How molecular and gene expression changes in liver tissue from mid-lactation dairy cows supplemented with methionine during a subclinical mastitis challenge

Researchers at Virginia Tech assessed molecular changes in the livers of cows supplemented with methionine during solely a subclinical mastitis challenge. The trial was designed to determine the metabolic response of cows fed Smartamine M and that had been infected by infusing Streptococcus uberis in the rear right quarter of the mammary gland.  Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in the randomized complete block design and assigned to either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with RPM.  

The results of this work demonstrate how methionine affects metabolic pathways that impact antioxidant-related genes and, therefore, provide meaningful insights that help to explain the better health and higher milk production of cows after calving.  Methionine is not an antibacterial drug, but rather a required nutrient with functional properties.  

Feeding methionine during the transition period is becoming a common practice in commercial herds. Cows fed Smartamine M during this period have shown increased DMI and milk production, have experienced lower incidence of post-calving metabolic disorders and have had higher plasma antioxidant status.  

Features: Dr. Johan Osorio, Assistant Professor, One Health, Virginia Tech, USA.