ABSTRACT

Omega 6 fatty acids lead to series 1 and 2 prostaglandins while omega 3 fatty acids lead to series 3 prostaglandins secretion. Flaxseed, which contains about 55% of total fatty acids in the form of linolenic acid, leads to the synthesis of series 3 prostaglandins. We observed that feeding flaxseed improves fertility of dairy cows through enhanced early embryo survival and decreased secretion of series 2 prostaglandins. Moreover, our results suggest that flaxseed can act directly on the developing embryo and endometrial tissues to modulate expression of genes involved in FA metabolism and embryo survival.