Application of dietary fish oil in dairy cow reproduction

Authors: ANNA ZWYRZYKOWSKA, ROBERT KUPCZYNSKI

Abstract: Feed fats are commonly used as a component of high-yielding cow diet rations. Many studies have been conducted on the effects of fat supplementation on metabolism, milk composition, and improvements in dairy cow reproduction. The positive effects on fat (vegetable oil) and energy supplementation on improvements in reproduction are well documented. Consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including n-3 acids, in appropriate feed doses improves fertility of dairy cows. A fat source with high levels of acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is marine oil, especially fish and algae. By modification of cow rations, EPA and DHA can be utilized to reduce synthesis of PGF2 alpha in the endometrium, which can prevent luteolysis of the corpus luteum during early pregnancy. The PUFAs also may have a direct impact on key genes and their proteins that regulate biochemical processes and pathways between the corpus luteum, the uterus, and the embryo. The effect of n-3 fatty acids on the survival of embryos is not yet clearly defined.

Keywords: Dairy cows, reproductive, fatty acid, fish oil, prostaglandins

Full Text: PDF