Decreased Complete Oxidation Capacity of Fatty Acid in the Liver of Ketotic Cows

Complete oxidation of fatty acid in the liver of ketotic cows was investigated. Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and glucose concentrations were measured using biochemical techniques. Carnitine palmitoyl transferase II (CPT II), 3-hydroxy acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HAD) and oxaloacetic acid (OAA) concentrations in the liver were detected by ELISA. Serum glucose was lower in ketotic cows than controls (p<0.05). Serum BHBA and NEFA concentrations were higher in ketotic cows than controls (p<0.05). OAA, CPT II, and HAD contents in the liver of ketotic cows were lower than in controls (p<0.05). There were negative correlations between serum NEFA concentration and OAA, CPT II and HAD, but no correlation between serum BHBA concentration and capacity for complete oxidation of fatty acid. Overall, the capacity for complete fatty acid oxidation in the liver of ketotic cows might have been decreased. High serum NEFA concentrations may be unfavorable factors for the pathway of complete oxidation of fatty acid in the liver.