Effect of suppression of prolactin secretion on adipose lipogenesis in the postpartum beef cow

Effects of inhibiting prolactin secretion and of calf removal at 3 d postpartum on the lipogenic capacity of s.c. adipose tissue were investigated in postpartum beef cows. The rate of fatty acid synthesis (SYN) from [1-14C]acetate and the activity of fatty acid synthetase (FAS) were assessed on adipose tissue obtained by biopsy at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 10 wk postpartum. Administration of bromocriptine (BR; a drug that suppresses prolactin secretion in rats) between d 7 and 42 postpartum decreased average serum prolactin concentrations nearly 90%, but BR had no effect on lipogenic rates at any week compared to control (CO) cows. Rates of SYN (nmol acetate.min-1.g-1 tissue) increased linearly in CO and BR cows from a nadir of 3.1 at wk 1 to 19.3 by wk 8. Within CO and BR, cows with the greater energy intake relative to requirements for lactation (energy balance) had the faster rates of recovery of SYN. Cows whose calves were weaned early (3 d) showed rapid early increases in SYN, reaching an average maximum rate of 46.2 by wk 2. Activity of FAS generally followed a pattern similar to that of SYN for all groups. Results indicate that prolactin is not responsible for low rates of postpartum lipogenesis in s.c. adipose tissue and that energy intake influences the rate of recovery.