Relationship between hair fatty acid profile, reproduction, and milk performance in Holstein Friesian cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the fatty acid profiles of hair of first parity cows and their reproduction and milk performance. Hair samples from 46 German Holstein cows, 50 to 62 d postpartum, were analyzed to assess the relationship. All cows were fed the same diet. The lipid composition of hair was determined by gas chromatography. The fat content in the hair was 0.86%. Hair lipids contributed 75.14% SFA, 15.81% MUFA, and 9.92% PUFA. Cows were classified into a high and a low performance group according to their a) length of the interval from calving to first insemination (CFI), b) 100-d protein yield (100-d PY), and c) length of the interval from calving to conception (CC) and 100-d PY. Cows with short CFI or high 100-d PY or short CC and high 100-d PY had significantly greater proportions of de novo synthesized C12:0 (P < 0.05) compared with the corresponding low performing groups. Increased proportions of C12:0 in the hair were associated with shorter CFI (r = -0.32, P = 0.033) and greater 100-d PY (r = 0.34, P = 0.021). Furthermore, a discriminant analysis with C12:0 as a variable best predicted short CC and high 100-d PY (error rate 33.5%). Greater proportions of de novo synthesized fatty acids in the hair, in particular C12:0, are likely to reflect a sufficient energy availability that is required for fatty acid synthesis in ruminants.

A Method for Analyzing Fatty Acids in Cattle Hair, with Special Emphasis on Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid

“…Thus, a hair sample reflects the metabolism of the last 1–3 weeks . In a previous study, we found a relationship between hair fatty acids, reproduction, and milk protein production and suggested C12:0 as a useful biomarker to assess energy utilization . Furthermore, an additional study confirmed that C12:0 is related to energy intake and energy utilization in early lactating cows .…”

“…Existing Extraction Method : The existing extraction method is a modified Folch method that has been described previously . In brief, total lipids of 150 mg mill‐ground hair were extracted using 8 mL chloroform/methanol (2:1, v/v).…”

“…Therefore, it offers a very good starting material for the determination of biomarkers. In two pilot studies, we have shown that the content of de novo synthesized fatty acids, especially lauric and myristic acid, in hair was higher in cows, which had a better energy supply. This was associated with a better fertility, a higher milk protein yield, and higher energy utilization between the lactation weeks 1–6 .…”

“…In two pilot studies, we have shown that the content of de novo synthesized fatty acids, especially lauric and myristic acid, in hair was higher in cows, which had a better energy supply. This was associated with a better fertility, a higher milk protein yield, and higher energy utilization between the lactation weeks 1–6 . From these two studies, we conclude that the fatty acid profile of bovine hair, in particular, the relative content of de novo synthesized medium chain fatty acids, is a suitable biomarker for the assessment of energy availability in cattle which is a physiological parameter that is difficult to measure.…”

“…The most widely used method for total lipid extraction was developed by Folch, et al . This method was used, for example, for muscle, adipose tissue, and hair, as well as for legumes . For routine analysis, the Folch method requires many steps, which make this method time‐consuming.…”