Effect of short-term fasting on plasma concentrations of leptin and other hormones and metabolites in dairy cattle.

We determined the effects of short-term fasting and refeeding on temporal changes in plasma concentrations of leptin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor- 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), in early lactating cows, non-lactating pregnant cows, and postpubertal heifers. In experiment 1, Holstein cows in early lactation were either fed ad libitum (Control, n=5) or feed deprived for 48 h (Fasted, n=6). Plasma leptin, insulin, and glucose concentrations rapidly declined (P 0.10) within 2h of refeeding. Plasma NEFA and GH concentrations were elevated (P 0.10) by 8 and 24h after refeeding, respectively. In experiment 2, four ruminally cannulated pregnant non-lactating Holstein cows were used in a cross-over design and were fasted for 48 h (Fasted) or fasted with partial evacuation of rumen contents (Fasted-Evac). The plasma variables measured did not differ (P>0.10) between Fasted and Fasted-Evac cows. Plasma leptin, insulin, and IGF-1 concentrations were reduced by 10, 6, and 24h of fasting, respectively, in Fasted-Evac cows; and these variables were reduced by 24h in Fasted cows (P 0.10) affected by fasting. Collectively, our data provide evidence that plasma leptin concentrations are reduced with short-term fasting and rebound on refeeding in dairy cattle with the response dependent on the physiological state of the animals. Compared to the rapid induction of hypoleptinemia with fasting of early lactation cows, the fasting-induced hypoleptinemia was delayed in non-lactating cows and postpubertal heifers.