Effects of prepartum treatment with monensin or propylene glycol mixed with concentrate on milk yield and blood NEFA and BHBA levels in dairy cows

Authors : Zafer MECİTOĞLU, Sevim ÇETİN KASAP, Mehmet Levent ÖZDÜVEN, Muhittin ÖZDER, Engin KENNERMAN

Pages : 667-671

View : 15 | Download : 3

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :  Sixty multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows made up the study sample. Group M insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n = 20); received 300 mg/day monensin insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Kexxtone, Elanco); for 21 days prior to the expected calving date. Group PGC insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n = 20); received propylene glycol, mixed with concentrate and fed separately from total mixed ration insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(TMR); twice a day in the last 21 days of gestation. The control group, Group C insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n = 20); did not receive any treatment prior to parturition. Cows in all three groups received PG insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(300 mL/day); for 5 days after parturition. Blood samples were collected 21 and 7 days prior to the expected calving date, as well as 7 and 14 days after parturition. NEFA and BHBA levels did not differ between the treatment groups. However, milk yield of Group M was significantly higher than that of Group C during weeks 3, 4, and 5 of lactation. Although NEFA and BHBA levels were similar in both treatment groups, higher milk yield in monensin-treated cows could be related to an increase in glycogenic precursors resulting from favorable effects of monensin on ruminal bacterial flora.
Keywords : Propylene glycol, monensin, dry period, NEFA, BHBA, milk yield