Metabolic Disorder Diseases of Ruminants

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 9489

Special Issue Editors

Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
Interests: dairy cow nutrition and feeding; management and welfare; dairy and beef rationing; feed characterization; forage analysis; milk analysis and cheese making properties; milk and meat fatty acid profile; meat quality control and assessment; near infrared analysis
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
Interests: ruminants nutrition; equids nutrition; rumen metabolism; hindgut fermentation; in vitro fermentation; feedstuffs characterization; farm sustainability
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The knowledge of metabolic disorders is necessary to enhance the efficiency of animal production. In ruminants’ metabolic disorders and metabolic diseases, either inherited or acquired, result from defective biochemical pathways and deficiencies in enzymes, coenzymes or cofactors.

Different disorders could be caused by abnormal carbohydrate metabolism (ruminal acidosis, ruminal bloat); or by abnormal lipid metabolism (fatty acid deficiency syndrome, ketosis, fatty cow syndrome, milk fat depression); or dietary deficiencies or excess of vitamins and minerals (edema, liver steatosis, milk fever, grass tetany, anemia, and infertility). Acquired deficiency syndromes could be cured by supplementation with the deficient nutrients, however, excessive vitamins (particularly lipid-soluble vitamins) and minerals in diets are toxic to animals and must be avoided.

From these premises stems our invitation for original papers, reviews, commentary and case report addressing research and studies on the previous listed topics, oriented towards understanding the biological mechanisms, pathological manifestation and on farm and/or on clinic solutions and resolutions. Proposals that focus on the identification of sick animals, pathology characterization and their effects on animal performance and metabolism will be welcome, as well as their nutritional and not solutions. Moreover, studies on economic impact of ruminants’ metabolic disorder diseases will be accepted too.

