Fatty liver is a common occurrence in the early postpartum period, partly due to the large influx of fatty acids into the liver during adipose tissue lipolysis. Because there is a linkage between fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress, and lipid deposition in hepatocytes of nonruminant animals, we evaluated the potential therapeutic roles of Taraxasterol on reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in vitro. This compound found in medicinal plants alleviated oxidative and ER stress and reduced lipid accumulation. Thus, it may represent a novel therapeutic tool for the management of dairy cows around parturition.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.