Mobilization of body fat reserves that is triggered by hormonal cues in states of negative energy balance results in the release of NEFAs from adipose tissue. The liver retains ~15%–20% of the NEFAs circulating in blood and thus accumulates increased amounts during periods when blood NEFA concentrations are increased. The most pronounced increase occurs at calving, when plasma NEFA concentrations can exceed 1,000 mcM/L.
