Effects of Supplementation with Rumen-Protected Choline and Methionine on Metabolic Profile and Some Reproductive Parameters in Dairy Cattle During Transition Period

Abstract

This study conducted to determine effect of the rumen-protected choline and methionine supplementation to peripartum dairy cattle on metabolic profile, metabolic disorders and some reproductive parameters. For this, 3-6 year-old, multiparous, healthy and pregnant 32 high-yield Holstein dairy cows were divided into 4 different groups during trial as: a control (CON) group with no supplementation to the ration; a 75 gr/day rumen-protected choline chloride (CHOL) supplemented group, 42 gr/ day methionine (MET) supplemented group, 75 gr/ day choline chloride and 42 gr/ day methionine (MET + CHOL) supplemented group were during three weeks before and after parturation. Blood samples were taken at wk -3, calving, wk 3 and wk 10 and were analyzed. Health problems and reproductive data were recorded during treatment. Statistically significant differences were detected in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose, total protein, albumin, direct bilirubin, total cholesterol and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Results of this study suggested that rumen-protected choline and methionine supplementation to the rations of dairy cattle affected some metabolic profile parameters. The statistical differences in metabolic profile tests did not affect metabolic diseases and reproductive parameters.