The beneficial properties of these additives became obvious in cows stressed by adverse environmental factors and slightly reduced levels of concentrate intake. In these cows, the addition of propylene glycol to the concentrate ration significantly reduced blood ketones and plasma free fatty acids and increased the concentration of blood glucose. It was concluded that the use of propylene glycol as a feed additive (3 and 6% of the concentrate) should be economically attractive in high-producing dairy herds because it will significantly decrease the incidence of clinical and subclinical ketosis in cows during the immediate postpartum period (4–8 wk) when they are most susceptible to the metabolic disorder.

Altering Milk Composition by Feeding

Article

Oct 1989

J. D. Sutton

Nutrition offers a means of making rapid changes in milk composition, but the relationship between feed constituents and milk composition is complex. The greatest changes can be brought about in the concentration of milk fat. Particularly important dietary factors are the amount of roughage, forage:concentrate ratio, the carbohydrate composition of the con-centrates, lipids, intake, and meal frequency. Far smaller changes are possible in milk protein concentration. The best documented effects are for intake and lipid supplements. Dietary protein has only small effects on either milk fat or protein concentration. Very small changes in lactose concentration occur sometimes in response to diet but they are inconsistent and not of practical value. Exploitation of these possibilities requires repeatable responses and accurate prediction of overall animal performance. Empirical prediction equations have been developed for some factors but the complexity of the interrelationships of the several different responses to a single dietary change suggest that mechanistic models covering complete nutrient utilization by the dairy cow may be necessary. Whatever the technical developments, economic factors will be the final determinant of the uptake of such techniques by the dairy farmer.

Effects of feeding propylene glycol to mid-lactating dairy cows

Article

Dec 1996
ANIM FEED SCI TECH

Propylene glycol (PG) is a gluconeogenic precursor widely used to prevent and treat ketosis postpartum. The study has investigated the effects of PG administration to dairy cows at mid stage of lactation. According to a 3 × 3 latin square design, three Italian Brown lactating cows (125 ± 7 days in milk) fitted with rumen cannula were fed a corn silage based diet (CP 14.7%, NDF 41.1% DM) with 0, 200 or 400 g day−1 PG added. Dry matter intake was increased by feeding PG with a significant quadratic component per dose (16.2, 17.2 and 16.5 kg day−1 for 0, 200 and 400 g PG day−1, respectively). Milk yield was not affected by PG, averaging 17.1 kg day−1. Average daily gain increased from 64 to 206 and 302 g day−1 when cows received 200 and 400 g day−1 of PG (linear component per dose P < 0.05). Digestibility of the diet did not differ among treatments, whereas repeated rumen fluid samples, taken 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after the meal, showed a consistently lower acetate to propionate ratio when feeding PG. Blood insulin was not affected by PG administration. Except for therapeutic treatments, PG administration to dairy cows at mid stage of lactation should be advised against. Despite the positive effect on intake, administration of the additive, increasing the molar percentage of rumen propionate, contributes to shift the energy partition from milk production to liveweight gain.

Detection, Occurrence, and Prophylactic Treatment of Borderline Ketosis with Propylene Glycol Feeding1

Article

Oct 1964

SUMMARY Milk ketones were determined by a new test at weekly intervals for 132 cows freshening in two herds in one year and for 61 cows in two herds for a second year. If the milk ketones exceeded 2 rag/100 ml during the first year, alternate cows were treated daily with 12 oz propylene glycol for ten days, or served as controls. The cows were controls or fed propylene glycol (4 or 8 oz/day) from the time of calving during the second year's study. Milk ketones in excess of 2 rag/100 ml occurred in 49% of the population during the first 30 days post- partmn. Propylene glycol lowered milk ketones an average of 0.6 mg/100 ml over the entire population and increased milk production 1 lb/eow/day for the first 60 days postpartum. These over-all differences were not significant at the 5% probability level, although significant differences did occur within herds. Three cows given intraruminal doses of 2 lb propylene glycol were used to dem- onstrate a rumen disappearance half-time of 1 hr. Subsequent blood levels ranged as high as 57 rag/100 ml. Ruminal destruction of propylene glycol was small. Metabolism trials with four cows demonstrated that body retention of propylene glycol exceeded 99% even when 5.4 lb/day was fed. Excretion of propylene glycol in milk was less than 0.1% of the dose (below detection limits).

Effects of propylene glycol or glycerol supplementation of the diet of dairy cows on feed intake, milk yield and composition, and incidence of ketosis

Article

Jun 1973
CAN VET J

In two experiments designed to test the antiketogenic properties of propylene glycol and glycerol, concentrate mixtures containing 3, 6, or 9% propylene glycol or 3 or 6% glycerol were fed for the first 8 wk of lactation to a total of 120 cows. In the first experiment there were no significant effects (P > 0.05) of supplementation on milk yield and composition, feed intake, or energy balance. The cows fed a concentrate mixture containing 6% glycerol appeared to lose less body weight than the control cows or those fed concentrate containing either 3% glycerol or 3% propylene glycol. Cows fed the unsupplemented concentrate mixture were apparently less efficient in utilizing metabolizable energy than cows receiving either of the three supplemented rations but these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). There were no incidences of clinical ketosis and only 14 occurrences of positive ketone reactions in the milk (five on control, three on the 3% propylene glycol, four on 3% glycerol, and two on 6% glycerol). In the second experiment cows were subjected to slightly greater nutritional stress, which resulted in elevated ketone levels in 31 samples of milk from control cows, six from cows fed 3% propylene glycol, two for cows fed 6% propylene glycol, and three for cows fed 9% propylene glycol. Four cows, all on the control ration, developed clinical ketosis requiring glucose therapy. There were no consistent effects of propylene glycol on feed intake, body weight change, or efficiency of ration utilization. Propylene glycol supplementation appeared to increase milk yield at the 3 and 6% level and caused a slight decrease in milk fat and an increase in milk lactose percent.

