Supplemental palmitic acid and chromium propionate impact production responses during the immediate postpartum in multiparous dairy cows.

Forty-eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design and assigned to one of 4 treatments in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects of supplemental palmitic acid (C16:0) and chromium (Cr) on production responses of early-lactation cows. During the fresh period (FR; 1-24 d in milk), cows were fed one of 4 treatments: (1) a diet containing no supplemental C16:0 or Cr (CON); (2) diet supplemented with an 85% C16:0-enriched supplement (PA); (3) diet supplemented with Cr-propionate (CR); and (4) diet supplemented with a C16:0-enriched supplement and Cr-propionate (PACR). The C16:0-enriched supplement was added at 1.

Chromium and palmitic acid supplementation modulate adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in postpartum dairy cows.

Periparturient dairy cows exhibit intense lipolysis driven by reduced DMI, enhanced energy needs, and the loss of adipose tissue (AT) insulin sensitivity. Extended periods of low insulin sensitivity and negative energy balance induce lipolysis dysregulation, leading to increased disease susceptibility and poor lactation performance. Chromium (Cr) supplementation improves systemic insulin sensitivity, whereas palmitic acid (PA) increases energy availability for milk production.

Oleic acid abomasal infusion limits lipolysis and improves insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue from periparturient dairy cows.

Excessive adipose tissue (AT) lipolysis around parturition in dairy cows is associated with impaired AT insulin sensitivity and increased incidence of metabolic diseases. Supplementing cows with oleic acid (OA) reduces circulating biomarkers of lipolysis and improves energy balance. Nevertheless, it is unclear if OA alters lipid trafficking in AT.