Cow Nutrition Research Articles

Quality and nutrition of cow's milk paneer supplemented with pastes from indigenous date varieties

In the present study, the antioxidant potential and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of cow's milk paneer supplemented with pastes (10 % of milk) from indigenous date varieties were monitored during storage. The prepared paneer was also evaluated for its physicochemical characteristics, microbiological and sensorial quality during storage period (0–12 days, 5 °C). It was observed that the ESFs of Ajwa paste showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant potential and ACE-inhibition than other investigated date pastes. Moreover, all of the investigated paneer showed significantly (p < 0.05) increasing trend concerning sensory evaluation until 9 days of storage. The paneer supplemented with date pastes showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (3150.70–5776.00 μmol equivalent of Trolox (TE)/g of ethanol soluble fraction (ESF)) and DPPH (1634.70–1645.70 μmol TE/g ESF)/ABTS (83.26–102.43 mg TE /100 g ESF) radical scavenging activity than control paneer. Moreover, paneer (3 days of storage) supplemented with Ajwa paste showed significantly (p < 0.05) high ACE-inhibition (66 %) and lower inhibitory concentration (IC)50 (9 mg/mL) as compared to all other investigated samples. Hence, it may be concluded that the paneer supplemented with date pastes offers considerable antioxidant potential and ACE-inhibitory activity.

Effect of dietary fat source and concentration on feed intake, enteric methane and milk production in dairy cows

Dietary fat can be used in dairy cow nutrition to reduce enteric methane (CH4), but studies with multiple dietary fat concentrations are scarce. Among fat sources, rapeseed is easily accessible in Europe and North America, and palm kernel fat has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of ruminal methanogenesis. Forty-eight cows (half primiparous and half multiparous) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design, with 6 periods of 21 d each. Six treatments were used: a control, 3 fat concentrations (low, medium and high) of rapeseed (RS), and 2 fat concentrations (low and medium) of palm kernel fatty acids (PK). The total crude fat concentrations ranged from 3 to 7% of DM. The cows were fed the treatments as partial mixed ration, and they received additional concentrate from GreenFeed units (1 unit for 12 cows) used to measure CH4 production. Increased dietary crude fat concentration of both RS and PK reduced DMI. The reduction in DMI was stronger in cows fed medium concentration of PK than for any RS concentration, which was comparable to previous studies for both RS and PK. Digestibility of OM was highest at low fat concentration of both fat sources, and lowest at high RS concentration. Digestibility of NDF was reduced by 2 percentage units when cows were fed medium PK concentration instead of the control treatment. Rapeseed supplementation with dietary crude fat up to 5.7% of DM increased milk and energy corrected milk (ECM) yields, but the equivalent PK concentration reduced ECM. Increased fat supplementation decreased CH4 yield (g CH4/kg of DMI) linearly when RS was used, and quadratically when PK was used. Medium PK concentration reduced CH4 yield more than medium RS concentration, but there was no difference for CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg of ECM). Rapeseed fat supplementation with dietary crude fat above 5.7% of DM could reduce further CH4 yield, but fat supplementation was not accompanied by an increase in productivity. The fat source has to be accounted for when considering enteric methane reduction, as the PK provided stronger effect than RS, but the associated reduction in milk production did not support the use of PK for methane reduction.

Effects of abomasal infusion of soybean or sunflower lecithin on nutrient digestibility and milk production in lactating dairy cows

