Hepatic transcript profiling in beef cattle: Effects of rumen-protected niacin supplementation

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Genomics

Background:

• Niacin plays a role in vasodilation, detoxification, and immune function.
• Understanding niacin's hepatic effects is crucial for beef cattle health.
• Rumen protection enhances niacin bioavailability in cattle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of rumen-protected niacin on liver gene expression in growing beef cattle.
• To investigate niacin's influence on key physiological processes in hepatic tissue.
• To identify specific metabolic pathways affected by niacin supplementation.

Main Methods:

• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of liver tissue.
• Supplementation of growing Angus × Simmental steers and heifers with rumen-protected niacin.
• Comparison of transcriptome profiles between control and supplemented groups.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in liver gene expression were observed with niacin supplementation.
• Niacin reduced pathways associated with lipolysis, apoptosis, and inflammation.
• Potential benefits include decreased atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Rumen-protected niacin supplementation beneficially modulates liver transcriptome in beef cattle.
• This nutritional strategy may enhance liver metabolism and improve animal health.
• Rumen-protected niacin shows promise for improving health in backgrounding and feedlot cattle.