Overview of Folic Acid Supplementation Alone or in Combination with Vitamin B12 in Dairy Cattle during Periparturient Period

Abstract

The periparturient period is the period from three weeks before calving to three weeks post-calving. This period is important in terms of health, productivity and profitability, and is fundamental to successful lactation. During this period, the animal experiences stress because of hormonal changes due to pregnancy and the significant rise in milk production. In addition, a negative energy balance usually occurs, because the demand for nutrients to sustain milk production increases by more than the nutrient supply during the periparturient period. The immunity of dairy cattle is suppressed around parturition, which increases their susceptibility to infections. Special care regarding nutrition can reduce the risks of metabolism and immunity depression, which dairy cattle face during the periparturient span. Folic acid is relevant in this regard because of its critical role in the metabolism to maintain lactational performance and to improve health. Being a donor of one-carbon units, folic acid has a vital role in DNA and RNA biosynthesis. Generally, the folic acid requirements of dairy cattle can be met by the microbial synthesis in the rumen; however, in special cases, such as during the periparturient period, the requirement for this vitamin strictly increases. Vitamin B12 also has a critical role in the metabolism as a coenzyme of the enzyme methionine synthase for the transfer of a methyl group from folic acid to homocysteine for the regeneration of methionine. In the current review, we highlight the issues facing periparturient dairy cattle, and relevant knowledge and practices, and point out future research directions for utilization of the associated vitamins in ruminants, especially during the periparturient period.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis for the identification of stable lncRNAs associated with bovine Staphylococcus aureus mastitis

“…Previous studies reported that moderately extra FA intake can improve the host immune capacity and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress [ 59 – 61 ]. Our previous results also indicated that for dairy cows, FA supplementation reduces mastitis incidence and promotes milk production [ 4 , 5 ]. In Mac-T cells infected with S. aureus , the results of the present study showed that the expression of genes within ABC transporters [ 62 ] involved with toxin secretion, MAPK signaling pathway [ 63 ] and p53 signaling pathway [ 64 ] related with inflammatory regulation can be influenced by FA treatment through the regulation of lncRNAs.…”

“…Mastitis induced by the contagious pathogen S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is still hard to cure [ 3 ]. The host’s inflammatory response is dependent on the different lineages of S. aureus and the immune level of the mammary gland tissue [ 4 – 7 ].…”

“…Thus, under the condition of S. aureus infection, the combined analysis of lncRNA regulation in vivo and in vitro is also necessary for the identification of reliable lncRNA markers. Folic acid (FA), as a micronutrient, plays effective roles in reducing inflammation and mastitis incidence, and improving milk production [ 4 , 5 , 13 , 14 ]. The remarkable effect of FA on the lncRNA expression has been widely reported [ 15 – 17 ].…”

Effect of Folic Acid Supplements on Progesterone Profile and Blood Metabolites of Heat-Stressed Holstein Cows during the Early Stage of Pregnancy

“…Folic acid (FA) is a B-complex vitamin with the sole biochemical role of mediating the transfer of 1-C units in animals [ 7 ]. FA also has a variety of activities, including regulating neurotransmission and gene expression [ 8 , 9 ]. Folate metabolism appears to have a significant impact on the synthesis of milk proteins in the epithelial cells of mammary glands [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Protective Roles of Folic Acid in the Responses of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells to Different Virulent Staphylococcus aureus Strains

“…In addition, certain micronutrients may be beneficial and environmentally sound for supporting host immune function [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Folic acid (FA) plays a crucial role in the development of mammary gland [ 14 ], and reduces certain inflammation in some species (such as cattle [ 16 ], chicken [ 17 ], and mice [ 18 , 19 ]), as well as cancer risks in mice [ 18 ] and human [ 20 ]. FA supplementation reduces postpartum SCC during the periparturient period and improves production traits in dairy cattle [ 21 , 22 ].…”