Lactation performance, feed efficiency, and blood metabolites of dairy cows treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the impact of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on lactation performance, feed efficiency, and blood metabolites in dairy cows. In the systematic review, articles were selected based on the following criteria: (1) Data focusing on the influence of bovine somatotropin doses on milk production; (2) Submission of original data; (3) Articles published in journals; and (4) Articles in English or Portuguese. The analysis of variance was used with a completely randomized design and mixed models methodology. Polynomial regression was applied to significant fixed effects (rbST dose). The use of rbST resulted in increased milk yield and 4% fat-corrected milk yield, while fat, protein, and lactose contents remained unaffected. Dry matter and metabolizable energy intakes, as well as milk/feed efficiency, exhibited a linear increase, but body condition score (BCS) was negatively impacted. The administration of rbST led to higher blood concentrations of triglycerides and insulin. Cows treated with rbST showed a 23% increase in non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations compared to non-treated cows. Additionally, growth factors IGF-1 and IGF-2 displayed a linear increase with rbST treatment. In summary, rbST administration increased milk yield and fat-corrected milk yield without affecting milk components. However, despite increasing intake, it resulted in BCS losses and alterations in blood parameters such as NEFA, IGF-1, and IGF-2.