High NEFA concentration in postpartum dairy cows is not strongly correlated with hyperketonemia
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Early postpartum dairy cows are subject to physiological changes, including adaptations to support rapidly increasing energy output in milk in excess of energy intake. During this period of negative energy balance (NEB), cows respond by mobilizing lipid and protein reserves in order to support lactation and vital functions. Fat reserves are mobilized as non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) that can be extracted by the liver and either oxidized or re-esterified, then exported as very low density lipoproteins or accumulated in the liver tissue. Cows vary in their success in supporting these physiological functions during NEB. Some cows adapt very well to NEB; however, other cows do not, resulting in excessive ketone body synthesis. Our hypothesis is that, within the same environment and management conditions, there is a genetic difference that triggers the capability of some cows to utilize NEFA efficiently whereas other cows develop hyperketonemia. The objective of this study was to identify cows with elevated postpartum NEFA concentrations, with or without concurrent hyperketonemia, and identify genomic regions associated with development of hyperketonemia in early postpartum Holstein cows.
Authors: Leal Yepes, F. A., Mann, S., McArt, J. A. A., Huson, H. J., Overton, T. R., Nydam, D. V.
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W6888738024