Supplementing dairy cows with omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FA) during late pregnancy and early lactation positively affects their reproductive health. A recent study examined how n-3 FA impacts ovarian follicles and the endometrium by modulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and immune response. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein dairy cows were supplemented with either:
- Control (CTL): Calcium salts of FA.
- Flaxseed (FLX): Extruded flaxseed rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, an n-3 FA).
Key findings include:
- Fatty Acid Composition: FLX supplementation increased n-3 FA proportions and reduced the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in plasma, follicular fluid (FF), and granulosa cells (GC).
- Endocannabinoid Changes: FLX reduced n-6-derived endocannabinoids (e.g., arachidonic acid and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and increased anti-inflammatory n-3-derived endocannabinoids.
- Immune Modulation: Proteomic analysis revealed reduced immune-related proteins and cannabinoid receptor expression in GC and endometrium tissues of FLX-fed cows, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects.
- Reproductive Benefits: FLX-fed cows showed improved follicle characteristics, potentially contributing to better reproductive outcomes.
These results highlight how n-3 FA supplementation enhances reproductive health by modulating ECS activity and reducing inflammation in reproductive tissues. This strategy may improve fertility and overall productivity in dairy cows.
For more details, read the full research article.
