Associations between hepatic metabolism of propionate and palmitate in liver slices from transition dairy cows

Multiparous Holstein cows (n=95) were used to evaluate changes in hepatic propionate and palmitate metabolism and liver composition over time during the transition period, along with the relationships of these variables with cumulative increases in nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate during the periparturient period. Data from 3 previous experiments were used to address the study objectives, accounting for a total of 95 multiparous Holstein cows. Liver slices from biopsies on d -21, 1, and 21 relative to parturition were used to determine conversion of [1-(14)C]palmitate to CO2 and esterified products (EP) and the conversion of [1-(14)C]propionate to CO2 and glucose. Hepatic glycogen content was highest on d -21 and was 26.9 and 36.5% of prepartum values on d 1 and 21, respectively. Liver triglyceride content was lowest at d -21 and was 271 and 446% of prepartum values on d 1 and 21, respectively. We detected no difference in the capacity for the liver to oxidize [1-(14)C]palmitate to CO2 between d -21 and d 1; however, on d 21, oxidation was 84% of prepartum values. The capacity of the liver to convert [1-(14)C]palmitate to EP was 148 and 139% of prepartum values on d 1 and 21, respectively. The capacity of liver to convert [1-(14)C]propionate to CO2 was 127 and 83% of prepartum values on d 1 and 21, and the capacity of liver to convert [1-(14)C]propionate to glucose was 126 and 85% of prepartum values on d 1 and 21, respectively. Correlation relationships suggest that overall, cows with elevated prepartum liver triglyceride content had elevated triglycerides throughout the transition period along with increased [1-(14)C]palmitate oxidation and conversion to EP and a decreased propensity to convert [1-(14)C]propionate to glucose. Cows with increased [1-(14)C]propionate oxidation had increased conversion of [1-(14)C]propionate to glucose throughout the transition period. Overall, conditions that lead to impairments in fatty acid metabolism during the transition period appear to be associated with impaired postpartum hepatic propionate metabolism.