Other Projects

Other Projects & Ongoing Collaborations

Methionine supplementation during the transition period: impact on the cow-calf pair

Heat stress negatively affects cow-calf performance. Methyl donor supplements may help alleviate this stress. During the transition period, electric heat blankets induced heat stress and harmed dairy cow performance and calf development, resulting in lower birth weights and milk protein yield. Rumen-protected methionine supplementation improved milk protein, glucose at calving, and calf growth. Co-PI: Dr. Ariola Apelo. Publication: Davidson et al., 2024

Accelerating mammary cell-turn over in the dry period

The dry period involves the involution and redevelopment of the mammary gland, with critical cellular processes regulated by local and systemic factors. Our lab is investigating methods to expedite these phases by administering a modified amino acid (5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin precursor) into the cows’ mammary gland before dry-off reduced milk protein expression and increased cell death, promoting the greater proliferation of mammary epithelial cells in preparation for lactation. Publications: Field et al., 2022a; Field et al., 2022b

Serotonin’s role in immune function & metabolism

Gut-derived serotonin influences immune system development and gene expression in leukocytes and lymphoid tissues, especially under heat exposure. Supplementing 5-hydroxytryptophan impacts growth, behavior, and glucose and insulin metabolism. These findings emphasize serotonin’s role in linking metabolic processes with immune functionality in growing calves. Publications: Marrero et al., 2019;  Marrero et al., 2020; Field et al., 2021; Field et al., 2021b

Understanding mammary-derived serotonin on liver and pancreas metabolism during lactation

In collaboration with Hernandez and Ariola Apelo’s labs at UW-Madison, we investigate mammary-derived serotonin contributions to cell turnover and energy regulation during lactation using transgenic rodents, lactating cows, and cell culture models. Publications: Field et al.,2024;  Pszczolkowski et al., 2023; Pszczolkowski et al., 2024.