Etiology of Lipid-Related Metabolic Disorders in Periparturient Dairy Cows

¹ Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706

Plasma NEFA concentrations increase prior to and at parturition, resulting in increased fatty acid uptake by the liver, fatty acid esterification, and triglyceride storage. Liver triglyceride concentration increases four- to fivefold between d 17 prior to calving and d 1 following calving. Increases in liver triglyceride following calving do not appear to be dramatic. Severity of fatty liver 1 d postpartum is correlated negatively with feed intake 1 d prepartum. Export of newly synthesized triglyceride as very low density lipoprotein occurs slowly in ruminants and is a major factor in the development of fatty liver. Nutritional strategies to minimize the elevation in plasma NEFA prior to calving results in lower liver triglyceride at calving. Fatty liver probably precedes clinical spontaneous ketosis. Liver triglyceride to glycogen ratio may be used to predict susceptibility of cows to ketosis. Consequently, strategies to reduce liver triglyceride at calving may decrease incidence of ketosis. Research to determine methods to reduce fatty acid delivery to the liver or to enhance hepatic export of very low density lipoprotein near calving is warranted. Identification of the cause for the slow rate of assembly and secretion of hepatic very low density lipoprotein in ruminants will be required to assess the feasibility of increasing export of very low density lipoprotein.

Key Words: fatty liver • ketosis • etiology • dairy cattle

Submitted on July 27, 1992
Accepted on November 16, 1992

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. T. Socha, C. G. Schwab, D. E. Putnam, N. L. Whitehouse, B. D. Garthwaite, and G. A. Ducharme Extent of Methionine Limitation in Peak-, Early-, and Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, May 1, 2008; 91(5): 1996 - 2010. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. A. Pires, J. B. Pescara, A. E. Brickner, N. Silva del Rio, A. P. Cunha, and R. R. Grummer Effects of Abomasal Infusion of Linseed Oil on Responses to Glucose and Insulin in Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2008; 91(4): 1378 - 1390. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. T. M. van Knegsel, G. de Vries Reilingh, S. Meulenberg, H. van den Brand, J. Dijkstra, B. Kemp, and H. K. Parmentier Natural Antibodies Related to Energy Balance in Early Lactation Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5490 - 5498. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Pezeshki, J. Mehrzad, G. R. Ghorbani, H. R. Rahmani, R. J. Collier, and C. Burvenich Effects of Short Dry Periods on Performance and Metabolic Status in Holstein Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2007; 90(12): 5531 - 5541. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. A. Pires, J. B. Pescara, and R. R. Grummer Reduction of Plasma NEFA Concentration by Nicotinic Acid Enhances the Response to Insulin in Feed-Restricted Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2007; 90(10): 4635 - 4642. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. V. Petit, M. F. Palin, and L. Doepel Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Transition Dairy Cows Fed Flaxseed J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2007; 90(10): 4780 - 4792. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. A. Seifi, S. J. LeBlanc, E. Vernooy, K. E. Leslie, and T. F. Duffield Effect of Isoflupredone Acetate With or Without Insulin on Energy Metabolism, Reproduction, Milk Production, and Health in Dairy Cows in Early Lactation J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2007; 90(9): 4181 - 4191. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				U. Moallem, M. Katz, A. Arieli, and H. Lehrer Effects of Peripartum Propylene Glycol or Fats Differing in Fatty Acid Profiles on Feed Intake, Production, and Plasma Metabolites in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2007; 90(8): 3846 - 3856. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. T. M. van Knegsel, H. van den Brand, J. Dijkstra, W. M. van Straalen, R. Jorritsma, S. Tamminga, and B. Kemp Effect of Glucogenic vs. Lipogenic Diets on Energy Balance, Blood Metabolites, and Reproduction in Primiparous and Multiparous Dairy Cows in Early Lactation J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2007; 90(7): 3397 - 3409. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. A. Pires, A. H. Souza, and R. R. Grummer Induction of Hyperlipidemia by Intravenous Infusion of Tallow Emulsion Causes Insulin Resistance in Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, June 1, 2007; 90(6): 2735 - 2744. