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Abstract
Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to support reproductive performance in dairy cows, but large amounts are needed due to ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids. Three long-term large herd feeding trials, two with heifers and one with mature cows, were conducted to evaluate the effects of adding a rumen protected fish oil supplement on reproduction. In all trials, there were over 1000 animals eligible to be bred/treatment. Cows received a ration with 40 g of a rumen protected fish oil supplement (Salmate® the Ballard Group, Cincinnati Ohio) during the test periods, while controls received no supplementation. The additive was provided to the test cows from the onset of lactation until 90 ± 5 days in milk. Cows entering the pen on or after the first day of the study were included in the dataset. Individual cow records were compiled by Dairy Herd Improvement Association (National DHIA, Verona WI USA) were compared to records from the same time period the year prior. Results were compared using ANOVA for single mean variables and Fisher’s exact test for proportional data. In trials 1 and 2 involving heifers, pregnancy rates were improved (22.4% vs 14.8% in trial 1 and 22.0 vs 17.8% in trial 2, (p P P P > 0.05). However, early embryonic abortion rates were 16.8 during the control period, as compared to 4.7% during the test feeding period. The rumen protected omega 3 fatty acid supplement was found to be of benefit to reproductive performance in dairy cows. The supplement may improve the percentage of cattle bred that become pregnant in herds where this metric is low. Early term abortions may be lowered, particularly in herds where this is high.
Highlights
The cornerstone of successful dairy management is maintenance of reproductive performance
The rumen protected omega 3 fatty acid supplement was found to be of benefit to reproductive performance in dairy cows
It is better understood that the extent of and the duration of negative energy balance in early lactation is correlated with the interval to first postpartum ovulation [5] and can be reduced with dry cow feeding programs that improve intake during early lactation [6]
Summary
The cornerstone of successful dairy management is maintenance of reproductive performance. Walsh et al [4] concluded that the most important causes for reproductive failure are negative energy balance in early lactation, poor detection of estrus, failure to produce high quality oocytes, and lack of sufficient progesterone production after fertilization. These events can be mitigated to some extent and managed with nutritional support. It is better understood that the extent of and the duration of negative energy balance in early lactation is correlated with the interval to first postpartum ovulation [5] and can be reduced with dry cow feeding programs that improve intake during early lactation [6]. Reducing negative energy balance would likewise be expected to impact the quality of developing oocytes [2]
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