Title:Protein Metabolism and Signal Pathway Regulation in Rumen and Mammary Gland
Volume: 18
Issue: 6
Author(s): Ya Jing Wang, Jian Xin Xiao, Shengli Li*, Jing Jing Liu, Gibson Maswayi Alugongo, Zhi Jun Cao, Hong Jian Yang, Shu Xiang Wang and Kendall C. Swanson
Affiliation:
- Department of Animal Science, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Beijing 100193,China
Keywords:
Protein metabolism, amino acids, regulation, rumen, mammary gland, ruminant.
Abstract: Protein is an important yet the most expensive dietary component for farm ruminant animals.
Understanding the mechanism behind protein utilization in animals for maintenance and milk
production is critical for raising animals efficiently. Once the protein has been ingested, it undergoes
various transformations in the gut before it is absorbed into blood and its precursors are harnessed by
the mammary gland for milk protein synthesis in lactating animals. Several signaling pathways are
involved both in absorption and in milk protein biosynthesis. Protein metabolism and signal pathway
regulation in various tissues of ruminant are thus reviewed with emphasis on two particular tissues,
the rumen and the mammary gland.