Dietary Interventions for Optimal Liver Function in High-Yielding Dairy Cows

Liver function is critical for high-producing dairy cows to achieve high milk production and good fertility, as well as to avoid periparturient health problems. Key processes include gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, protein synthesis, amino acid metabolism and urea formation, bile acid synthesis, detoxification, endocrine functions, and immune functions. Various tests have been used to assess liver function. Fatty liver develops when fatty acid uptake exceeds the liver's capacity to oxidize fatty acids and export triacylglycerols and may negatively affect hepatic function. Metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics are opening new insights into hepatic adaptations in normal and abnormal situations, such as the roles of acylcarnitines, lysophospholipids, and sphingolipids. Nutritional strategies such as controlled energy dry cow diets and supplemental rumen-protected methionine and choline help maintain liver function during the periparturient period. Nutritional manipulations that impact liver function help to promote health and productivity of high-producing dairy cows.