Feed restriction and subsequent re-alimentation affect the expression of oxidative phosphorylation genes in skeletal muscle of Holstein Friesian bulls

Abstract Text: RNAseq was performed to examine differential gene expression profiles in M. longissimus dorsi biopsies collected from Holstein Friesian bulls undergoing a period of restricted feed intake (Period 1) followed by subsequent re-alimentation (Period 2), compared to ad libitum fed animals.  Growth rates were 0.6 and 2.5 kg/d for restricted fed animals in periods 1 and 2, respectively and 1.9 and 1.4 kg/d in control animals in periods 1 and 2 respectively. The oxidative phosphorylation pathway was over-represented in both periods (P<0.001). Genes of mitochondrial enzyme complexes I to V were up-regulated in restricted fed animals in Period 1 and subsequently down-regulated in these animals in Period 2, suggesting improved mitochondrial function in Period 1 in feed restricted animals. However down-regulation of genes of oxidative phosphorylation in Period 2 indicates that improved mitochondrial function does not contribute to the occurrence of compensatory growth.

Keywords:

mitochondria

RNAseq

compensatory growth