Effect of forage conservation method, concentrate level and propylene glycol on diet digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolite concentrations and nutrient utilisation of dairy cows

Article

May 2002
ANIM FEED SCI TECH

The current study was conducted to establish if variations in nutrient supply due to forage conservation method could be compensated for by increases in concentrate feeding or supplements of a glucogenic substrate. Thirty two Finnish Ayrshire dairy cows were used in a cyclic change-over experiment with four 21-day experimental periods and a 4×2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effects of forage conservation method, concentrate level and propylene glycol (PG), and their interactions, on digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood metabolite concentrations and nutrient utilisation. Experimental treatments consisted of four conserved forages offered ad libitum, supplemented with two levels of a cereal-based concentrate (7 or 10kg per day) and PG (0 and 210g per day) fed as three equal meals. Forages were prepared from primary growths of timothy and meadow fescue swards and ensiled using no additive (NA), an inoculant enzyme (IE) preparation or a formic acid (FA)-based additive or conserved as hay 1 week later. Forage conservation method had only minor effects on digestibility. Increases in concentrate feeding reduced the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) while PG supplements tended to decrease that of nitrogen. Rumen fermentation of grass silage-based diets was characterised by higher molar proportions of butyrate and branched chain volatile fatty acids (BCVFA) and lower proportions of acetate compared with hay-based diets. Use of an ensiling additive reduced molar proportions of butyrate, while relative to FA silage, rumen fermentation of IE silage was associated with lower proportions of acetate and higher proportions of propionate and BCVFA. Increases in concentrate feeding resulted in a shift towards butyrate at the expense of acetate, while PG supplementation resulted in a rumen fermentation with higher proportions of propionate and lower proportions of acetate. Relative to silage fed animals, cows receiving hay-based diets had higher plasma concentrations of glucose and lower concentrations of insulin and beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB). Increases in concentrate feeding tended to increase glucose concentrations while PG supplements elevated glucose but lowered plasma β-OHB concentrations. Differences in rumen fermentation associated with the ingestion of forages conserved using different methods were sufficient to suggest an important role on subsequent nutrient utilisation. Increases in concentrate feeding or supplements of a glucogenic precursor were unable to compensate for variations in nutrient supply due to forage conservation method.

Protein and Energy Supplementation of High Alfalfa Silage Diets During Early Lactation

Article

Jul 1993

Protein versus energy as a first-limiting nutrient for milk yield and milk protein content was studied in cows fed high alfalfa silage diets. In Experiment 1, 12 cows during wk 3 to 12 of lactation were fed diets containing 48.2% alfalfa silage or 98.2% silage with or without infusion of 1 kg/d of casein into the abomasum. Infusion of casein resulted in a 22% increase in milk yield, 180-g/d increase in milk protein yield, and no change in DMI. In Experiment 2, 20 cows during wk 3 to 6 of lactation were fed 98.2% alfalfa silage diets and received no infusion, 1 kg/d of glucose infused into the abomasum, 1.2 kg/d of soy protein into the abomasum, or a mixture of the glucose and protein infusion into the abomasum. Infusion of glucose had no effect on milk yield but decreased DMI, milk fat, and milk protein. Infusion of protein increased daily milk yield by 17% and protein yield by 144 g/d. In Experiment 3, 20 cows during wk 9 to 12 of lactation were fed 98.2% alfalfa silage and received no infusion, .75 kg/d of propionate infused into the rumen, 1.2 kg/d of soy protein infused into the abomasum, and the propionate and soy protein infusions combined. In Experiment 4, 20 cows were fed 78.2% alfalfa silage diets with or without 5% propylene glycol. Infusion of propionate or supplementation of propylene glycol in Experiments 3 and 4 reduced DMI and milk yield. Milk yield response to protein infused into the abomasum and lack of response to energy infused into the abomasum or included in the diet in a nonfermentable form suggest that protein, not energy, is the first-limiting nutrient for milk yield in cows fed high alfalfa silage diets.

Hormonal regulation of metabolism in ruminants; a review

Article

Jun 1986
Livest Prod Sci

The regulation of metabolism is primarily concerned with maintaining constant levels of glucose in the blood. Depending on energy intake, this may involve mobilization of body stores to provide substrate for glucose synthesis and to spare glucose, or it may involve storage of excess nutrients. Insulin is the primary hormonal regulator of metabolism in the resting animal. When energy intake is high, insulin concentrations are high and growth and/or body gain is promoted. Low concentrations of insulin have a catabolic effect. In contrast, glucagon, epinephrine and glucocorticoids are emergency hormones. They provide for mobilization of energy for fight or flight. In addition, glucocorticoids may facilitate repletion of glycogen stores. Growth hormone does not seem to be involved in the minute-to-minute regulation of metabolism, but it can alter the sensitivity of tissues to insulin with respect to glucose metabolism. It also appears to be antagonistic to the lipid synthetic effects of insulin. However, both insulin and growth hormone promote net protein synthesis. Whereas insulin promotes body gain by stimulating fat and protein synthesis, growth hormone promotes lean growth.