The fatty acid (FA) and phospholipid composition of dietary lecithin may influence FA digestibility and milk production in cattle. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (99.4 ± 9.2 DIM; 48.9 ± 3.8 kg of milk/d) were enrolled in a 3 × 3 incomplete Latin square design with 3 treatments provided as continuous abomasal infusates spanning 14-d experimental periods: water (CON), soybean lecithin (SBL; 74.5 g of deoiled soy lecithin), or sunflower lecithin (SFL; 133.5 g of hydrolyzed sunflower lecithin). Cows were fed the same diet, which contained (% DM) 27.0% NDF, 15.6% CP, 26.2% starch, and 5.87% FA. Treatments did not modify BW, milk fat, protein, or lactose contents, or the efficiency of producing ECM. Cows infused with SFL had greater milk yields than those receiving SBL or CON treatments. Cows infused with SFL had higher total solids, protein, and lactose yields than cows receiving the SBL or CON treatments. Sunflower lecithin enhanced feed efficiency (milk yield/DMI) relative to SBL or CON. Treatment did not affect intakes or apparent total-tract digestibilities for NDF, CP, starch, or 16-carbon (16C) FA. Cows receiving SFL had greater total FA and 18-carbon (18C) FA intakes than SBL or CON, but treatments did not affect their digestibility. Milk FA composition was modified by treatment. Cows receiving SFL had a greater concentration of PUFA and lower concentrations of SFA and MUFA in milk relative to SBL or CON. In conclusion, the abomasal infusion of SFL improved milk production and milk FA composition, indicating potential benefits for dairy cow nutrition and milk quality.

Influence of The Use of Blend Natural Additives From Probiotics, Prebiotics and Dry Sugarcane Yeast in The Diet of Cows on The Production and Quality Of Beef Milk

Objective: To evaluate the effect of supplementation of a commercial additive based on a blend of probiotics, prebiotics and dry sugar cane yeast (Nutrimais® Company Product +Milk®), on the production and quality of cows' milk. Theoretical structure: Natural additives used in the diet of lactating cattle have a synergistic effect and may interfere with milk production and quality, but studies on these additives in the field are scarce. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 46 cows of the Dutch breed were divided into two control groups without supplementation and treated group supplemented with 8g/day of the additive +Milk®. Milk samples for urea nitrogen analysis and milk somatic cell count were collected weekly for 12 weeks. Production in day-1 liters was evaluated. Results and conclusion: The use of this additive provides increased productivity and significant reduction of somatic cell count in the milk of cows of the Dutch breed. Implication of research: This study addresses information on the use of a commercial additive and its effects on milk production and quality, providing data to ensure the expected effect and clarify the benefits of including this additive in the diet of animals. Originality/value: The results of the study have crucial implications for strategies to manipulate the nutrition of dairy cows with a view to increasing productivity and improving the immunity of animals through the inclusion of a natural supplement available on the market.

Milk Composition and Productivity of Holstein Cows in Ryegrass Grazing and Crude Glycerin in The Diet

Objective: The aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of crude glycerin addition in the diet, milk composition and milk yield in dairy milking cows on different stages of lactation. Theoretical framework: It is necessary to balance the supply of protein and energy in the diet of lactating cows. Within this context, a by-product of the Biodiesel industry, called crude glycerin, is low cost and has a high energy value for ruminants, since its main component is glycerol, which ruminants have the capacity to use as a precursor gluconeogenic (Chung et al., 2007). Methods: The experiment was performed with Holstein cows (n=18), divided in two groups of treatment: 1) Basal diet without crude glycerin addition, 2) Diet with 10% of crude glycerin addition in the dry matter. Individual milk samples were collected for the analysis of the percentage of Fat, Protein, Lactose, Total Solids and Somatic Cell Count (Cs mL-1), as well as milk production (liters -1 and corrected for 4% fat). Results and conclusion: It was concluded that the addition of crude glycerin in the diet had no significant effect on the milk production and composition of cows of the Dutch breed. Originality/value: The study results have crucial implications for cow nutrition strategies. Implication of the research: The study results have crucial implications for strategies in the Nutrition of the cows.

DYNAMICS OF CHANGES IN BLOOD INDICATORS OF LACTATING SIMMENTAL COWS WHEN ADJUSTING THE DIET

The article discusses the importance of the biochemical composition of blood as an indicator of the physiological state of the body. The effect of the supplement Cellobacterin, containing probiotic and enzymatic components, on the biochemical blood indicators in Simmental cows during lactation was studied. The results of the study show that when adjusting the diet, there was an improvement in the biochemical blood composition of cows, which is associated with the effect of Cellobacterin on the rumen microbiota. The use of a probiotic is an effective approach to optimize cow nutrition and increase productivity.

