231 Effect of fat-embedded calcium gluconate on lactation performance in high-yielding multiparous dairy cows in a commercial dairy setting

Abstract

Abstract Fat-embedded calcium gluconate fed as a dietary supplement has previously been shown to increase milk and component yields in lactating dairy cattle in controlled experimental settings. These responses are thought to be due to improvements in gut barrier function and health driven by increased butyrate supply from the fermentation of calcium gluconate in the hindgut. The objectives of the current study were to validate the effects of a fat-embedded calcium gluconate supplement offered during late gestation and early lactation on milk production and milk component yields in a commercial setting. From April to December 2019, 151 multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were assigned to one of four treatment sequences in a randomized complete block design within a 2 x 2 factorial design (negative control or supplement prepartum, and negative control or supplement postpartum). Outcomes pertaining to milk production, component yields and health parameters were recorded for the first 100 days of lactation. Yields of milk and all components increased (P ≤ 0.045) in response to postpartum supplementation, in agreement with previous studies. Milk protein content was 0.03% lower (P = 0.003) in animals receiving the supplement prepartum. Additionally, prepartum supplementation diminished the lactation performance response relative to animals receiving supplementation in the postpartum period only; lactation performance was partially ameliorated by subsequent postpartum supplementation. Overall, these results support previous work examining the lactation performance response to fat-embedded calcium gluconate supplementation in dairy cattle. Future controlled studies examining the effects of prepartum supplementation on subsequent lactation performance are warranted.