Cows' BHB impacts on calf BAT growth and metabolic health

Effects of Maternal Blood β-Hydroxybutyrate on Brown Adipose Tissue Functions and Thermogenic and Metabolic Health in Neonatal Calves. This study investigated the effects of elevated maternal blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) levels during the dry period on brown adipose tissue function and thermogenic and metabolic health of newborn calves. The results showed that although high BHB levels had no effect on calf birth weight or growth, they significantly impaired glucose sensitivity, increased stress genes and decreased brown adipose tissue mass, thermogenic proteins and mitochondrial density. In vitro, BHB supplementation inhibited brown adipocyte formation and thermogenesis.