Prof. Dr. Andrea Formigoni
Dr. Damiano Cavallini
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
Effect of Parity, Body Condition Score at Calving, and Milk Yield on the Metabolic Profile of Gyr Cows in the Transition Period
by José Carlos dos Santos Breda, Elias Jorge Facury Filho, Karina Keller da Costa Flaiban and Julio Augusto Naylor Lisboa
Animals 2023, 13(15), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13152509 - 03 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 911
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of parity, body condition score (BCS) at calving, and milk yield on the metabolic profile of Gyr (Zebu) cows. Healthy cows in late pregnancy were grouped according to parity (primiparous, biparous, and multiparous); to BCS scale [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of parity, body condition score (BCS) at calving, and milk yield on the metabolic profile of Gyr (Zebu) cows. Healthy cows in late pregnancy were grouped according to parity (primiparous, biparous, and multiparous); to BCS scale at calving (high—HBCS and normal—NBCS); and to milk yield (high—HP and moderate—MP production). BCS was assessed, and blood samples were collected on −21, −7, 0, 7, 21, and 42 days relative to parturition. The concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, total calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg); and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were measured. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA. The frequencies of high lipomobilization, subclinical ketosis, subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH), and the occurrence of diseases during early lactation were established. Regardless of grouping, NEFA, BHB, and cholesterol increased during early lactation; glucose showed higher values at calving; TP and albumin were higher at 21 and 42 DIM; and Ca, P, and Mg were lower at calving. Parity had little effect on the metabolic profile, HBCS did not differ from NBCS cows, and HP did not differ from MP cows in most metabolites. High lipomobilization in early lactation and SCH at calving were the most common imbalances but were not related to postpartum diseases. High-yielding Gyr cows have a balanced metabolic profile during the transition period, with few biologically relevant effects of parity, BCS at parturition, or milk yielded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Disorder Diseases of Ruminants)
11 pages, 3961 KiB  
Communication
In Vivo and In Vitro Expression of iC1, a Methylation-Controlled J Protein (MCJ) in Bovine Liver, and Response to In Vitro Bovine Fatty Liver Disease Model
by Shanti Choudhary, Michelle LaCasse, Ratan Kumar Choudhary, Mercedes Rincon, Donald C. Beitz and Eric D. Testroet
Animals 2023, 13(6), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061101 - 20 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Mitochondrial complex I inhibitor (iC1) is a methylation-controlled J protein (MCJ) that decreases cellular respiration by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation. Recent rodent studies showed that loss or inhibition of iC1 was associated with preventing lipid accumulation. A common metabolic disorder of dairy cattle is [...] Read more.
Mitochondrial complex I inhibitor (iC1) is a methylation-controlled J protein (MCJ) that decreases cellular respiration by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation. Recent rodent studies showed that loss or inhibition of iC1 was associated with preventing lipid accumulation. A common metabolic disorder of dairy cattle is a fatty liver disease (FLD), which often occurs during the periparturient period. In humans and rodents, iC1 is expressed in the liver and acts as a mitochondrial “brake”. However, iC1 expression in bovine liver and its possible role in FLD development have not yet been characterized. We hypothesized that iC1 is expressed in the bovine liver and that the expression of iC1 is correlated with FLD in periparturient dairy cattle. To test this hypothesis, we collected bovine liver tissue samples from an abattoir and isolated primary hepatic cells immediately following harvest. Utilizing an in vitro model of bovine FLD developed in our laboratory, we cultured primary hepatic cells in low-glucose DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS. The basal media was made to induce lipid accumulation and cytotoxicity in the primary liver cells with three treatments. To the basal media (control) we added 0.4 mM palmitate (treatment 1) or 20 ng/mL TNFα (treatment 2), or both 0.4 mM palmitate and 20 ng/mL TNFα (treatment 3). Consistent with our hypothesis, we present the novel characterization of iC1 expression in primary bovine liver cells cultured with or without the addition of lipotoxic factors made to emulate bovine FLD. We demonstrate both in situ and in vitro expression of iC1 in bovine liver and mRNA expression in hepatic cells and in the precipitates of conditioned media. The results of RT-qPCR, IHC, and western blot all demonstrated the expression of iC1 in bovine liver. In addition, we isolated precipitates of conditioned media further demonstrated iC1 expression by RT-qPCR. The transcript of iC1 tended to be more concentrated (4-fold; p > 0.05) in TNFα-treated conditioned media when compared with the control. Taken together, we present the novel finding that iC1 transcript and protein are expressed in liver tissue from dairy cattle, primary hepatic cells isolated from that liver tissue, and, finally, in the conditioned media derived from those cells. These novel findings and the prior findings on the role of iC1 in rodents and humans indicate that further investigation of the role of iC1 in the etiology and pathology of FLD in periparturient dairy cows is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Disorder Diseases of Ruminants)
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12 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dietary Organic Acids and Botanicals on Metabolic Status and Milk Parameters in Mid–Late Lactating Goats
by Andrea Giorgino, Federica Raspa, Emanuela Valle, Domenico Bergero, Damiano Cavallini, Marta Gariglio, Valentina Bongiorno, Giorgia Bussone, Stefania Bergagna, Francesca Cimino, Lucrezia Dellepiane, Gilberto Mancin, Richard Paratte, Víctor Sáinz de la Maza-Escolà and Claudio Forte
Animals 2023, 13(5), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050797 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2639
Abstract
The microencapsulated mixture of organic acids and pure botanicals (OA/PB) has never been evaluated in goats. The aim of this study was to extend the analysis to mid–late lactating dairy goats, evaluating the effects of OA/PB supplementation on the metabolic status, milk bacteriological [...] Read more.