Farm management and husbandry practices associated with spontaneous humeral fractures in New Zealand dairy heifers

ABSTRACT Aims To use a farm-based survey to identify characteristics of the New Zealand dairy system associated with the risk of spontaneous humeral fracture in dairy heifers. Methods A questionnaire was designed and made available in print and online to collect information from dairy farmers and/or veterinarians, across New Zealand, about the management and nutrition of cows from birth to first lactation. Data were collected from July 2019 to March 2020 from farms that either had recorded (case farms) or not recorded (control farms) cases of humeral fractures in dairy heifers. Results A total of 68 completed questionnaires were returned, with 35 responses from case farms and 33 responses from control farms. Twenty-six responses (38%) were from the South Island (13 case farms and 13 control farms) and 38 responses (56%) were from the North Island (20 case farms and 18 control farms). For four questionnaires (6%) farm location was not given. Adjusting for the effect of age when calves accessed pasture, case farms had increased odds of having Holstein-Friesian Jersey crossbreed cows as the predominant breed (OR = 9.7; 95% CI = 3.1–36.0; p < 0.001). Adjusting for the effect of breed, allowing calves access to pasture a week later decreased the odds of being a case farm (OR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.47–0.90; p = 0.006). Conclusions Cows being Holstein-Friesian Jersey crossbreed was identified as a possible risk factor associated with spontaneous humeral fracture in dairy heifers in New Zealand. Given the small sample size, the likely multifactorial aetiology for humeral fractures, and the non-randomised survey, this risk factor, and the possible association between age at turn out and herd production with humeral fractures, all require further investigation.

Reaching a Wider Audience: Instagram's Role in Dairy Cow Nutrition Education and Engagement.

The paper presents an overview of the usage of Instagram as a social media platform for teaching and engagement in the field of dairy cow nutrition and management. Our Instagram content, which includes posts, stories, hashtags, reels, and live videos, aims to educate and engage our followers and covers a wide range of topics, including research updates, student activities, and information on dairy cow health and welfare. This approach to education allows us to reach a larger audience while also providing a forum for interaction and discussion on essential dairy cow nutrition concerns.

Chemical, Physical, and Degradation Characteristics of Ryegrass Cultivars Grown in Autumn and Winter for Dairy Cows.

During winter and early spring, pasture supply is usually lower than the demand in New Zealand dairy farming systems and thus the 'autumn saved pastures' (stockpiling) are introduced to fill the gap. This study aimed to investigate the chemical, physical, and degradation characteristics of ryegrass pastures, the predominant forage in New Zealand, grown in autumn and winter. To serve as 'autumn saved pasture', nine ryegrass cultivars, comprising three types (three perennial, three hybrid, and three Italian), were grown in late autumn (Autumn) and early winter (Winter) and harvested after 7 and 9 weeks of regrowth, respectively. The experiment had two experimental factors: ryegrass type (or cultivar) and harvest season. These experimental factors were in a randomised block design with the forage plot as the experimental unit. The degradation characteristics were assessed in the rumen of fistulated cows using the in situ incubation technique. Perennial ryegrass had a greater neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration (468 g/kg dry matter (DM)) than the hybrid (435 g/kg DM) or Italian (414 g/kg DM) ryegrasses. Italian ryegrasses had the greatest soluble fraction of DM (64.2% vs. 46.7% and 40.7%) and the greatest degradation rate of an insoluble but degradable fraction of DM (0.221 vs. 0.189 and 0.145/h) than the hybrid and perennial ryegrasses. Compared with the Winter ryegrass, the Autumn ryegrass had a greater crude protein concentration (246 vs. 208 g/kg DM) and a greater NDF concentration (486 vs. 392 g/kg DM) but a lower calculated soluble carbohydrate concentration (152 vs. 263 g/kg DM). It is concluded that there are notable variations among the cultivars, highlighting distinctions in parameters, such as NDF concentration, soluble fractions, degradation rates, and nutrient content among the perennial, hybrid, and Italian ryegrasses, as well as the seasonal variations observed between autumn and winter growth. These findings will not only facilitate enhanced nutrition for dairy cows as they undergo the transition phase but also have practical implications for future research and dairy cow nutrition.

