Fatty liver developed during the peripartum period in high-yielding dairycows is mainly caused by reduced concentrations of plasma lipoproteins. This disease is economically important because cows with fatty liver are susceptible to metabolic, reproductive and infectious diseases. We analyzed the fatty acid composition of lipoproteins from affected cows, and found that essential fatty acids such as linoleic and eicosatrienoic acids(n-6) were greatly reduced. Essential fatty acids are utilized for prostaglandin syntesis. The reduced fertility and immune competence observed in cows with fatty liver can be reasonably explained by the impaired synthesis of prostaglandins. This study raised the possibility that fatty liver can be prevented by the supplementation of essential fatty acids during the peripartum period.
(Research Service Section, Planning and Coordination Division)
