An overview of the development of perinatal stress-induced fatty liver and therapeutic options in dairy cows

Abstract This review summarizes the mechanisms of hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorders caused by the negative energy balance encountered in periparturient dairy cows and the relevant research on nutritional additives as a therapeutic option. Factors such as dietary management, hormonal regulation, and overall metabolic stress in the body of the transition cow all contribute greatly to fatty liver formation. Nutritional strategies, such as using gluconeogenic precursors, growth factor, natural plant extracts, and methyl donors can positively modulate the negative effects of fatty liver in periparturient dairy cows. Choline, a methyl donor as a feed additive in transition cows minimizes lipid accumulation in the liver by increasing the efficiency of lipoprotein transport. In conclusion, the disruption of hepatic gluconeogenesis, changes in hormone levels, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress during the transition period in dairy cows collectively disturb hepatic anabolic homeostasis. This disruption promotes the formation of fatty liver and reduces lactation performance in dairy cows. Understanding the specific physiological phenomena of hepatic lipid metabolism disorders in transition cows and intervening with nutritional additives will reduce the negative effects of transition stress and improve animal health.