Research Progress on Metabolism Mechanism and Preliminary Application of Bile Acid in Transition Dairy Cow (Bos taurus)
WU Ying1, ZHANG Xia2, YAO Jun-Hu1, ZHANG Jun1,3,*
1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; 3 National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy, Hohhot 010100, China
Abstract：The transition period is a critical phase in the lactation cycle of dairy cows (Bos taurus), characterized by profound physiological adaptations associated with pregnancy, parturition, and lactation. These changes often lead to immune dysfunction and disruptions in glucose and lipid metabolism, predisposing cows to metabolic disorders such as fatty liver, and ketosis. Bile acids, synthesized from cholesterol in the liver, not only facilitate fat emulsification and absorption in the intestine but also act as signaling molecules that regulate glucose-lipid metabolism and immune responses via downstream receptor activation. This review systematically summarizes current knowledge regarding changes in bile acid synthesis, transport, and signaling pathways in dairy cows during the periparturient period, with a focus on their roles as metabolic regulators. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanisms by which bile acids contribute to the maintenance of glucose stability, lipid metabolic balance, and immune responses, thereby supporting overall metabolic homeostasis in transition dairy cows. Furthermore, the potential applications of bile acid-related findings in dietary formulation, prevention of metabolic diseases, and development of metabolic and health monitoring indicators are discussed, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and practical insights for improving metabolic health and production efficiency in dairy cows.
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