Effects of Supplementation with Essential Fatty Acids and Conjugated Linoleic Acids on Muscle Structure and Fat Deposition in Lactating Holstein Cows

High-yielding dairy cows need diets that meet their energy demand and contain sufficient essential nutrients such as n-3 fatty acids (FAs). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is able to relieve the energy metabolism, but common corn silage and concentrate-based diets contain insufficient amounts of essential fatty acids (EFA). Abomasal infusion was used in the current study to supplement cows from 9 weeks antepartum to 9 weeks postpartum with either coconut oil (CTRL, n = 8), EFA (n = 9), or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, n = 9), or a combination of both (EFA + CLA, n = 10). The study focused on the effects of FAs on peripheral tissues, such as longissimus muscle (MLD) and adipose tissues, which were harvested after slaughter. Fatty acid composition, muscle fiber and fat cell morphology, muscle fiber type transition, and gene expression were analyzed. Supplemented FAs and their metabolites were increased (p < 0.05) in MLD and intermuscular fat (INTF) but not in subcutaneous fat (SCF). The intramuscular fat content and gene expression of ACACA and FASN were increased in CLA-supplemented cows (p < 0.05). Supplementation did not affect the muscle fiber size and fiber type composition. Supplemented CLA had more effects than EFA, improving the energy balance of cows accompanied with increased triglyceride formation and storage.