The Effect of Early Postpartum oral Drench Solution
on Blood Β-Hydroxybutyrate Concentration, Milk
Yield, and Milk Composition in Holstein Cows in Juniper in Journal of Dairy & Veterinary Sciences (JDVS)
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of oral drench solution on blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration, milk yield, and milk composition of Holstein cows. Primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows (n=129) on commercial farms in southern Brazil were blocked by parity and calving season. Cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) Control (40 L of water) and 2) Drench (40 L of water containing propylene glycol, rumen-protected choline, and minerals). Treatments were administered immediately after calving and 24 hours later. Cows were fed total mixed rations and milked twice daily. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed weekly. Blood BHBA concentration was measured twice weekly. Concentrations of BHBA were lower (P=0.05) in drench than control cows, 0.93 and 1.08mmol/L respectively. Older (parity ≥3) compared to younger (parity≤2) cows had greater (P=0.02) blood BHBA concentration. An interaction of treatment and parity revealed that older drenched cows had lower (P=0.04) BHBA concentration than control (0.93 and 1.19mmol/L, respectively) but such differences were not observed in younger cows. Milk yield and milk composition did not differ among treatments or seasons, but differed between parity. Older compared to younger cows had greater yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose. Drench treatment administered immediately after calving and 24 hours later decreased blood BHBA concentration in the present study, however, no affects were observed in milk yield, milk composition or BCS.
