Related Topics
Modern dairy cows may produce over 50 kg of milk daily. Their production comes at a cost: inflammation and cellular stress in their mammary glands lower milk quality and cow health.
Stem cells and their powerful substances may hold the key, according to Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists. The current research found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the secretions they produce protect mammary cells from stress and increase milk fat synthesis. Stem Cell Research & Therapy found that cows would be more resilient and produce better milk.
The researchers examined how MSCs and their “secretome”—a set of signaling compounds they produce—influence cow mammary epithelial cells.
Researchers found two impacts when these stem cells or their secretions were transferred to lab-grown milk-producing cells: decreased inflammation, despite stress simulation; and increased fat-related genetic activity and the production of triglycerides.
This is the first evidence of stem cell lipogenicity. MSCs or their’secretome’ increased lipogenesis in all situations, in addition to stress reduction.
High production of milk stresses cows, causing chronic inflammation and disorders like mastitis that lower productivity and health.
MSC-derived factors may improve milk supply, quality, and animal health by relaxing stressed cells and maintaining fat development. Additionally, these benefits were accomplished without direct cell interaction, so beneficial compounds may be extracted and supplied as feed additives.
Milk fat provides energy, fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and important fatty acids. It may be healthier without additives or processing by increasing fat content.
This discovery might revolutionize precision dairy management by utilizing natural bioactive substances to boost animal resistance during demanding lactation.
This goes beyond production. Cow health and healthier milk for everyone are at stake.
Sources:
Roni Tadmor-Levi et al. (2025). Mesenchymal stem cells and their secretome modulate stress and enhance lipogenesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells, Stem Cell Research & Therapy. DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04442-y
Healthier cows, creamier milk: How stem cells could revolutionize dairy farming. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-healthier-cows-creamier-stem-cells.html
AI Disclosure Statement:
The Chromoscience uses AI-assisted tools to support the preparation and editing of science articles. Content is reviewed by the editor for clarity and consistency with the cited research before publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the original scientific publications for complete findings, methods, and limitations.
