Abstract
Eighteen Holstein cows were used to determine the effects of two levels of sunflower meal [0.93% vs 10.83% dry matter sunflower meal for low and high level of sunflower meal (LSFM and HSFM, respectively)] in prepartum diets on their productive performance. Cows were fed individually one of two diets (HSFM or LSFM) as TMR (total mixed ration) 21 d before expected calving. Prepartum dry matter intake increased significantly for cows fed HSFM diet. Cows on HSFM diet had more colostrum yield and produced more milk than did cows fed a LSFM diet only during the first week after calving. Energy-corrected milk production was higher for the cows fed HSFM. Milk compositions including fat, protein, and total solids were not affected by prepartum treatments. Plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, and glucose were not different between treatments. These data suggest that sunflower meal can improve prepartum dry matter intake and hence productive performance in early lactation.
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Schedule a callMore From: Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A — Animal Science
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