Relevant aspects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the adaptation of dairy cattle to the transition period

Abstract

During the transition period, cows undergo a series of metabolic and immunological changes, which represent a physiological challenge that is often a risk for their production and health. During this period, dairy cows have a pro-inflammatory state associated with frequent infectious diseases and lipomobilization, and present an insulin resistance state related to fat mobilization and a high body condition score. In humans, the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from the omega-3 (n-3) family, which are involved in many biological systems and processes, have been shown to exert beneficial effects on health, particularly on the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the incorporation of n-3 PUFAs in the diets of dairy cows could represent an interesting supplement for them to afford the challenge of the peripartum. This review describes the novel information and advances in the understanding of relevant aspects concerning the effects of dietary PUFAs on dairy cows, focusing on metabolic and inflammatory aspects with possible effects on the cows' physiology and adaptation to the peripartum period.