Leverage of Essential Oils on Faeces-Based Methane and Biogas Production in Dairy Cows

Currently, there is an ongoing intensive search for solutions that would effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mainly methane) into the environment. From a practical point of view, it is important to reduce methane emissions from cows in such a way as to simultaneously trim emissions from the digestive system and increase its potential production from feces, which is intended as a substrate used in biogas plants. Such a solution would not only lower animal-based methane emissions but would also enable the production of fuel (in chemical form) with a high yield of methane from biogas, which would boost the economic benefits and reduce the use of fossil fuels. We tested the effect of administering an essential oil blend consisting of 5.5% oils and fats on methane and biogas production from dairy cow feces during fermentation. Three subsequent series (control and experimental) were conducted in dairy cows fed a total mixed ration (TMR) rich in brewer’s cereals and beet pulp, with 20% dry matter (DM) of the total diet. Cows from the experimental group received 20 g/cow/day of essential oil blend, namely a commercial additive (CA). The study showed that CA can increase the production of methane and biogas from dairy cow feces. It can be concluded that in the experimental groups, approx. 15.2% and 14.4% on a fresh matter basis and 11.7% and 10.9% on a dry matter basis more methane and biogas were generated compared to the control group, respectively. Therefore, it can be assumed that the use of CA in cow nutrition improved dietary digestibility, which increased the efficiency of the use of feces organic matter for biogas production.

Evaluation of hemp cake (Cannabis sativa) and other hemp by-products of Greek origin and efficacy in dairy cow nutrition

Abstract Initially, the nutritional value of the three main by-products of Cannabis sativa (hempseed cake, second-rate quality hemp seed and hemp hay), cultivated under Greek conditions and collected from four plantations in the Macedonian region was estimated. A second part of the study was the investigation of the effects of diet inclusion with hempseed cake (HSC) on the performance of Holstein dairy cows. The HSC used for this experiment was the one analyzed in the first part of the study. A total number of 20 lactating cows were allocated into two equal groups in a randomized block design. Cows of both groups were offered a total mixed ration (TMR) on the same feed allowance. The diet of the experimental group was formulated with 3.5 % hemp cake, at a quantity of 1kg of hemp cake per cow per day. Milk yield was recorded individually, and feed refusals were recorded on a pen basis daily, during the first 40 days of lactation. Individual milk samples were analyzed for their chemical composition, lipid oxidative stability and fatty acid composition and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content, as well as feed samples of each group. Individual blood samples were received for biochemical indices assessment. All data were subjected ANOVA statistical analysis. The results of hemp by-products chemical profile showed similar nutritional values among the different cultivation regions. The experimental results indicated that the inclusion of HSC did not affect milk production and composition (P &gt; 0.05). However, diet inclusion with HSC favorably influenced milk fatty acid profile. Finally, serum NEFA concentration was lower for the HSC group while serum urea levels were higher (P &lt; 0.05).

