Hepatic gluconeogenic and ketogenic interrelationships in the lactating cow.

Interrelationships between propionate, palmitate, and butyrate metabolism were investigated in vitro with [1-carbon-14] carboxyl substrates. Production of labeled glucose, ketone bodies, and carbon dioxide was used to estimate rates of bovine hepatic gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis. Incubations were with liver slices from eight lactating Holstein cows fed either a control or high concentrate-low fiber diet. Liver samples were acquired by trochar biopsy at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days postpartum. Ketone production from both palmitate and butyrate was highest in liver slices obtained at 30 days. Glucose production from labeled propionate was also highest in early lactation. The higher rates of gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis in early lactation were associated with higher hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.21) activity. Feeding the high concentrate enhanced gluconeogenesis from propionate and decreased ketogenesis from palmitate. Propionate addition (10 mM) to incubation media also decreased the total amount of palmitate oxidized [( carbon-14] dioxide plus [carbon-14] ketones). Diet had no effect on hepatic butyrate metabolism. Results indicated that ketogenesis is regulated via rate of long chain fatty acid transport into the mitochondria. Stage of lactation has a greater influence on long and short chain fatty acid metabolism than does diet composition.