Concentrate feeding, dry-matter intake, and metabolic disorders in Danish dairy cows

Article

Jul 2000
Livest Prod Sci

Data from 3676 lactations of 1856 cows recorded during 12 years in three Danish research herds was used to study the associations between postpartum feeding, diseases, and feed intake. The diseases included four clinical metabolic disorders diagnosed by veterinarians: decreased rumen motility, enteritis, ketosis, and left-displaced abomasum (LDA). Because the feeds offered to and refused by cows were weighed individually for each cow, the actual concentrate dry-matter intake (DMI) and roughage DMI were used. Weekly recordings of feed intake were available. Odds of metabolic disorders according to concentrate management in the early lactation were studied through three analyses. Effect of total concentrate DMI was analysed for cows fed their concentrates mainly separately from roughage. Effect of concentrate DMI to total DMI ratio was analysed for cows that predominately were fed a total mixed ration (TMR). Effect of percentage of the total concentrate DMI that was fed with roughage was analysed for cows that did not have access to summer pasture. From these analyses it seems to be the early-lactation feeding of concentrates separately from roughage and not the concentrate to roughage ratio within a TMR that is associated with increased odds of metabolic disorders. Through analyses of DMI in the weeks around the diagnoses, it was found that each disorder was associated with decreased total DMI, for at least the week before and 2 weeks after diagnosis. The effect persisted more than 4 weeks in cows with ketosis and in primiparous cows with LDA. LDA and ketosis was associated with more weeks of ‘pre-clinical’ decreased DMI.

The metabolism of 1,2-propanediol

Article

Apr 1961
Biochim Biophys Acta

Eskin. Huff

1.1. Lactaldehyde has been identified as the product of the oxidation of dl-1.2-propanediol by a rabbit-liver alcohol dehydrogenase preparation.2.2. The Ks values for (a) oxidation of ethanol, l-1,2-propanediol, and d-1,2-propanediol are respectively 0.63, 3.6, and 33.3 μmoles/ml; and for (b) reduction of acetaldehyde, l-lactaldehyde, and d-lactaldehyde are respectively 3.6, 1.4, and 3.7 μmoles/ml. The enzyme was most active in the reduction of l-lactaldehyde.3.3. Studies with crystalline horse-liver alcohol dehydrogenase yielded results similar to those observed with the rabbit-liver enzyme preparation. The Ks values for (a) oxidation of ethanol, l-1,2-propanediol, and d-1,2-propanediol are respectively 2.1, 12.8, and 56 μmoles/ml; and for (b) reduction of acetaldehyde, l-lactaldehyde, and d-lactaldehyde are respectively 0.12, 0.12, and 0.26 μmole/ml.4.4. It is pointed out that these results demonstrate a new stereospecificity of alcohol dehydrogenase involving the carbon adjacent to the one being oxidized. The importance of using a recently described technique of bisulfite ion exchange chromatography for the separation and identification of acetol and lactaldehyde is discussed.

Supplementation of dairy cows with propylene glycol during the periparturient period: effects on body condition score, milk yield, first estrus post-partum, b-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations

Article

Jan 2004

The objective of this study was to analyse the effects of propylene glycol (PPG) supplementation to periparturient cows on: milk yield, changes in body condition score (BCS), days to first oestrus after calving, and on the beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterefied fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose concentrations. Twenty-three Holstein cows were distributed into two treatments: a) 300 mL of PPG (group treatment, 11 cows), b) 300 mL of water (group control, 12 cows), administered via drench in periparturient period. BCS was evaluated on days -10, 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 relative to calving date. There was no effect of treatment or time on milk yield, although the interaction of time*treatment was significant and during the 4th and 5th week of lactation, milk yield was significant higher in treatment group. Days to first oestrus of PPG and control group were on average 40.2 and 45.2 respectively (P>0.05). There was no effect of treatment on body condition score (BCS) from calving to sixty days post partum. There was no effect of treatment or interaction of time*treatment on plasma parameters (BHBA, NEFA and glucose) but there was an effect of time on glucose and NEFA. However, based on an analysis of covariance, using BCS as the covariate, an effect of treatment on plasma concentrations of BHBA was observed. In conclusion, supplementation of propyleneglycol has a minor effect to alleviate the negative metabolic effects that normally occur at early lactation in dairy cows.