Feed quality of modern varieties of Festuca arundinacea and Phleum pratense as an alternative to Lolium perenne in intensively managed grassland with different defoliation schemes

AbstractGrassland production based on cutting-only and an increasing frequency of prolonged periods of drought due to climate change could lead to decreased productivity in Lolium perenne. In field experiments, we tested whether Festuca arundinacea and Phleum pratense could be suitable alternatives to L. perenne on intensively managed grassland on clay, peat and sandy soil. The three grasses were sown in mixture with Poa pratensis and Trifolium repens and subjected to different frequencies of defoliation representing a cutting-only system, simulated grazing system and a mixed system. We found that in systems with at least six defoliations, F. arundinacea represented an acceptable compromise between feed quality (6.4 MJ net energy/kg dry matter (DM), 19.3% crude protein, CP), persistence (mass proportion &gt;90%), and DM yield (12.7 Mg/ha). However, for dairy production based on intensive cutting-only systems, the quality of F. arundinacea was insufficient (5.9 MJ net energy/kg DM, 15.6% CP). Mixtures with P. pratense as the main sown species did not differ significantly in production of net energy and CP from L. perenne in cutting-only systems on sandy soil. On peat land, all sown mixtures were invaded by Holcus lanatus. We found that under frequent defoliation conditions, H. lanatus-rich swards had comparatively good DM yields (9.2 Mg/ha) and a feed quality that would be sufficient for dairy cow nutrition (net energy, 6.2–6.4 MJ/kg DM; 18.8–20.4% CP). We conclude that there is potential to adapt the choice of grasses and mixtures in different production systems to meet the challenges of climate change.

High yielding cows metabolism peculiarities under climate change conditions with the use of feed additive with protein protected from rumen degradation

The research relevance is determined by the problem of thermal load on the body of dairy cows by increasing the content of protein protected from breakdown in the rumen. The research aims to determine the metabolism and level of delivery of various forms of protein and energy to the body of highly productive cows in the diets of cows in the second half of lactation under conditions of climate change. Research methods include zootechnical (assessment of feed intake, rationing, selection of groups, organisation of the experiment, determination of milk production), biochemical (determination of the content of basic nutrients in feed, milk quality indicators), statistical, and mathematical. The compensation of protein in the diet of high-yielding cows under climate change conditions was carried out using the protein feed additive TEP-mix with protein protected from rumen breakdown. It has been proven that its inclusion in the cow’s diet can increase average daily milk production by 9.1% in the cold season (0-10°C) and by 28.0% in the summer (21-36.4°C). In addition, the fat and protein content in milk increased in cows receiving the high-protein feed additive TEP mix. It was found that the increase in protein nutrition of cows from 23.18% to 33.53% with the use of the feed additive TEP-mix with protein protected from scar breakdown ensures a reduction in the impact of climate change on the metabolism of dairy cows. Thus, it has been proved that the use of specific protein feed sources that regulate the level of non-cutting protein in the diet can be considered a factor in combating heat stress and increasing milk production of dairy cows throughout the physiological cycle of lactation, including in extreme conditions of high temperatures

Transition Cow Nutrition and Management Strategies of Dairy Herds in the Northeastern United States: Associations of Nutritional Strategies with Analytes, Health, Milk Yield, and Reproduction.

The objective was to identify relationships between transition cow nutritional strategies and the prevalence of elevated analytes (nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and haptoglobin (Hp)), disorder incidence (DI), milk yield, and reproductive performance. Multiparous and primiparous cows from 72 farms in the northeastern US were enrolled in a herd-level cohort study. Farms were dichotomized within parity into a nutritional strategy within each period; far-off: controlled energy (CE; <16.5% starch and ≥40% forage neutral detergent fiber (FNDF)) or not CE (NCE; ≥16.5% starch or <40% FNDF or both), close-up: high FNDF (HF; ≥40% FNDF) or low FNDF (LF; <40% FNDF), and fresh: low starch (LS; <25.5% starch) or high starch (HS; ≥25.5% starch). No evidence existed that transition cow nutritional strategies were associated with milk yield outcomes (p ≥ 0.20). In general, our results support feeding multiparous cows HF close-up and HS fresh to minimize excessive BHB and DI; however, multiparous cows fed LF close-up had a higher pregnancy rate, and lower prepartum NEFA and Hp. Similarly, our results support feeding primiparous cows CE far-off, HF close-up, and HS fresh to maximize reproductive performance, and minimize BHB and DI; however, herds fed HF close-up or HS fresh had higher Hp.

