Attenuation of inflamamtory response phenomena in periparturient dairy cows by administration of ω3 fatty acids

High-genetic dairy cows undergo a sudden and marked metabolic challenge around calving, often coming with an inflammatory-like state triggering the release of many lipophilic mediators (e.g. eicosanoids) more or less pro-inflammatory. As these derive from some enzymatic pathways acting on polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA), it may be possible to modulate their synthesis by altering the ratio of main precursors (3/6 FA). This research aimed to study the consequences of 3 FA diet fortification around calving (2 weeks before and after it) on inflammatory response and performances. Ten cows received 22 g/d of 3 (OPT), while 10 were used as control (CTR). Cows were frequently monitored (health status, body condition score = BCS, blood, milk yield) for the whole transition period. A wide plasma profile, including positive and negative acute phase reactants and FA, was evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out by repeated measures variance test. Milk production was good in both groups, but OPT vs CTR cows had a mild post-calving lipomobilization, confirmed by the smaller BCS drop and lower post-partum NEFA and BHB (0.57 vs 1.62 mmol/L at 1st wk; P<0.1) levels. All cows underwent an inflammatory condition around calving, but OPT showed a less strong response, as suggested by lower levels of haptoglobin and bilirubin and higher ones of albumin and retinol. OPT vs CTR increased plasma concentration of 3 FA during treatment (EPA 1.08 vs 0.53% and DHA 0.31 vs 0.08% of total FA for OPT and CTR respectively; P<0.01). Since 3 FA are the main replacers of arachidonic acid in membrane phospholipids, the increased levels of blood 3 FA observed in OPT cows may have cut the formation of arachidonic-derivatives (more pro-inflammatory), contrasting the inflammation start. Hence, 3 FA administration during the transition period seems to attenuate subclinical inflammations and, consequently, to improve the energy balance.