Hematological alterations in kittens induced by 6 and 12% dietary propylene glycol

Article

May 1992
Vet Hum Toxicol

Soft-moist cat foods containing 6-13% propylene glycol (PG) induce Heinz body formation and decreased red blood cell (RBC) lifespan in adult cats in a dose dependent manner. Since kittens eat relatively more food/kg of body weight and must expand their blood volume in addition to replacing senescent RBC, the hematologic dyscrasia associated with consumption of PG-containing diets may be exaggerated. To test this hypothesis 21 kittens were divided into 3 groups of 7 each and fed diets containing, 0,6 or 12% PG for 13 w. A dose-related increase in Heinz bodies occurred in the 6 and 12% PG groups within 2 w and persisted throughout the study. Although only slight changes occurred in hematocrit, hemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) count, punctate reticulocytes increased significantly in the 6 and 12% PG groups indicating accelerated erythropoiesis. Mean RBC survival was decreased in the 6 and 12% groups by 44% and 63% respectively when compared to the control group. The increase in reticulocyte count and reduction in RBC lifespan was greater than observed in adult cats. The greater effect in kittens may be due to greater PG intake and not to an inate susceptibility of kitten RBC to PG.

Hematologic alterations in adult cats fed 6 or 12% propylene glycol

Article

Feb 1992

Cat foods containing propylene glycol (PG) induce Heinz body formation in feline erythrocytes. To further study the hematologic importance of dietary PG, 21 adult cats were allotted to 3 groups of 7 each and fed diets containing 0, 6, or 12% PG on a dry-weight basis. Cats fed PG had a dose-related increase in Heinz bodies within 2 weeks, and the increase persisted throughout the study. Although only slight changes occurred in PCV, hemoglobin concentration, and RBC count, punctate reticulocytes were significantly increased in the group fed 12% PG. Mean RBC survival was decreased in the groups fed 6 or 12% PG by 30 and 55%, respectively, compared with the control group. These data indicate that PG-containing diets cause a dose-dependent erythrocyte destruction, even when fed at concentrations as low as 6%.

Lipid Nutrition

Article

Aug 1991
VET CLIN N AM-FOOD A

Cows in early lactation or producing more than 80 lb of milk per day need supplemental fat and can benefit from it. Fat should be added to the diet over a period of several weeks to allow the cows to become accustomed to it. Feed intake should be monitored because additional fat may decrease feed intake and offset the benefit of the fat. Supplemental fat should not exceed 4 to 5% of the dry matter intake. The first 2% of added fat should be supplied by oilseeds under most circumstances. The next 1 or 2% can come from commodity fat if availability and handling ability permits its use. If the last increment of fat is needed, it should be supplied by specialty fats that have been processed to improve ruminal inertness. Extra calcium, magnesium, and ruminally undegraded protein should be added to the diet when fat is added. Fat is a more expensive source of energy than feed grains in most of the world and should not be used beyond needs.

Energy balance, first ovulation and the effects of naloxone on LH secretion in early postpartum dairy cows

Article

Mar 1991

Relationship among energy balance (EB), first ovulation, circulating metabolites and opioid involvement in peripheral LH concentrations were assessed in 40 multiparous Holstein cows assigned randomly to an experiment with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Cows were either milked normally (2x/d) and expected to be in negative EB (LAC) or were milked for only 1 d postpartum (PP) to ensure a rapid return to positive EB (NONLAC). Blood samples were collected from NONLAC cows every 12 min for 16 h on d 7, 10, and 14 PP and from LAC cows on d 7, 14, 21 and 28 PP. Within each group, half the cows received naloxone (50 mg/h) and half received saline during h 9 to 16 of each frequent sampling series. The mean number of LH pulses/8 h for NONLAC cows was 4.3, 4.7 and 5.3 at 7, 10 and 14 d PP and for LAC cows 4.3, 5.7, 6.4 and 7.0 at 7, 14, 21 and 28 d PP, respectively. The LH pulse frequency was not different between NONLAC and LAC cows at 7 and 14 d PP, yet NONLAC cows had fewer days to first ovulation (P less than .01). Naloxone did not affect any parameters of LH secretion in either group. Following parturition, NONLAC cows averaged 4.0 d to negative EB nadir and 14.3 d to first ovulation. The LAC cows averaged 13.6 d to negative EB nadir and 27.0 d to first ovulation. Days PP to first ovulation were highly correlated (r = .85) with days PP to negative EB nadir.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fatal propylene glycol toxicosis in a horse

Article

Jun 1991
JAVMA-J AM VET MED A

Toxicosis attributable to propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) was suspected in an 8-year-old 450- to 500-kg male Quarter Horse. Clinical signs of toxicosis developed within 15 minutes of the accidental iatrogenic oral administration of 3.8 L of propylene glycol. Clinical signs of toxicosis included salivation, sweating, ataxia, and signs of pain. Additionally, at 24 hours after propylene glycol ingestion, the horse became increasingly atactic, had an abnormal breath odor, developed rapid shallow breathing, and was cyanotic. The horse died of apparent respiratory arrest 28 hours after the propylene glycol ingestion. Analysis of serum and combined urine and blood from the kidneys confirmed the presence of propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is used for the treatment and prevention of bovine ketosis, and is similar in appearance to mineral oil. The accidental administration of propylene glycol to horses may result in fatal poisoning.

