Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
06:28
Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging of Interscapular Brown Adipose Tissue
Published on: October 7, 2014
Brown adipose tissue in ruminants: development, thermogenic function, and nutritional regulation
Zhuo-Hang Xiao1, Hong-Wei Duan1, Lian Li1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is crucial for newborn ruminants to stay warm and survive cold. Nutritional strategies can boost BAT function, improving calf survival and growth.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is vital for neonatal ruminants' non-shivering thermogenesis and cold stress survival.
- BAT abundance decreases with age, a process termed "whitening".
Purpose of the Study:
- To review BAT developmental dynamics, physiological functions, and nutritional regulation in ruminants.
- To explore how nutrients impact BAT thermogenic activity and neonatal performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing studies on BAT development, function, and nutrition.
- Focus on key signaling pathways (UCP1, PGC-1α, PPARγ) and molecular mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Nutritional components like fatty acids, carnitine, vitamins, and minerals modulate BAT thermogenesis.
- Targeted nutrition can enhance BAT function, positively affecting cold tolerance, survival, and growth.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional interventions can optimize BAT function for improved neonatal ruminant health.
- Multi-omics technologies offer future potential for understanding BAT regulation and guiding precise nutrition.
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