Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on hepatic PPARα mRNA levels in the transition cow

Abstract

A total of 33 Holstein cows were fed one of three diets with different fatty acid composition: supplement with 85% saturated fatty acids (EB), supplement with 10% linseed (LI), and control with no added fat (CO). Blood and liver samples were collected on week -6, -2, +2, and +4 relative to calving. Two weeks after calving, liver PPARα mRNA levels were lower in cows fed EB compared to those that were fed CO. These results also showed that lower liver PPARα mRNA levels are associated with lower plasma glucose concentration in the overall cow population (n = 33).