Propylene glycol ingestion causes D-lactic acidosis

Article

Feb 1990

Propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) is a solvent in numerous pharmaceuticals and a major preservative and source of carbohydrates in processed foods. In mammals, propylene glycol is metabolized similar to ethanol, proceeding via hepatic alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases to lactate, which can then enter gluconeogenesis. We observed that cats ingesting 1.6 gm of propylene glycol/kg body weight/day developed increased anion gap. To investigate this further, we measured D- and L-lactate concentrations in these cats; we also measured D-lactate in cats ingesting high doses of propylene glycol (8.0 gm/kg). While L-lactate actually decreased throughout the 35-day course of propylene glycol feeding, D-lactate levels were significantly increased on a dose-dependent basis and correlated positively with anion gap. In cats ingesting the high dose of propylene glycol, D-lactate concentrations were as high as 7 mmol/liter, levels associated with encephalopathy in humans. Indeed, this group of cats developed depression and ataxia, consistent with intoxication by D-lactate. These findings are significant not only for animals ingesting diets which contain propylene glycol, but for humans who receive propylene glycol-containing medications.

Epidemiology of Metabolic Disorders in the Periparturient Dairy Cow

Article

Oct 1988

The descriptive epidemiology and risk factors were reviewed for six clinical disorders: milk fever, downer cow syndrome, hypomagnesemic tetany, udder edema, left displaced abomasum, and ketosis. Data were included also from preliminary analyses of a data set from approximately 61,000 Finnish Ayrshire cows. A web of postulated associations among the metabolic disorders and other risks factors (previous lactation diseases and milk yield, calf factors, certain dry period nutritional factors, dystocia, retained placenta, and metritis) was diagrammed.

Hepatic Ketogenesis and Peripheral Ketone Body Utilization in the Ruminant

Article

Jul 1987

Hepatic and alimentary ketogenesis occur at similar rates in fed, nonpregnant, nonlactating goats, sheep and dairy cows. Alimentary ketogenesis begins to diminish within 24 h after fasting but compensatory increases in hepatic ketogenesis maintain total splanchnic release and, therefore, no change in circulating concentrations of ketone bodies is observed. By the third day of fast the gut is utilizing acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate and alimentary ketogenesis has ceased. Hepatic ketogenesis of both ketone bodies accelerates rapidly due to portal-drained visceral and hindquarter lipolysis and subsequent hepatic fatty acid uptake and total circulating concentrations are doubled. During pregnancy and lactation in sheep and cows alimentary ketogenesis is maintained as long as digestible organic matter intake is constant. Hepatic and total splanchnic release of beta-hydroxybutyrate increases in late gestation and early lactation. Again, this is due to increased portal-drained visceral and hindquarter free fatty acid release and hepatic free fatty acid uptake. Hindquarter uptake of both ketones during late gestation is similar to the ratio observed in nonpregnant fed sheep but the percentage of utilization decreases, perhaps reflecting partitioning to uteroplacental tissues. Hindquarter uptake of both ketone bodies in sheep increases in early lactation due to increased circulating concentrations because extraction ratios are similar to those of fed animals. Ketosis during pregnancy in sheep and lactation in cows may be prevented by beta-hydroxybutyrate stimulation of pancreatic insulin production. However, an insulin-independent intrahepatic mechanism apparently occurs in sheep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of starvation on intermediary metabolism in the lactating cow. A comparison with metabolic changes occurring during bovine ketosis

Article

Sep 1972

1. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the metabolic changes associated with carbohydrate and fat metabolism that occurred in the blood and liver of lactating dairy cows during starvation for 6 days. 2. During starvation, the blood concentrations of the free fatty acids and ketone bodies increased, whereas that of citrate decreased. After an initial increase, the blood concentration of glucose subsequently declined as starvation progressed. Starvation caused a significant decrease in the plasma concentration of serine and a significant increase in that of leucine. 3. After 6 days of starvation the hepatic concentrations of oxaloacetate, citrate, phosphoenolpyruvate, 2-phosphoglycerate, 3-phosphoglycerate, glucose, glycogen, ATP and NAD(+) had all decreased, as had the hepatic activities of phosphopyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.32) and pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40). 4. The above metabolic changes are similar to those previously found to occur in cows suffering from spontaneous ketosis (Baird et al., 1968; Baird & Heitzman, 1971). 5. Milk yield decreased progressively during starvation. 6. There were marked differences in the ability of individual animals to resist the onset of severe starvation ketosis.

Toxicology, metabolism, and biochemistry of 1,2-propanediol

Article

Feb 1972

Joseph A. Ruddick

The toxicity of 1,2-propanediol is reviewed, and a table of the LD50 values for the rat, rabbit, mouse, guinea pig, and dog is presented. Metabolic and chronic studies demonstrate that 1,2-propanediol can be used as a substitute for carbohydrate in the diet of rats and young chicks. The glycol is primarily oxidized to lactate or pyruvate.

