Effects of whole flaxseed, raw soybeans, and calcium salts of fatty acids on measures of cellular immune function of transition dairy cows

• Grant number: 15/24804-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Nutrition and Feeding
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Palma Rennó
• Grantee: Francisco Palma Rennó
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (FA) sources on cellular immune function of transition dairy cows. Animals were randomly assigned to receive one of four diets: Control (CON; n=11); Whole flaxseed (WF, omega-3 FA source; n=11), 60 and 80 g/kg of WF (diet DM basis) during pre and post-partum, respectively; Whole raw soybeans (WS, omega-6 FA source; n=10), 120 and 160 g/kg of WS (diet DM basis) during pre and post-partum, respectively; and Calcium salts of unsaturated FA (CSFA - Megalac®-E, omega-6 FA source; n=10), 24 and 32 g/kg of CSFA (diet DM basis) during pre and post-partum. Supplemental FA did not alter dry matter intake (DMI) and milk yield, but increased energy balance during post-partum period. Diets containing omega-3 and omega-6 FA sources increased phagocytosis capacity of leukocytes and monocytes, and phagocytosis activity of monocytes. Furthermore, omega-3 FA source increased phagocytic capacity of leukocytes and neutrophils, and increased phagocytic activity in monocytes and neutrophils when compared to omega-6 FA sources. Supplemental FA effects on adaptive immune system included increased percentage of T-helper cells, T-cytotoxic cells, cells that expressed IL-2 receptors, and CD62 adhesion molecules. The results of this study suggest that unsaturated FA can modulate innate and adaptive cellular immunity and trigger a pro-inflammatory response. Omega-3 FA seems to have greater effect on phagocytic capacity and activity of leukocytes when compared to omega-6 FA. (AU)