Whole blood transcriptome analysis of multiparous Holstein cows supplemented with naringin during the transition period
This project investigates the effects of dietary naringin supplementation on the whole blood transcriptome of transition dairy cows. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to a randomized complete block design based on parity, expected calving date, and body condition score. The experimental period lasted for 56 days, starting from 21 days prepartum until 35 days postpartum. The control group was fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR) without additives, while the treatment group received the basal TMR supplemented with 30 g/d of naringin. Blood samples were collected into PAXgene Blood RNA Tubes. White blood cells were isolated from whole blood samples using red blood cell lysis buffer. Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol Reagent. Following quality assessment, strand-specific RNA sequencing libraries were prepared using the Illumina Stranded mRNA Prep, Ligation kit. Finally, paired-end sequencing (2 x 150 bp) was performed on a NovaSeq 6000 platform.