Dissimilation of 1,2-propanediol by rumen micro-organisms

Article

Apr 1973

1. The main products of fermentation of 1,2-propanediol were n -propanol and propionic acid, but variable amounts of acetic acid and carbon dioxide were also formed. The concentrations of an intermediate propionaldehyde increased and then decreased. 2. A tentative scheme is suggested, showing that 1,2-propanediol is first dehydrated to propionaldehyde, which is then reduced to n -propanol. The scheme also explains the formation of propionic and acetic acids and shows how the metabolism of 1,2-propanediol is related to that of rhamnose. 3. Experiments with samples of rumen contents from animals on various diets showed that 1,2-propanediol was metabolized most rapidly when the animals were given molassed sugar-beet pulp. The rates of dissimilation of the diol increased with the concentration of rumen contents and with the concentration of substrate. 4. The dissimilation of 1,2-propanediol by rumen micro-organisms resulted in an increased uptake of hydrogen. The metabolic hydrogen, arising from the inhibition of methane production by chloroform, appeared to be better utilized than the gaseous hydrogen. 5. Oxygen gas did not affect the utilization of 1,2-propanediol, but the diol increased the uptake of oxygen by the rumen contents. The hydrogen and carbon balances were better when 1,2-propanediol was incubated anaerobically than in the presence of oxygen.

Hyperketonemia-Ketogenesis and Ketone Body Metabolism

Article

Jul 1971

E N Bergman

In bovine ketosis, hyperketonemia is only one biochemical disturbance that occurs among a multiplicity of metabolic changes. The changes can be grouped into two major categories and these are: 1) a reduction in available carbohydrate and 2) an increase in the quantities of fat and ketone bodies being metabolized. The two major ketone bodies, AcAc and BHB, are interconvert- ible and their ratio may reflect or alter the redox state of the various tissues. The ke- tone bodies are readily utilized, are used for milk fat production, and can account for 20 to 30% of the animal's total respira- tory CO 2. There is some evidence that sev- eral tissues, notably the brain, can gradu- ally adapt to ketone body utilization while conserving glucose. In the normal rumi- nant, ketone bodies are produced by the rumen epithelium from dietary fatty acids, notably butyrate, and certain ketogenic di- ets possibly can predispose the animal to ketosis. During active ketosis, however, most of the excess ketone bodies are pro- duced from FFA in the liver. The excessive ketogenesis seems dependent upon two fac- tors, both of which must operate: 1) a pri- mary factor or FFA mobilization from the body's fat stores and 2) an hepatic factor which involves a shift in hepatic FFA uti- lization away from the two pathways of esterification and oxidation to C02 to the third pathway of partial oxidation to ketone bodies. The availability of carbo- hydrate seems to play a critical role in each case. Hypoglycemia wilI cause increased FFA mobilization from the fat stores, and insufficient carbohydrate metabolism in the liver shifts the pathways of hepatic FFA utilization from that of esterifieation and oxidation to CO e to that of ketogenesis. An insufficient mobilization or supply of

Metabolism of propane-1:2-diol infused into the rumen of sheep

Article

Jun 1972

1. Propane-1:2-diol (loog/d) was infused through a cannula into the rumen of sheep receiving a ration of hay and dried grass. The concentration of volatile fatty acids, propanediol, lactic acid and of added polyethylene glycol, and the pH of the rumen contents were measured. The energy metabolism of the sheep was also determined. 2. Most of the propanediol disappeared from the rumen within 4 h of its infusion. The infusion of propanediol resulted in a 10% decrease in the concentration of total volatile acids; the concentration of acetic acid decreased by about 30%, that of propionic acid increased by up to 60% and there was no change in the concentration of butyric acid. 3. The methane production of the sheep decreased by about 9% after the infusion of propanediol and there were increases in the oxgyen consumption, carbon dioxide production and heat production of the animals; each of these increases was equivalent to about 40% of the theoretical value for the complete metabolism of 100 g propanediol. 4. It is concluded that, when propanediol is introduced into the rumen, a proportion is metabolized in the rumen and a large proportion is absorbed directly. Our thanks are due to Dr J. H. Moore for helpful discussions, to Mr D. R. Paterson, Mr J. R. McDill and Mr C. E. Park for looking after the animals and to Miss K. M. Graham, Miss A. T. McKay and Mrs C. E. Ramage for performing the analyses.

Bovine ketosis

Article

Mar 1966

H A Krebs

Metabolism of DL-1,2-Propanediol-2-14C in a Lactating Cow

Article

Aug 1967

Since propanediol is glucogenic and is extensively used in therapy of bovine ketosis, its metabolic fate was investigated. DL-1,2-propanediol-2-¹⁴C with 400 g of carrier propanediol was administered intraruminally to a lactating cow. During the next 24 hours, the percentage of the dose recovered was 43.7 in CO2, 12.4 in milk, 3.5 to 7 in urine, and less than 0.1 in feces. The propanediol was predominantly absorbed from the rumen without alteration, although some conversion to propionic acid in the rumen was detected. The maximal level of propanediol in milk was 0.04 mg/ml. Distribution of ¹⁴C among the carbons of lactose and glutamic acid indicated conversion of propanediol to glucose via carboxylation of pyruvate to oxalacetate. These results demonstrate that propanediol is glucogenic in the classical sense of that term; namely, that it is metabolized via intermediates, probably pyruvate and oxalacetate, which can lead to net synthesis of glucose. The small concentrations of propanediol in peripheral blood and the approximately 2-hour delay in attaining maximal specific activity in CO2 after attaining maximal specific activity of blood glucose indicated that glucogenesis was primarily hepatic with oxidation primarily occurring in other tissues.

