During the transition period, cows undergo a series of metabolic and immunological changes, which represent a physiological challenge that is often a risk for their production and health. During this period, dairy cows have a pro-inflammatory state associated with frequent infectious diseases and lipomobilization, and present an insulin resistance state related to fat mobilization and a high body condition score. In humans, the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from the omega-3 (n-3) family, which are involved in many biological systems and processes, have been shown to exert beneficial effects on health, particularly on the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the incorporation of n-3 PUFAs in the diets of dairy cows could represent an interesting supplement for them to afford the challenge of the peripartum. This review describes the novel information and advances in the understanding of relevant aspects concerning the effects of dietary PUFAs on dairy cows, focusing on metabolic and inflammatory aspects with possible effects on the cows´ physiology and adaptation to the peripartum period.

在过渡时期，奶牛经历了一系列的代谢和免疫学变化，这代表了生理挑战，通常对其生产和健康构成威胁。在此期间，奶牛的发炎状态与常见的传染病和脂代谢有关，并表现出与脂代谢有关的胰岛素抵抗状态和较高的身体状况评分。在人类中，来自omega-3（n-3）家族的多不饱和脂肪酸（PUFA）已参与许多生物系统和过程，已显示出对健康，尤其是对代谢综合症的有益作用。因此，在奶牛的日粮中掺入n-3 PUFAs可以代表他们对付围产期挑战的有趣补充。