Abstract
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine effects of inclusion of Zeolite in lactating dairy cows’ rations on blood Ca, P, and Mg status during periparturient period, as well as on milk yield and composition during early lactation. Forty-two pregnant dry Holstein cows were randomly assigned as Zeolite treated cows (EG) or untreated cows (CG) comprising 21 cows each. The EG group received the same diet as the CG group, but with addition of 200 g/cow/day of Zeolite. There was no treatment effect on milk total solids, milk fat, milk protein, lactose, milk ash, milk Ca, milk P, milk Mg, plasma P, and plasma Mg for CG and EG. Conversely, milk yield, fat corrected milk (FCM), fat yield, protein yield, lactose yield, and plasma Ca were significantly increased by Zeolite addition. These results indicate that Zeolite can be effectively used in the rations of dry and lactating cows with positive effects on milk production and components yields and no deleterious effects on milk composition or blood parameters. Blood Ca was enhanced around calving and at the beginning of lactation. It is suggested that prepartum Zeolite supplementation may alleviate the negative Ca balance and therefore reduce the incidence of subclinical hypocalcaemia during the periparturient period.
Highlights
A major challenge for dairy producers, managers, and veterinarians is to maintain a dairy cow’s health during the periparturient period
We investigated whether the chosen calcium binding substance had any effect on the blood constituents normally linked to calcium homeostasis (Ca, P, and Mg) during the dry period and early lactation
Our results are a confirmation of prior research that reports the effectiveness of including Zeolite in the rations of dry dairy cows to activate the calcium homeostatic mechanisms before calving and to avoid postpartum hypocalacemia
Summary
A major challenge for dairy producers, managers, and veterinarians is to maintain a dairy cow’s health during the periparturient period (the dry period and the first 3–4 weeks after calving). This transition period is characterized by the appearance of periparturient disorders, such as hypocalcaemia or milk fever. It is a metabolic disease caused by a low blood Ca level close to calving. The most dramatic clinical milk fever is made when Ca blood concentration levels are lower than 60 mg/L (Allen and Sansom 1993). The diagnosis of subclinical milk fever, a milder form of hypocalcaemia, using blood Ca concentration values is more difficult, but measured values in the range of 62–75 mg/L have been suggested (Risco et al 1984; Shearer and van Horn 1992)
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