Transcriptome analysis of high-risk cattle supplemented with inorganic or organic Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn

This objective of this study was to identify gene expression and biological mechanisms related to trace mineral metabolism, central to inflammatory mediation and disease development, through the evaluation of the whole blood transcriptome in post-weaned cattle receiving different mineral treatments. Here, 56 high-risk cross-bred beef cattle (~250 kg) were assigned to receive ad libitum access to supplements containing 1 of 3 treatments over a 60-day period: 1) sulfate sources of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn in feed (INR; custom blend; n= 40); 2) organic complexed source of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn in feed (AAC; Availa4; n = 40); or 3) organic complexed source of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn in feed and administration of a drench product [ProFusion] upon arrival (COMBO; n = 40). Whole blood RNA from 26 cattle (~4 calves/pen) were matched and utilized to assess the host transcriptome at days 0, 13, 28, 45, and 60 for the assessment of host transcriptome responses over time. Overall design: Whole blood from 26 randomly selected and matched individuals per treatment group (n=3;INR, AAC, COMBO) were used for gene expression profiling and differential analysis across five time points (Day 0, 13, 28, 45, 60).