Interrelationships of growth hormone AluI polymorphism, insulinresistance, milk production and reproductive performance in Holstein-Friesian cos

Abstract

Healthy multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 22, parity: 2-4) from a large-scale dairy herd in Hungary were subjected to an intravenous glucose tolerance test 10-15 days after calving. AluI genotype of growth hormone, several plasma metabolites and metabolic hormones were determined, and current and previous lactation yields were recorded. We also used the Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (RQUICKI) and its modified version (RQUICKI BHB ) for the estimation of peripheral insulin sensitivity. The majority of cows (n = 18) was leucine homozygous (LL), four were heterozygous (LV) and there were no valine homozygous (VV) animals in the population. Current average milk production was not different between AluI genotypes, but LV cows tended to have higher 305-day previous lactation yields (P = 0.13). AluI polymorphism was not associated with any of the calculated glucose and leptin parameters of the intravenous glucose tolerance test (P > 0.58). Heterozygous cows were prone to higher basal insulin levels (P = 0.064), longer time to reach half of the maximal and basal insulin concentrations (P = 0.035 and P = 0.054, respectively) and larger insulin area under the curve (P = 0.032). Both RQUICKI and RQUICKI BHB estimated decreased insulin sensitivity in LV compared to LL cows (P = 0.055 and P = 0.044, respectively). Higher plasma NEFA and BHB levels accounted for slower glucose disappearance and lower insulin release and insulin clearance rate (P < 0.05). Average yield was inversely related to glucose area under the curve (P = 0.040) and time to reach baseline concentration (P = 0.005). Plasma cortisol lowered glucose clearance rate (P = 0.040) and prolonged time to reach basal levels (P = 0.006). More weight loss was associated with higher glucose peak and prolonged glucose disappearance time (P = 0.055 and P = 0.024, respectively). All cows became cyclic and showed signs of estrus during the study period. There were no differences between leucine homozygous and heterozygous animals in the onset of ovarian activity and in the time of first observed estrus (P > 0.540). We conclude that Holstein-Friesian cows heterozygous for AluI polymorphism of the growth hormone gene may be more likely to develop insulin resistance during early lactation than leucine homozygous cows. Decreased insulin sensitivity could be part of a homeorhetic adaptation process that supports nutrient partioning for the use of the mammary gland and may allow LV cows to reach higher yields throughout lactation.

Changes in Thyroid Hormones Levels and Metabolism in Dairy Cows around Calving

“…Serum insulin values showed to be decreased in the post-partum period, as well. Insulin plays a role in the adaptation of metabolism in dairy cows during the transition period, particularly in terms of nutrient redistribution and partitioning towards the mammary gland during early lactation (insulin resistance) [28]. The decrease in insulin levels found during post-partum is consistent with previous studies which reported high insulin levels before parturition, followed by a gradual decrease from 10 days before parturition remaining relatively low throughout lactation [28].…”

“…Insulin plays a role in the adaptation of metabolism in dairy cows during the transition period, particularly in terms of nutrient redistribution and partitioning towards the mammary gland during early lactation (insulin resistance) [28]. The decrease in insulin levels found during post-partum is consistent with previous studies which reported high insulin levels before parturition, followed by a gradual decrease from 10 days before parturition remaining relatively low throughout lactation [28]. Lower glucose and insulin levels found during the post-partum period relative to the pre-partum period may be due to a decreased responsiveness of pancreatic β-cells to a state of hyperglycemia, caused by factors which inhibit the release of insulin [7].…”

Metabolic and endocrine characteristics of pregnancy toxemia in the ferret

“…All metabolites and hormones were determined with commercial kits adapted for assaying bovine and ovine plasma samples in our lab (Meikle et al, 2004;Kulcsar et al, 2006;Balogh et al, 2008). Glucose was measured using the GOD-POD reaction (Glucose kit, Cat.…”

“…As a result, low levels of insulin, IGF-1, leptin, thyroxine (T 4 ), and 3,3' ,5-triiodothyronine (T 3 ) are measured in the blood. These endocrine consequences are clearly demonstrated in peri-parturient and postpartum dairy cows (Pethes et al, 1985;Sartin et al, 1988;McGuire et al, 1991;Harmon, 1992;Bauman, 2000;Kadokawa et al, 2000;Kahl et al, 2000;Meikle et al, 2004;Balogh et al, 2008;Bossaert et al, 2008;Lucy, 2008), and during late gestation also in twinpregnant, hyperketonemic ewes (Henze et al, 1998;Van Saun, 2000;Kulcsar et al, 2006).…”

A comparative study of the metabolic profile, insulin sensitivity and inflammatory response between organically and conventionally managed dairy cattle during the periparturient period

“…The different indices provide similar but not identical results, so that more than one index should be used (Muniyappa et al, 2008). Some of these indices have already been applied in studies on dairy cows (Holtenius and Holtenius, 2007;Balogh et al, 2008;Kerestes et al, 2009) and, in addition, some studies reported similar changes in the values for QUICKI, RQUICKI, RQUICKI-BHB and parameters of glucose tolerance tests (Balogh et al, 2008;Bossaert et al, 2009). However, as a consequence of the differences in glucose metabolism between dry and lactating cattle, due to the processes involved in nutrition partitioning for milk production, these indices should not be used for comparisons throughout the periparturient period and therefore are only used here for comparisons between the two management systems at the same stage.…”