Insulin and glucagon responses in plasma to intraportal infusions of propionate and butyrate in sheep (Ovis aries)

Article

Feb 1982
Comp Biochem Physiol Physiol

R P Brockman

1.1. The effects of infusions into the hepatic portal vein of propionate and butyrate at dosages approximating absorption rates on concentrations of glucose, insulin and glucagon were determined in sheep.2.2. Immunoreactive insulin in plasma increased significantly (P < 0.05) during infusion of propionate and butyrate.3.3. Concentrations of immunoreactive glucagon in plasma did not change significantly during propionate administration but increased during butyrate administration.

Fatty Infiltration of Liver in Spontaneously Ketotic Dairy Cows

Article

Dec 1983

The purpose of this study was to ascertain 1) fatty infiltration of the liver in spontaneously ketotic cows and 2) the most appropriate blood components to aid diagnosis of ketotic fatty liver. Liver biopsies and blood samples were obtained under field conditions. Cows were divided into three groups (healthy, mildly ketotic, and severely ketotic) by their blood ketone body concentrations. Severely ketotic cows had a greater percent fat in the liver than healthy cows. The mildly ketotic group fell between the other two groups and was significantly different from only the severely ketotic group. There was a positive correlation between fatty infiltration and blood ketone body concentrations but a negative correlation with glucose concentrations. Liver-specific enzymes were positively correlated with fatty infiltration. Only ornithine carbamoyltransferase and iditol (sorbitol) dehydrogenase could be used to separate healthy cows from those with severe ketosis. The best equation to explain the variation of percent fat in liver included concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and logarithm of ornithine carbamoyltransferase concentration (Log-OCT): % Fat = -6.15 + 2.39 (BHB) + 11.7 (LogOCT) Although this equation explained 39.5% of the variation, it could not be used to predict reliably percent fat in the liver. Liver biopsy seems still to be the only reliable method of measuring of fatty infiltration in the liver.

Prevalence of bovine ketosis in relation to number and stage of lactation

Article

Feb 1983

K Kauppinen

Subclinical ketosis: Prevalence and associations with production and disease

Article

Feb 1984

Cows in 32 southern Ontario Holstein herds were monitored for subclinical ketosis for a period of two and one half years. Milk samples were routinely collected and the level of milk ketone bodies determined by the use of a commercial nitroprusside based test powder (reactions scored as negative, +1 or +2). Approximately 92% of positive reactions were observed in the first 65 days of lactation and for that time period the prevalence of ketosis was 12.1%. Based on this prevalence, the minimum possible duration of subclinical ketosis would be 7.9 days and the minimum possible lactational incidence rate would be 12.1%. The prevalence during the first 65 days of lactation in individual herds ranged from 0 to 33.9%. Subclinical ketosis was more likely to be found in cows experiencing metritis than in unaffected cows. Detection of elevated levels of milk ketones also indicated that the cow had a significantly higher risk of having clinical ketosis, metritis or cystic ovaries diagnosed within the following four days. Milk ketone scores of +1 and +2 were found to be associated with a reduction in daily milk production of 1.0 and 1.4 kg of milk respectively.

[Ketone body concentration in blood, milk and urine of healthy cows and in those with primary ketosis]

Article

Nov 1980

Effect of Propylene Glycol Dosage During Feed Restriction on Metabolites in Blood of Prepartum Holstein Heifers

Article

Jan 1995

Different doses of propylene glycol were compared for lowering plasma NEFA concentration during restricted feed intake. Eight Holstein heifers, averaging 90 d prior to calving at initiation of the trial, were in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with 12-d periods. Heifers consumed alfalfa silage on an ad libitum basis during d 1 to 7 of each period. During d 8 to 12, heifers were gradually restricted to 50% of ad libitum intake. Heifers received an oral drench of 0, 296, 592, or 887 ml of propylene glycol once daily at 6 h prior to feeding on d 8 to 12. Propylene glycol linearly increased glucose and insulin and decreased BHBA and NEFA in blood. Quadratic effects of propylene glycol on plasma glucose, BHBA, and NEFA also occurred; response per milliliter of propylene glycol was greatest at the lowest dose. The highest dose of propylene glycol returned blood glucose, insulin, and NEFA concentrations to those prior to feed restriction. Ruminal acetate to propionate ratio decreased as propylene glycol dose was increased, indicating ruminal conversion of propylene glycol to propionate. A dose of 296 ml of propylene glycol was almost as effective as a dose of 887 ml in reducing lipid mobilization during restricted feed intake.

Etiology of Lipid-Related Metabolic Disorders in Periparturient Dairy Cows

Article

Jan 1994

R.R. Grummer

Plasma NEFA concentrations increase prior to and at parturition, resulting in increased fatty acid uptake by the liver, fatty acid esterification, and triglyceride storage. Liver triglyceride concentration increases four- to fivefold between d 17 prior to calving and d 1 following calving. Increases in liver triglyceride following calving do not appear to be dramatic. Severity of fatty liver 1 d postpartum is correlated negatively with feed intake 1 d prepartum. Export of newly synthesized triglyceride as very low density lipoprotein occurs slowly in ruminants and is a major factor in the development of fatty liver. Nutritional strategies to minimize the elevation in plasma NEFA prior to calving results in lower liver triglyceride at calving. Fatty liver probably precedes clinical spontaneous ketosis. Liver triglyceride to glycogen ratio may be used to predict susceptibility of cows to ketosis. Consequently, strategies to reduce liver triglyceride at calving may decrease incidence of ketosis. Research to determine methods to reduce fatty acid delivery to the liver or to enhance hepatic export of very low density lipoprotein near calving is warranted. Identification of the cause for the slow rate of assembly and secretion of hepatic very low density lipoprotein in ruminants will be required to assess the feasibility of increasing export of very low density lipoprotein.

