CAN CHOLINE SPARE METHIOININE FROM CATABOLISM IN LACTATING MICE AND DAIRY COWS?

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Files

Publication or External Link

Date

2009

Citation

DRUM DOI

Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated that supplementation of rumen-protected choline (RPC) improves milk production in the lactating dairy cow; however, there are an equal number of studies failing to observe production responses. To date, there are only three studies that provide quantitative information in ruminants on the metabolic fates of methyl groups derived from choline and Methionine (Met). This has limited the ability to predict when, and under what conditions, RPC supplementation will be beneficial. The objectives of this thesis were to determine the interaction of choline and Met methyl group metabolism and the extent of methyl group transfer during lactation, and define what role, if any, is there for RPC in remethylation of homocysteine and in the sparing of Met in lactating animals.

A preliminary study with lactating mice consuming a low protein basal diet (10%) was conducted. From 11 to 15 d postpartum, stable isotopes of [methyl,2H3] choline and [methyl,2H3] Met replaced the unlabeled choline and Met in the basal diet to measure the metabolic fates of choline and Met including Met remethylation and sources of Met methyl in the mammary gland. Isotopic analysis revealed that the liver is a major site of Met remethylation from dietary choline with a minimum choline methyl group contribution to Met remethylation of 35%. Mammary tissue was not a major site of Met remethylation from dietary choline (< 10% of Met methyl) as measure by Met methyl in mammary tissue and milk casein. However, there was a significant unlabeled source of methyl groups contributing at a minimum of 45% Met remethylation in the mammary tissue, presumably by de novo synthesis. This suggested that in addition to the liver, the mammary gland is an active site of methyl group transactions.

In a subsequent study, lactating dairy cows were fed a total mixed ration formulated to meet the nutrient requirements with exception of metabolizable Met that was restricted to 1.49 % of metabolizable protein. Treatments included a Control (basal diet) and RPC supplemented diet where the basal diet was top dressed with 15g/d RPC, diets were fed in a single reversal design with 2 week experimental periods. Stable isotopes of Met, [1-13C] Met, [13CH3] Met, and [methyl-2CH3] choline were continuously infused on d 14 of each period to determine the metabolic fate and methyl transactions of Met methyl as measured in blood and milk casein.

Treatment had no effect on milk production or composition. However, plasma free Met from choline transmethylation was shown to act as a significant contributor to casein synthesis. Fractional Met remethylation rates in the control and RPC treatments were 26 and 23%, respectively.

Methionine Met methyl loss within the mammary tissue appears to be minimal. Based on casein Met enrichment, upwards of 40% of Met present in casein had undergone transmethylation with choline serving as the ultimate methyl donor. Furthermore, plasma versus casein Met methyl enrichment data suggested that a significant amount of de novo methyl group synthesis occurs in the dairy cow's mammary gland with choline serving as a major methyl donor.

Notes

Rights