Impact of subclinically hypocalcemic stress on the plasma metabolomic profile of dairy goats.

Abstract

Objective: Subclinical hypocalcemia induces metabolic stress, which adversely affects the production performance of peripartal dairy goats. This study sought to uncover new aspects of disease prevention and control by applying metabolomics and lipidomics to identify key differences in metabolite expression between affected and healthy animals.

Methods: This study collected plasma samples from 96 primiparous Guanzhong dairy goats with similar body condition scores (2.75 ± 0.15, mean ± standard deviation) on the day of calving, aiming to uncover new aspects of disease prevention and control by applying metabolomics and lipidomics to identify key differences in metabolite expression between affected and healthy animals.

Results: The study identified 23 differential metabolites and 30 differentially altered lipids involved in various metabolic pathways, such as phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Our research revealed significant differences in the regulation of calcium-related hormones and associated metabolites between subclinical hypocalcemic and healthy dairy goats. Specifically, we found a positive correlation between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the healthy group, contrasting with a negative correlation observed in the subclinical hypocalcemic group.

Conclusion: Additionally, phenylalanine and phosphatidylserine were identified as potential biomarkers indicative of subclinical hypocalcemia. These findings offer a novel approach to managing subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy goats, potentially transforming prevention and control strategies in the dairy goat industry.