Perspective: Could dairy cow nutrition meaningfully reduce the carbon footprint of milk production?

Perspective: Could dairy cow nutrition meaningfully reduce the carbon footprint of milk production?

Review: How the efficiency of utilization of essential amino acids can be applied in dairy cow nutrition.

How the efficiency of utilization of essential amino acids (EffUEAA) can be applied in dairy cow nutrition is presented in this review. The concept of EffUEAA proposed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM, 2021) is first detailed. It represents the proportion of the metabolisable essential amino acids (mEAA) supply used to support protein secretions and accretions (scurf, metabolic fecal, milk and growth). For these processes, the efficiency of each individual EAA is variable, and considered to vary similarly for all the protein secretions and accretions. The anabolic process of gestation is ascribed to a constant efficiency (33%), whereas the efficiency of endogenous urinary loss (EndoUri) is set at 100%. Therefore, the NASEM model EffUEAA was calculated as the sum of EAA in the true protein of secretions and accretions divided by the available EAA (mEAA - EndoUri - gestation net true protein/0.33). In this paper, the reliability of this mathematical calculation was tested through an example where the experimental efficiency of His was calculated assuming that liver removal represents catabolism. The NASEM model and experimental efficiencies were in the same range and varied in similar manner. Assuming that the NASEM model EffUEAA reflects EAA metabolism in the dairy cow, its different applications were examined. In NASEM, target efficiencies were determined for each EAA: 75, 71, 73, 72, 73, 60, 64, 86 and 74% for His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp, and Val, respectively. From these, recommendations for mEAA supply can be calculated as: [(secretions + accretions)/(target EffUEAA×0.01)+EndoUri+gestation/0.33], assuming energy supply is adequate. In addition to NASEM propositions, equations to predict EffUEAA with precision and accuracy are detailed, using the ratio of (mEAA-EndoUri) to digestible energy intake, in a quadratic model that includes days in milk. Moreover, milk true protein yield predictions from predicted EffUEAA or efficiency of utilization of metabolisable protein are better than those from the multivariate equation of NASEM (2021) and superior to those predicted with a fixed efficiency. Finally, either the NASEM model or the predicted EffUEAA can be used to assess the responsiveness of a ration to supplementation with a single EAA. If the EffUEAA of the EAA to supplement is higher than the target EffUEAA, while the EffUEAA of the other EAA are lower than the target value, this suggests a potential improvement in milk true protein yield to supplementation with this EAA.

Establishment of Flavonoid Fingerprint of TMR Diet and Optimization Factor Analysis Strategy and In Vitro Fermentation Parameters Based on Spectrum–Effect Relationship

Nutricines, the nutritionally active substances in feed, play a vital role in enhancing immune function, antioxidant activity, and feed efficiency in dairy cows. Identifying nutricines in total mixed ration (TMR) provides insights into feed quality and their impact on dairy cow health. However, due to the structural diversity of nutricines, data mining using multivariate variable models faces challenges in exploring their relationships. To address this, this study established a hierarchical clustering and optimization factor strategy for 13 common flavonoid peaks detected using apparent data and HPLC-DAD. The establishment of the flavonoid fingerprint of TMR diet in dairy cows detected 13 common peaks, five of which were found using standard products: p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, tricin, and diosmetin. In vitro fermentation results using different TMR samples in substrate fermentation indicated that the dry matter disappearance rate, NH3-N, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate changes varied significantly (p &lt; 0.05). In spectrum–activity relationship studies, P2, P6, P8, P9, P10, and P11 were all considered possible factors causing this effect. In the analysis of optimization factor strategy, the peak spectrum model of four fermentation parameters, i.e., pH, dry matter digestibility, NH3-N, and acetate, was constructed after optimization (p &lt; 0.05), and the data model is listed in the main text. In structure–activity relationship studies, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, methyl sinapic acid, methyl 4-hydroxycinnamate, and p-hydroxybenzalacetone may serve as candidate references for compound 10 and may play an important role in affecting the digestibility of dry matter in in vitro fermentation. These findings highlight the role of flavonoids in TMR feed as key factors in maintaining dairy cow health and differentiating nutritional value. This study proposes a novel method for future TMR diet formulation and quality evaluation, with potential implications for improving dairy cow health and performance. Further research is needed to validate these findings and elucidate the mechanisms underlying nutricine effects on dairy cow nutrition and health.

