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Effect of monensin and essential oils on performance and energy metabolism of transition dairy cows
Author(s) -
Drong C.,
Meyer U.,
Soosten D.,
Frahm J.,
Rehage J.,
Breves G.,
Dänicke S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.651
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1439-0396
pISSN - 0931-2439
DOI - 10.1111/jpn.12401
Subject(s) - monensin , ketogenesis , zoology , ice calving , milk fever , medicine , ketosis , chemistry , dairy cattle , lactation , endocrinology , pregnancy , biology , metabolism , ketone bodies , genetics , diabetes mellitus
Summary This work examined preventive effects of a dietary and a medical intervention measure on postpartum (p.p.) ketogenesis in dairy cows overconditioned in late pregnancy. Sixty German Holstein cows were allocated 6 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to three high body condition score ( BCS ) groups ( BCS 3.95 ± 0.08) and one low BCS group ( LC , BCS 2.77 ± 0.14). Concentrate proportion in diet a.p. was higher (60% vs. 20%) and increase in proportion p.p. from 30% up to 50% decelerated (3 vs. 2 weeks) in high BCS groups. High BCS cows received a monensin controlled‐release capsule ( CRC ) ( HC / MO ), a blend of essential oils ( HC / EO ) or formed a control group ( HC ). Performance parameters and energy status were evaluated in three periods [day (d) −42 until calving, one until 14 days in milk ( DIM ), 15 until 56 DIM ]. Feed efficiency was 65% and 53% higher in HC / MO than in LC (p < 0.001) and HC groups (p = 0.002) in the second period. Milk fat content was higher in HC / EO (5.60 vs. 4.82%; p = 0.012) and milk urea higher in HC / MO (135 mg/kg) than in LC cows (107 mg/kg; p < 0.001). Increased p.p. levels of non‐esterified fatty acids in serum were found in HC (p = 0.003), HC / MO (p = 0.068) and HC / EO (p = 0.002) in comparison with LC cows. Prevalence of subclinical and clinical ketosis was 54% and 46%, respectively, in HC group. Monensin decreased the prevalence to 50% and 7% respectively. Ruminal fermentation pattern showed higher proportions of propionate (23.43 mol % and 17.75 mol %, respectively; p < 0.008) and lower acetate:propionate ratio (2.66 vs. 3.76; p < 0.001) in HC / MO than HC group. Results suggest that a monensin CRC improved energy status and feed efficiency of transition dairy cows while essential oils failed to elicit any effect.