Comparison of supplementation of n-3 fatty acids from fish and flax oil on cytokine gene expression and growth of milk-fed Holstein calves

Abstract

The ability to reduce incidence of disease in calves and improve early vaccination strategies is of particular interest for dairy producers. The n-3 fatty acids have been reported to reduce inflammatory diseases in humans but limited research has been done in calves. The objective of this study was to compare supplementation of n-3 fatty acids from fish and flax oil on gene expression of whole blood cells and growth of milk-fed Holstein calves. Forty-eight Holstein bull calves from a commercial dairy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets beginning at 4d old: (1) control milk replacer (MR) with all pork fat, (2) MR with 2% flax oil, and (3) MR with 2% fish oil. All MR were 17% fat, 27% crude protein on a dry matter (DM) basis, with all protein from whey sources. Calves were each fed 654g DM of MR daily for the first 25d and then 327g/d for d26, 27, and 28. On d28, calves were challenged with a Pasteurella vaccine and the temperature response to the vaccine was recorded. Milk and feed intake and fecal scores were recorded daily, and body weight and hip width were recorded weekly. Blood was collected from all calves on d25. One tube of collected blood was incubated with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) for 2h and frozen with a second tube of control blood. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the effects of LPS stimulation on cytokine gene expression. During the 28 d, calves supplemented with flax oil had a greater growth rate and feed efficiency than calves fed fish oil (0.52±0.02 vs. 0.48±0.02g of gain:g of feed). Fish oil tended to decrease LPS stimulation of tumor necrosis factor-α expression. Flax oil, but not fish oil, decreased the expression of IL-4 and tended to decrease expression of osteopontin and IL-8. Flax oil tended to reduce the increase in rectal temperature in response to a Pasteurella vaccine. In conclusion, our data support the idea that supplementation with n-3 fatty acids affects cytokine gene expression.

Linseed, the multipurpose plant

“…The linseed fatty acids have been reported to affect cytokine gene expression. For example, calves supplemented with flax oil (but not fish oil) tended to show a decrease in the expression of IL-4 and IL-8 genes (Karcher et al, 2014). The simultaneous consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 acids in a proper ratio is essential in cancer prevention and inflammation reduction.…”

Colostrum supplementation with n-3 fatty acids and α-tocopherol alters plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid profile and decreases an indicator of oxidative stress in newborn calves

“…In cattle, daily dietary supplements of n-3 fatty acids (FA) have been recognized for their influence on health (Moallem, 2018), inflammation, and oxidative stress . Previous studies indicate that n-3 FA supplementation to milk replacer improved growth, health, or indicators of immune function in calves Karcher et al, 2014). This is accomplished in part by production of anti-inflammatory n-3 FA metabolites coupled with antioxidant properties .…”

The relationship between omega‐3 fatty acids and blood pressure

“…While research has shown how different sources of omega‐3 fatty acids affect lipid profile and cytokine gene expression, there is a lack of research to determine the mechanisms whereby different sources of omega‐3 fatty acids affect blood pressure . It is suggested that further research is necessary to adequately study this topic to determine how the dietary source of omega‐3 fatty acids plays a role in lowering blood pressure and differentially affecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure.…”