Magnesium butyrate is a readily available magnesium source in dairy cow nutrition

The aim of the present study was to measure the apparent absorption of magnesium (Mg) originating from Mg-butyrate. Six mid-lactation Holstein Friesian dairy cows were used with dietary treatments arranged in a cross-over design. Two different diets were fed during the experiment, consisting of a low Mg diet without Mg-butyrate (L-Mg, 3.1 g Mg/kg dry matter) or a high Mg diet with Mg-butyrate (H-Mg, 3.9 g Mg/kg dry matter). Cows offered the L-Mg diet ingested 54.7 g Mg/day while the cows fed the H-Mg diets ingested 66.3 g Mg/day (P < 0.001). The fecal excretion of Mg, however, was similar between the two experimental diets (P = 0.174). Consequently, apparent Mg absorption was found to be 7.9 % units greater (P = 0.038) when the cows were fed the diet supplemented with Mg-butyrate. The greater Mg absorption after feeding the H-Mg diet was, however, not reflected by a greater urinary Mg concentration (P = 0.228). The fractional Mg absorption from Mg-butyrate was calculated to be 71.6 %, which indicates that Mg from Mg-butyrate is readily available for absorption. In conclusion, Mg-butyrate is an attractive alternative to supplement dairy rations with Mg.

Dairy Cow Nutrition and Milk Quality

Dairy products are becoming increasingly important for improving human health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic [...]

Efficiency of using different levels of mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese, and Cobalt in cow feeding

To increase productivity and reduce the negative impact on the environment, it is necessary to investigate the most optimal ratios of organic trace elements in the diets of cows involved in the production cycle, considering their physiological state and lactation stage. The purpose of the study was to determine the economic profitability of using mixed complexes of zinc, manganese, and cobalt in the diets of dairy cows. The experiment was carried out under production conditions on Holstein cows. 100 cows were divided into two groups. Cows of the control and experimental groups consumed feed mixtures made according to the same recipes, supplemented with mixed ligand complexes of zinc, manganese, and cobalt. It was found that with the optimal content of mixed ligand complexes of zinc, manganese, and cobalt in cows of the experimental group, body weight loss during the first hundred days of lactation was 16.4 kg or 2.88% less than in the control. Analysis of performance indicators of cows during the dry period and the first hundred days of lactation showed that in animals of the experimental group, whose diet contained mixed ligand complexes of trace elements at the rate of 54.7 mg of zinc and manganese and 0.7 mg of cobalt per 1 kg of dry matter, milk yields of natural fat content increased by 4.1 kg or 9.2%, the fat content in milk – by 0.02% compared to cows of the control group, whose diets provided the content of zinc and manganese at the level of 60.8 mg, cobalt – 0.78 mg/kg of dry matter due to mixed ligand complexes. There was also a decrease in the duration of the service period by 9 days and the insemination index by 0.17 semen doses. The cost of production remained unchanged, and the additional profit with a reduced concentration of these elements in the diet of cows of the experimental group amounted to EUR 27.24 or 9.7%. Thus, optimisation of mineral nutrition of cows by introducing mixed ligand complexes of zinc, manganese, and cobalt to achieve the concentration of trace elements of zinc and manganese – 54.7 mg each, and cobalt – 0.7 mg per 1 kg of dry matter of the feed mixture will improve milk production and reproductive capacity of cows and allow obtaining additional profit