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Mitochondrial functionality in dairy cows
Project
Project code: 202989534
Contract period: 01.07.2017
- 30.06.2021
Budget: 1,000,000 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
The pattern of adaptation to the onset of lactation is characterized by a high inter-individual variation in periparturient dairy cows. The influence of feeding regimen is superimposed by this variation; however, it reflects the range of efficient to inefficient metabolism. The causes for this inter-individual variation are still not clear. First results indicate that processes related to cellular respiration and the oxidative-anti-oxidative balance may be responsible for the high variation. This study aims to examine mitochondrial functionality in liver cells and leucocytes of periparturient dairy cows. Physiological factors such as the mitochondrial genome, the capacity of the acylcarnitine shuttle and interactions with the gastrointestinal microbiome may modulate the mitochondrial functionality, thereby influencing metabolic performance, ageing of tissues and immune function. To assess the mitochondrial functionality under high metabolic pressure, studies will be performed at parturition (as non-standardized inflammatory challenge) and later in lactation, when the positive energy balance is established again, at a standardized inflammatory stimulus by LPS application. Results of this study will help (1) to assess the inter-individual variation in the adaptation to metabolic challenges, (2) to elucidate the role of mitochondrial functionality for adequate adaptation and (3) to understand the complex metabolic network of physiological processes of high-yielding dairy cows. Furthermore, this knowledge will help to identify new biomarkers, which could support genetic selection of sires and dams in dairy breeding to increase the numbers of cows with inherited traits for an extended productive life span metabotype.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal breeding
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal health