The microencapsulated mixture of organic acids and pure botanicals (OA/PB) has never been evaluated in goats. The aim of this study was to extend the analysis to mid–late lactating dairy goats, evaluating the effects of OA/PB supplementation on the metabolic status, milk bacteriological and composition characteristics, and milk yield. Eighty mid–late lactating Saanen goats were randomly assigned to two groups: one group was fed the basal total balanced ration (TMR) (CRT; n = 40) and the other was fed a diet that was TMR supplemented with 10 g/head of OA/PB (TRT; n = 40) for 54 days during the summer period. The temperature–humidity index (THI) was recorded hourly. On days T0, T27, and T54, the milk yield was recorded, and blood and milk samples were collected during the morning milking. A linear mixed model was used, considering the fixed effects: diet, time, and their interaction. The THI data (mean ± SD: 73.5 ± 3.83) show that the goats did not endure heat stress. The blood parameters fell within the normal range, confirming that their metabolic status was not negatively influenced by OA/PB supplementation. OA/PB increased the milk fat content (p = 0.04) and milk coagulation index (p = 0.03), which are effects that are looked on as favorable by the dairy industry in relation to cheese production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Disorder Diseases of Ruminants)
14 pages, 3783 KiB  
Article
Effect of Sugar Beet Pulp and Anionic Salts on Metabolic Status and Mineral Homeostasis during the Peri-Parturient Period of Dairy Sheep
by Christina Peleki, Evangelos Kiosis, Zoe S. Polizopoulou, Georgios Tsousis, George C. Fthenakis, Nektarios D. Giadinis and Christos Brozos
Animals 2023, 13(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13020213 - 06 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1250
Abstract
Sugar beet pulp is a popular by-product of sugar extraction; however, it can potentially cause depletion of Ca availability due to its oxalic content. The experiment examined the effect of sugar beet pulp and anionic salts administration during the dry period on the [...] Read more.
Sugar beet pulp is a popular by-product of sugar extraction; however, it can potentially cause depletion of Ca availability due to its oxalic content. The experiment examined the effect of sugar beet pulp and anionic salts administration during the dry period on the serum concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium of dairy sheep. Eighty-seven sheep were divided into three groups (A, B, and C) according to their body condition score (BCS) and age at 40 days before the expected lambing. All groups received alfalfa hay, mixed grass straw, and a concentrate supplement. The concentrate fed to groups B and C contained sugar beet pulp. The nutritional value fed to all three groups was similar, except for Dietary Cation Anion Difference (DCAD). Animals of group A had a DCAD of +198 mEq/kg, animals of group B of +188 mEq/kg, and animals of group C were fed 20 gr/d ammonium chloride to achieve a negative DCAD (−52 mEq/kg). All groups were fed the same ration after lambing. Blood samples were collected 30 d, 20 d, 17 d, 14 d, 10 d, 7 d, and 4 d before lambing (a.p.), 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 7 d, 10 d, and 15 d after lambing (p.p) for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium, and 30 d a.p., 7 d, and 15 d p.p. for beta hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA) concentrations. Urine samples were also collected 20 d, 10 d, 4 d a.p., and 7 d p.p for the evaluation of pH levels. Ca levels of the control group decreased earlier and were lower at 4 d a.p. compared to those of group B and C. Additionally, the control group showed lower p values compared to group C at 20 d and 17 d a.p. P levels recovered earlier post parturition in young (age 1–1.5 years old) compared to older ewes. Group C had lower urine pH values throughout the pre-parturient period, reflecting the acidifying effect of the administered ammonium chloride, without any side effect on macromineral blood concentration. Feeding sugar beet pulp and systemic acidifying before parturition is considered safe and might even be beneficial in preventing hypocalcemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Disorder Diseases of Ruminants)
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17 pages, 8539 KiB  
Article
Effect of an Immunomodulatory Feed Additive in Mitigating the Stress Responses in Lactating Dairy Cows to a High Concentrate Diet Challenge
by Damiano Cavallini, Ludovica M. E. Mammi, Alberto Palmonari, Ruben García-González, James D. Chapman, Dereck J. McLean and Andrea Formigoni
Animals 2022, 12(16), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12162129 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2268
Abstract
Dairy cows are often exposed to multiple stressors in a lactation-cycle, with sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) a frequent example of nutritional stress. SARA affects ruminal and intestinal equilibrium resulting in dysbiosis with localized and systemic inflammation impacting animal health and productivity. OmniGen-AF (OMN, [...] Read more.
Dairy cows are often exposed to multiple stressors in a lactation-cycle, with sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) a frequent example of nutritional stress. SARA affects ruminal and intestinal equilibrium resulting in dysbiosis with localized and systemic inflammation impacting animal health and productivity. OmniGen-AF (OMN, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Teaneck, NJ, USA) is a feed product recognized for modulating innate immune function, especially during periods of stress. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of OMN in lactating dairy cows fed a high-starch, low-fiber diet. Twenty-four blocked cows were assigned to control or treatment (55 g/d). After the additive adaptation (49 d) cows were fed the challenge diet (28 d). Milk, rumination and pH were continuously recorded; components, rumen fluid, and blood were taken in multiple time-point and analyzed. Results showed that the challenge decreased the rumination, shifted ruminal fluid composition, decreased milk production and the components, and slightly increased the time below pH 5.5, with no differences between groups. The treatment produced greater rumen butyrate and lower lactate, prompter regeneration of red blood cells, increase of neutrophils, lower paraoxonase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, and β-hydroxybutyrate, with no differences on other tested inflammatory markers. Results show that OMN helps modulating some of the metabolic and immunological responses to SARA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Disorder Diseases of Ruminants)
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