Effect of Prepartum Propylene Glycol Administration on Periparturient Fatty Liver in Dairy Cows

Article

Nov 1993

Plasma glucose concentration during late gestation was thought to be important for the development of fatty liver near parturition. Thirteen multiparous cows were given a 1-L oral drench of propylene glycol once daily beginning 10 +/- 3.6 d prepartum until parturition. Eleven control cows received a 1-L water drench. Plasma glucose increased following propylene glycol administration. Plasma NEFA concentration was 403 and 234 microM, and plasma insulin concentrations were .354 and .679 ng/ml, for control cows and cows treated with propylene glycol measured from 1 to 7 d prepartum. Plasma NEFA tended to be lower in cows treated with propylene glycol from 1 to 21 d postpartum. Prepartum propylene glycol administration reduced hepatic triglyceride accumulation by 32 and 42% at 1 and 21 d postpartum, respectively. Prepartum plasma BHBA was reduced during propylene glycol administration. Prepartum plasma glucose, NEFA, BHBA, and insulin were strongly correlated with liver triglyceride at 1 d postpartum (r = -.49, .45, .36, and -.49, respectively). Pre- and postpartum DMI were not affected by treatment. Milk production and composition measured through 21 d postpartum were not different between groups.

Somatotropin, insulin-like growth factor-I and the mammary gland in regulation of nutrient and energy metabolism during early lactation

Article

Feb 1993
Acta Vet Scand Suppl

New Aspects of Ketone Bodies in Energy Metabolism of Dairy Cows: A Review

Article

Jan 1997

Increased lipolysis, low insulin/glucagon ratios and malonyl-CoA concentrations are prerequisites for ketogenesis. From an aetiological viewpoint, there are two quite different types of metabolic disorders in which ketosis can occur, the hypoglycaemic-hypoinsulinaemic and the hyperglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic type. The former, Type I, generally occurs 3-6 weeks after calving in cows whose milk secretion is so extensive that the demand for glucose exceeds the capacity for glucose production. To protect the body from hazardous protein degradation by a high rate of gluconeogenesis, this process is inhibited and the increased energy requirements are met by the elevated utilization of ketone bodies. In this strong catabolic metabolic state the plasma levels of glucose and insulin are very low, the levels of ketone bodies are high and there are small risks for fat accumulation in the liver cells. The hyperglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic form, Type II, generally occurs earlier in lactation. An important aetiologic factor is overfeeding in the dry period, which can lead to disturbances in the hormonal adaptation of metabolism at calving with increased plasma levels of insulin and glucose and often out not always also with hyperketonaemia. If combined with stress, there may be increased lipolysis in adipose tissues, lipid synthesis and accumulation in the liver, i.e. the development of fatty liver. This hyperglycaemic form of disturbance has many similarities with the initial stage of non-insulin-dependent (Type II) diabetes in humans. It has been shown that ketone bodies inhibit protein degradation and thereby gluconeogenesis and also are able to spare glucose by inhibiting glucose utilization. They also can inhibit lipolysis and function as a regulatory safety system, replacing insulin, in situations when the activity of this hormone is low, as in Type I ketosis. Ketone bodies thus have important functions as substrates replacing glucose in many tissues and also as signal substances in the regulation of energy metabolism.

Effect of Method of Delivery of Propylene Glycol on Plasma Metabolites of Feed-Restricted Cattle

Article

Apr 1997

Methods of administering propylene glycol to reduce plasma nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) during feed restriction of cattle were evaluated. Treatments were 1) no propylene glycol supplementation, 2) propylene glycol provided as an oral drench once per day, 3) propylene glycol mixed with concentrate and fed separately from forage, or 4) propylene glycol blended as part of the total mixed ration (TMR). Prior to or during feed restriction at 50% of ad libitum intake, propylene glycol was provided once daily at 2.5 ml/kg of body weight. Prior to feed restriction, administration of propylene glycol as an oral drench or mixed with concentrate was more effective in increasing serum insulin than was feeding propylene glycol as part of the TMR. During feed restriction, administration of propylene glycol as an oral drench or mixed with concentrate resulted in higher serum insulin and lower plasma NEFA concentrations than did feeding propylene glycol as part of the TMR. Propylene glycol decreased the molar percentage of ruminal acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate. Propylene glycol administered as an oral drench or mixed with concentrate and fed separately from forage appeared to be more effective than feeding propylene glycol as part of the TMR for influencing plasma NEFA in cattle during feed restriction.

Propylene glycol for dairy cows

Abstract

No full-text available

Recommended publications

International conference on Zero Greenhouse Gas Emission in High Productive Agriculture

Antiketogenic Effects of Monensin in Early Lactation