Longitudinal characterization of the metabolome of dairy cows transitioning from one lactation to the next: Investigations in fecal samples

作者：Mohtasham Ghaffari, H. Sauerwein, H. Sadri, Sven Schuchardt, J. Martín‐Tereso, John Doelman, Jean‐Baptiste Daniel · 发表于：Journal of Dairy Science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3168/jds.2025-26273 · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：Reproductive Physiology in Livestock、Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock、Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

The fecal metabolome comprises metabolites that are excreted or not absorbed by the animal. This study examined the changes in the fecal metabolome of dairy cows from the end of one lactation period, through the dry period, and into the subsequent lactation. Twelve Holstein cows (BW = 745 ± 71 kg, BCS = 3.43 ± 0.66) were housed in a tiestall barn from 7 wk before to 15 wk after parturition, with dry-off occurring approximately 6 wk before the expected calving date (mean dry-off time = 42 d). Fecal samples were taken at wk -7, -5, -1, +1, +5, +10, and +15 relative to calving. Targeted metabolomics identified a total of 93 metabolites, including AA, biogenic amines, bile acids (BA), acylcarnitines (AcylCN), and some phospholipids. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear metabolic shifts that showed a clear separation between the samples from the dry period and the samples from the end, early, and middle of lactation, indicating significant changes in the metabolic profiles in the feces. The transition from the dry period (wk -5, -1 relative to calving) to lactation (wk +1, +5, +10, +15, and -7 relative to calving) is characterized by an increase in fecal AA and metabolites, such as Glu, Met, β-alanine, and methionine sulfoxide, reflecting a shift in nitrogen metabolism to support increased protein metabolism for milk production. Higher concentrations of polyamines, such as spermidine and putrescine, were observed postpartum, indicating increased cell growth and improv...