Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether dietary supplementation with different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA s) affects expression of genes related to somatotropic axis and the plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxyl butyrate acids (BHBA) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and milk fatty acids profile. Right after calving, Holstein cows (n=45) were randomly assigned to one of three diets supplemented with roasted whole soybean as a source of omega-6 PUFA (omega-6, n=15), linseed as a source of omega-3 PUFA (omega-3, n=15) or palm oil (control, n=15). Each cow was in the study over a period of 70 days. Blood samples were collected every two weeks from day 1 to 70 of lactation and plasma concentrations of insulin, glucose, NEFA, BHBA and IGF1 were determined. Liver samples were taken from a subset of 18 cows (6 per diet) at day 70 postpartum and hepatic mRNA level of total growth hormone-receptor 1A (GHR1A), insulin receptor (INSR), IGF1 and insulinlike growth factor binding protein (IGFBP2) was assessed. Experimental diets did not affect milk yield. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were greater for omega-3 treatment compared to omega-6 and control treatments. Cows fed diets enriched in omega-3 exhibited greater INSR and GHR1A mRNA expression, and a tendency for greater IGF1 mRNA expression in the liver compared to omega-6 and control cows. Plasma IGF1 concentration was significantly higher in omega-3 treatment compared with omega-6 and control treatments. Results of this study suggest that feeding omega-3 PUFA s during early postpartum couples with the somatotropic axis, leading to an increase in plasma IGF1 concentration in dairy cows.