Multifaceted role of one-carbon metabolism on immunometabolic control and growth during pregnancy, lactation and the neonatal period in dairy cattle.

Summary

This narrative review synthesises current understanding of one-carbon metabolism in peripartal dairy cattle, proposing that methyl donor supplementation (methionine, choline, betaine, folic acid) may ameliorate the metabolic and immune dysfunction characteristic of the transition period. The authors argue that enhancing post-ruminal supply of methyl donors could simultaneously improve immunometabolism and production by modulating liver lipid metabolism, oxidative stress responses and epigenetic regulation. The review contextualises these mechanisms within enzyme regulation, cellular signalling and explores how body condition and feeding system may modify these pathways.

Regional applicability

The physiological principles are universally applicable to UK dairy systems, though the review's mechanistic focus on supplementation strategies may have greatest relevance to intensive housed systems. UK pasture-based and mixed grazing systems may respond differently; the review explicitly acknowledges that feeding system (TMR vs. pasture) affects one-carbon metabolism pathways, warranting UK-specific investigation of these interactions.

Key measures

One-carbon metabolism pathway regulation; hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation; immune cell function; antioxidant synthesis; production performance; mTOR signalling; fatty acid oxidation; body condition; effects of feeding system (TMR vs. pasture)

Outcomes reported

The review examines how methyl donor supplementation (methionine, choline, betaine, folic acid) modulates one-carbon metabolism pathways to improve immunometabolism, reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, and support production performance during the peripartal period in dairy cattle. It explores regulatory mechanisms including enzyme control, cellular sensors, and signalling pathways involved in one-carbon metabolism.

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