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				B. J. Bradford and M. S. Allen Phlorizin Induces Lipolysis and Alters Meal Patterns in Both Early-and Late-Lactation Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2007; 90(4): 1810 - 1815. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. T. M. van Knegsel, H. van den Brand, J. Dijkstra, W. M. van Straalen, M. J. W. Heetkamp, S. Tamminga, and B. Kemp Dietary Energy Source in Dairy Cows in Early Lactation: Energy Partitioning and Milk Composition J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2007; 90(3): 1467 - 1476. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. T. M. van Knegsel, H. van den Brand, E. A. M. Graat, J. Dijkstra, R. Jorritsma, E. Decuypere, S. Tamminga, and B. Kemp Dietary Energy Source in Dairy Cows in Early Lactation: Metabolites and Metabolic Hormones J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2007; 90(3): 1477 - 1485. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. C. Zahra, T. F. Duffield, K. E. Leslie, T. R. Overton, D. Putnam, and S. J. LeBlanc Effects of Rumen-Protected Choline and Monensin on Milk Production and Metabolism of Periparturient Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2006; 89(12): 4808 - 4818. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. N. Douglas, T. R. Overton, H. G. Bateman II, H. M. Dann, and J. K. Drackley Prepartal plane of nutrition, regardless of dietary energy source, affects periparturient metabolism and dry matter intake in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci, June 1, 2006; 89(6): 2141 - 2157. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. A. Nafikov, B. N. Ametaj, G. Bobe, K. J. Koehler, J. W. Young, and D. C. Beitz Prevention of Fatty Liver in Transition Dairy Cows by Subcutaneous Injections of Glucagon J Dairy Sci, May 1, 2006; 89(5): 1533 - 1545. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. J. LeBlanc, K. D. Lissemore, D. F. Kelton, T. F. Duffield, and K. E. Leslie Major advances in disease prevention in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2006; 89(4): 1267 - 1279. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				U. J. Schroder and R. Staufenbiel Invited Review: Methods to Determine Body Fat Reserves in the Dairy Cow with Special Regard to Ultrasonographic Measurement of Backfat Thickness J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2006; 89(1): 1 - 14. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. A. J. Guretzky, D. B. Carlson, J. E. Garrett, and J. K. Drackley Lipid Metabolite Profiles and Milk Production for Holstein and Jersey Cows Fed Rumen-Protected Choline During the Periparturient Period J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2006; 89(1): 188 - 200. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. Rabelo, R. L. Rezende, S. J. Bertics, and R. R. Grummer Effects of Pre- and Postfresh Transition Diets Varying in Dietary Energy Density on Metabolic Status of Periparturient Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2005; 88(12): 4375 - 4383. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. J. Loor, H. M. Dann, R. E. Everts, R. Oliveira, C. A. Green, N. A. J. Guretzky, S. L. Rodriguez-Zas, H. A. Lewin, and J. K. Drackley Temporal gene expression profiling of liver from periparturient dairy cows reveals complex adaptive mechanisms in hepatic function Physiol Genomics, October 17, 2005; 23(2): 217 - 226. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. B. Andersen, T. G. Madsen, T. Larsen, K. L. Ingvartsen, and M. O. Nielsen The Effects of Dry Period Versus Continuous Lactation on Metabolic Status and Performance in Periparturient Cows J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2005; 88(10): 3530 - 3541. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. W. Chichlowski, J. W. Schroeder, C. S. Park, W. L. Keller, and D. E. Schimek Altering the Fatty Acids in Milk Fat by Including Canola Seed in Dairy Cattle Diets J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2005; 88(9): 3084 - 3094. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				U. Bernabucci, B. Ronchi, N. Lacetera, and A. Nardone Influence of Body Condition Score on Relationships Between Metabolic Status and Oxidative Stress in Periparturient Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, June 1, 2005; 88(6): 2017 - 2026. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. M. DeFrain, A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, and R. S. Patton Effects of Feeding Propionate and Calcium Salts of Long-Chain Fatty Acids on Transition Dairy Cow Performance J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2005; 88(3): 983 - 993. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. Kokkonen, J. Taponen, T. Anttila, L. Syrjala-Qvist, C. Delavaud, Y. Chilliard, M. Tuori, and A. T. Tesfa Effect of Body Fatness and Glucogenic Supplement on Lipid and Protein Mobilization and Plasma Leptin in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, March 1, 2005; 88(3): 1127 - 1141. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. N. Douglas, T. R. Overton, H. G. Bateman II, and J. K. Drackley Peripartal Metabolism and Production of Holstein Cows Fed Diets Supplemented with Fat During the Dry Period J Dairy Sci, December 1, 2004; 87(12): 4210 - 4220. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. Bobe, J. W. Young, and D. C. Beitz Invited Review: Pathology, Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Fatty Liver in Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, October 1, 2004; 87(10): 3105 - 3124. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				O. Rosendo, C. R. Staples, L. R. McDowell, R. McMahon, L. Badinga, F. G. Martin, J. F. Shearer, W. M. Seymour, and N. S. Wilkinson Effects of Biotin Supplementation on Peripartum Performance and Metabolites of Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, August 1, 2004; 87(8): 2535 - 2545. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. Tedesco, A. Tava, S. Galletti, M. Tameni, G. Varisco, A. Costa, and S. Steidler Effects of Silymarin, a Natural Hepatoprotector, in Periparturient Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2004; 87(7): 2239 - 2247. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. R. Overton and M. R. Waldron Nutritional Management of Transition Dairy Cows: Strategies to Optimize Metabolic Health J Dairy Sci, July 1, 2004; 87(13_suppl): E105 - 119. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. S. Gulay, M. J. Hayen, M. Liboni, T. I. Belloso, C. J. Wilcox, and H. H. Head Low Doses of Bovine Somatotropin During the Transition Period and Early Lactation Improves Milk Yield, Efficiency of Production, and Other Physiological Responses of Holstein Cows J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2004; 87(4): 948 - 960. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. S. Piepenbrink, A. L. Marr, M. R. Waldron, W. R. Butler, T. R. Overton, M. Vazquez-Anon, and M. D. Holt Feeding 2-Hydroxy-4-(Methylthio)-Butanoic Acid to Periparturient Dairy Cows Improves Milk Production but not Hepatic Metabolism J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2004; 87(4): 1071 - 1084. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. T. Selberg, A. C. Lowe, C. R. Staples, N. D. Luchini, and L. Badinga Production and Metabolic Responses of Periparturient Holstein Cows to Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid and trans-Octadecenoic Acids J Dairy Sci, January 1, 2004; 87(1): 158 - 168. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. M. Pickett, M. S. Piepenbrink, and T. R. Overton Effects of Propylene Glycol or Fat Drench on Plasma Metabolites, Liver Composition, and Production of Dairy Cows During the Periparturient Period J Dairy Sci, June 1, 2003; 86(6): 2113 - 2121. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. S. Piepenbrink and T. R. Overton Liver Metabolism and Production of Cows Fed Increasing Amounts of Rumen-Protected Choline During the Periparturient Period J Dairy Sci, May 1, 2003; 86(5): 1722 - 1733. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. F. Duffield, S. LeBlanc, R. Bagg, K. Leslie, J. T. Hag, and P. Dick Effect of a Monensin Controlled Release Capsule on Metabolic Parameters in Transition Dairy Cows J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2003; 86(4): 1171 - 1176. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. K. Reynolds, P. C. Aikman, B. Lupoli, D. J. Humphries, and D. E. Beever Splanchnic Metabolism of Dairy Cows During the Transition From Late Gestation Through Early Lactation J Dairy Sci, April 1, 2003; 86(4): 1201 - 1217. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Hayirli, S. J. Bertics, and R. R. Grummer Effects of Slow-release Insulin on Production, Liver Triglyceride, and Metabolic Profiles of Holsteins in Early Lactation J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2002; 85(9): 2180 - 2191. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. Doepel, H. Lapierre, and J. J. Kennelly Peripartum Performance and Metabolism of Dairy Cows in Response to Prepartum Energy and Protein Intake J Dairy Sci, September 1, 2002; 85(9): 2315 - 2334. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]