Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the effects of adding phytoncide oil extracted from Korean pine nut cone byproduct to the diet of dairy cows on milk yield and compositions, fatty acid characteristics, complete blood count and stress response. A total of 74 Holstein cows were used for 30 days and divided into two groups. Each group was given a basal diet (C) or an experimental diet containing phytoncide additives at 0.016% (T) in feed. The results showed that phytoncide feeding had no effect on milk yield. In addition, there were no observed effects on milk composition, but the ratio of fatty acid in milk was significantly affected by the phytoncide diet, and it showed a positive effect. Not only were the major functional fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid increased, but also ω6:ω3 fatty acid ratio was reduced in milk of T group (p<0.05). In blood analysis, the complete blood count showed no significant difference between C and T group on all parameters. However, the cortisol concentration was significantly decreased in T group compared to control (p<0.05). Taken together, we suggest that phytoncide oil does not have a great influence on the physiological changes, but can be a potential feed additive that improves the milk fatty acid and stress resilience in dairy cows. In addition, it will contribute to the development of feed resource, a reduction in feed cost and a lessening of environmental pollution.
Highlights
The use of antibiotic growth promoters has proven to be a useful means of improving feed efficiency (Yang et al, 2007)
Numerous studies were conducted on the effects of essential oil (EO) on rumen microbial fermentation, milk production, and milk composition of dairy cows (e.g., Benchaar et al, 2006; 2007; Yang et al, 2007)
The study of Khiaosa-ard and Zebeli (2013) on rumen fermentation variables suggested that EO affected protozoa numbers (p
Summary
The use of antibiotic growth promoters has proven to be a useful means of improving feed efficiency (Yang et al, 2007). The usage of antibiotics has already been banned. Both locally and abroad, substances that can be used as substitutes for a number of antibiotics. The use of phytogenic materials in livestock production has greatly increased. Phytoncide or essential oil is a natural substance and a food by-product derived from Korean origin pine nut cone. After pine nut cones are harvested, only nuts are used as the edible part, and the other by-products thrown away. As this waste by-product might cause environmental pollution, the utilization of discarded pine by-product extract is an efficient use of resources that would have been wasted otherwise
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