The effects of saturated fatty acid (FA) supplements and a high UFA diet that caused milk fat depression on plasma concentration of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA) in dairy cows
Research Poster Health & Life Sciences 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Muhammad Arif
Exhibition Number 168
Abstract
Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA) are a novel class of bioactive lipids, and some subclasses have been proposed to be anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory in rodent and human models, but they have not been investigated in dairy cows. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of fatty acid (FA) supplements and diet-induced milk fat depression (MFD) on FAHFA concentration in the plasma of dairy cows. Plasma samples were analyzed from 2 previous experiments. Experiment 1 compared a low-fat control diet (CON) to diets that contained a fat supplement high in palmitic acid (PA), high stearic acid (SA), or a blend of PA and SA using 12 multiparous Holstein cows in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Experiment 2 compared the CON diet to a diet that was supplemented with PA and a diet that induced MFD using 12 Holstein cows in a 3×3 Latin square design. Five FAHFA were identified and quantified in experiment 1 and six in experiment 2 and all were affected by treatment (p < 0.05). In experiment 1, the concentration of 9-PAHPA and 9-SAHSA were highest in PA and SA respectively, whereas 5-PAHSA, 9-PAHSA, and 10-PAHSA were highest with PA+SA. In experiment 2, 9-PAHPA, 5-PAHSA, 9-PAHSA, 10-PAHSA, and 11/12 PAHSA were increased with PA. Overall, FA supplements and MFD affected FAHFA concentration in plasma, demonstrating a direct effect of dietary FA on this emerging regulator of metabolism. Functional roles for these lipids in dairy cows will require further exploration.
Importance
Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA) are a newly discovered lipid class, and some subclasses have demonstrated antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties in rodents and human models. Dairy cows could provide a cost-effective and alternative approach to enhance FAHFA concentrations in milk. The current study observed an increase in FAHFA concentrations in plasma with fatty acid (FA) supplementation since this novel lipid class is synthesized by esterification of FA with hydroxy fatty acid (HFA). Future studies focusing on the synthesis and incorporation of FAHFA in dairy milk could enhance milk quality and provide economic benefits for farmers. Additionally, anti-inflammatory FAHFA may be helpful in enhancing cow health status during the transition stage.