By analyzing new findings from the literature on immunometabolism during the transition period, as well as classical concepts, we aim to propose a new approach to the inflammation paradigm in cows transitioning from gestation to lactation. The purpose of this review, based on data from scientific articles and reviews, is to characterize the immunometabolism of the transition period, highlighting the main characteristics of the inflammatory response in dairy cows and listing the mechanisms that govern inflammatory tone and coordinate the resolution of inflammation, with a view of new paradigms and analysis of non-classical pathways. We also seek to analyze inflammation and the role of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum in the genesis of diseases, proposing approaches for modulating inflammatory tone. This review analyzes the classical theoretical approach using mechanistic views anchored in knowledge produced in other species and based on new evidence from the bovine field, determining new paradigms. This study highlights the constant inflammatory condition during the transition period and its effect on metabolism and demonstrates the role of dysregulation of inflammation resolution as a central factor in the genesis of diseases. Purinergic and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways have been little explored in cattle, but it is believed that the role of these pathways in maintaining homeostasis represents a great opportunity for understanding and modulating the phenomenon of inflammation in dairy cows. Dysregulation of the stress axis shows elucidative potential regarding the dysregulation of inflammatory resolution, with mitochondrial health and endoplasmic reticulum stress being dividing factors between homeorhetic and pathological states. Modulating inflammation and establishing inflammatory resolution presents challenges with classic anti-inflammatory drugs due to the paradoxical role of prostaglandin E2 in inflammation and resolution. Phytoactives offer new possibilities for modulating inflammation without disrupting inflammatory resolution and ensuring antioxidant effects, associated with strategies for formulating less inflammatory diets.

Background: This experiment evaluated whether the combination of essential oils (thyme, rosemary, orange) with extracts of Cinnamomum and Quillaja saponaria (enriched with tocopherols) in steers’ diet has positive effects on the health, digestibility, growth, oxidative stress, and fatty acid profile of meat. Methods: The experiment included 24 Holstein steers, divided into two groups, randomly divided (treated = phytogenic mixture (n = 12); control = monensin (n = 12)), undergoing a growth phase of 120 days and 90 days of finishing in individual pens, with a monthly collection of blood, rumen fluid, feces, and feed. Results: In the finishing phase (days 150 to 210), there was a tendency (p = 0.07) toward more significant average daily weight gain when cattle consumed a phytogenic mixture than monensin. The use of the phytogenic product showed greater feed efficiency in the period from 150 to 240 days (p < 0.05), with higher levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), without differences in the composition of these SCFAs between the control and treated groups, with a reduction in apparent digestibility in the treated group. In blood parameters, the treated group showed higher erythrocyte counts (p < 0.05) without changes in leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and platelets. The phytogenic treatment demonstrated higher total protein and globulin levels, with increased glucose levels on days 30 and 210 (p < 0.05). Ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin levels increased in the treated group without changes in ferritin, transferrin, C-reactive protein, IgA, and heavy-chain immunoglobulins (p < 0.05). A reduction in oxidative stress was observed using the phytogenic agent, with a marked decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and carbonyl proteins, with a tendency to increase glutathione S-transferase (p < 0.05). In meat, the phytogenic reduced saturated fatty acids with increased polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased the omega 6/omega 3 ratio. Lower levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and ROS were detected in the meat combined with a higher concentration of total thiols in the treated group than in the control group. Conclusions: The use of the phytogenic in steers’ diets has shown to be a viable candidate for replacing monensin, presenting equal or superior performance results with systemic modulating effects on oxidative stress, meat quality, and serum and biochemical parameters that contribute to more substantial health and efficiency.

The responsiveness of the stress axis is fundamental for maintaining health and sustaining productive performance; however, the effect of modulating this stress axis with bovine appeasing substance and its effects on biochemical, immunological, oxidative parameters and uterine involution have not been determined, which are the objectives of this experiment. To elucidate these questions, Holstein cows, from the prepartum to lactation period in a cross-ventilation system, received an application of a bovine appeasing substance (treated group) and a 0.9% saline solution (control group) at the time of calving, and blood samples were collected on calving day and on days 3, 7, 14 and 21 postpartum for analysis. Modulation of the stress axis by bovine appeasing substance increased magnesium levels on days 7 and 14 postpartum, with a reduction in fructosamine levels on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. A reduction in ferritin levels, an acute-phase protein, and a reduction in interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 6 were also observed, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect in cows of the treated group. Creatine kinase activity decreased on day 21 postpartum in cows treated with bovine appeasing substances. An increase in cholinesterase activity on day 7 and a marked decrease on day 21 postpartum in treated cows were observed compared to the control. This was accompanied by a reduction in beta-hydroxybutyrate levels on day 7 and a reduction in reactive oxygen species levels on day 14 in animals of the treated group, indicating modulation of ketogenesis and reduced oxidation through an anti-inflammatory effect. Mean uterine thickness was also affected by the bovine appeasing substance, with a lower mean thickness on day 21 postpartum in treated cows. Modulation of the stress axis by the bovine appeasing substance reduces inflammation, improving energy dynamics and reducing oxidation, thus facilitating tissue repair associated with postpartum uterine involution in dairy cows.

High-starch diets can impair gastrointestinal homeostasis in growing cattle by promoting dysbiosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-active phytogenic blend containing Macleaya cordata extract, essential oils, live yeast, silymarin, bentonite, and beta-glucans on performance, inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers, volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, and microbiota composition in calves fed a high-starch diet. Twenty-eight 5-month-old Holstein males were assigned to a control diet (control group) or the same diet with addition of 15 g/animal/day of the additive (Phytogenic group) for 70 days. Calves fed with additives had greater weight gain and average daily gain (p = 0.05), whereas dry matter intake and feed efficiency were unchanged. The additive reduced total leukocytes and lymphocytes number, decreased of biomarker in serum as TNF-α, IL-1, C-reactive protein, ferritin, haptoglobin, creatine kinase, cholinesterase, TBARS, and reactive oxygen species. These animals of the Phytogenic group also have increased IL-10, IgA, IgG, total protein, and globulin concentrations compared to the control group. Ruminal and fecal VFA concentrations were higher in animals of Phytogenic group, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In addition, intake of additives increased ruminal microbial richness and altered beta diversity, indicating a marked shift in rumen microbial structure, while altering the relative abundance of specific taxa associated with high-starch feeding. These findings indicate that this phytogenic blend improves growth performance and exerts immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and microbiota-modulating effects, supporting its use as a nutritional strategy to mitigate the metabolic challenges associated with high-starch diets in growing cattle.