Effects of isonitrogenous and isocaloric total mixed ration composed of forages with different quality on milk fatty acid composition and gene expression of mammary lipogenic enzymes in mid‐lactating dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing different qualities of forages and concentrate content on milk fat composition and genes that encode mammary lipogenic enzymes in dairy cows. A total of 20 Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 2 treatment diets composed of either mixed forages (MF, starch : 21.50%) or corn stover forage (CS, starch : 25.39%). Mammary tissue biopsies were performed to analyze the mRNA expression of lipogenic enzymes. Dry matter intake, body weight, milk protein, and lactose were not affected by treatments. The milk yield, fat content and saturated fatty acid (SFA) and short‐ and medium‐chain fatty acid (SMFA) contents in milk were lower in the CS diet than in the MF diet, but the unsaturated FA and long‐chain FA contents were higher. Genes involved in de novo FA synthesis, FA uptake and transport, and Δ9‐desaturation were lower in the CS treatment than in the MF treatment. No effects on the nuclear transcription factors were observed between the two treatments. The data indicated that corn stover diet reduced the milk yield, fat content, SMFA, and SFA contents in milk, as well as the gene expression of mammary lipogenic enzymes in dairy cows.

Advances in fatty acids nutrition in dairy cows: from gut to cells and effects on performance

“…Interestingly, in adipose tissue prolactin appears to inhibit LPL activity during lactation, at the least in humans [187], to augment availability of FA to the mammary tissue [188]. Transcription of LPL in bovine mammary is also affected by diet as observed in dairy goats and cows [189][190][191].…”

Transcriptomic profiles of the ruminal wall in Italian Mediterranean dairy buffaloes fed green forage

“…Among these factors, the diet, whether or not mediated by the rumen metabolism, has a pivotal role since it can deeply modify the organoleptic and nutraceutical quality of both milk and dairy products. Several studies have demonstrated that pasture-based diets can positively influence milk nutrient profile improving the concentration of several beneficial compounds such as Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vaccenic and linolenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), as well as reducing the levels of Omega-6 fatty acids and palmitic acid [6][7][8][9][10].…”