Effect of supplementing periparturient cows with vitamin E on distribution of alpha-tocopherol in blood.

Holstein cows were fed 0 or 1000 IU/d of supplemental vitamin E during the dry period and injected with placebo or 3000 IU of vitamin E at 10 and 5 d prior to anticipated calving. Blood was collected at various times, starting at 60 d prepartum (dry off) and concluding 30 d postpartum, and separated into plasma, red blood cells, and neutrophils. Oral supplementation increased concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and red blood cells on 10 d, but not on 5 d prepartum. Injection of vitamin E increased alpha-tocopherol in plasma, red blood cells, and neutrophils at d 5 prior to and on the day of parturition. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol in plasma were correlated, and both were at their nadir at parturition. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and red blood cells were correlated, but the correlation increased when plasma alpha-tocopherol was expressed per unit of cholesterol. alpha-Tocopherol in plasma and neutrophils had a low correlation. Injection of alpha-tocopherol increased its concentration in plasma, red blood cells, and neutrophils during the periparturient period. Concentration of alpha-tocopherol in plasma of periparturient cows may be limited by its low lipid content, and transport mechanisms for alpha-tocopherol may differ between red blood cells and neutrophils.     

Effect of dietary fat and vitamin E on alpha-tocopherol in milk from dairy cows

Diets with different fat treatments and with 25, 125, or 250 IU of supplemental vitamin E (all-rac alpha-tocopheryl acetate)/kg of dry matter (DM) were fed for 28 d to midlactation Holstein cows to determine factors affecting concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in milk. Diets contained no supplemental fat or 2.25% added fat from roasted soybeans or tallow. Vitamin E treatment had no effects on production, but fat supplementation increased milk yield (37.2 vs. 35.1 kg/d). Cows fed RSB ate more DM (24.0 vs. 21.9 kg/d) and produced more milk fat than cows fed tallow. Supplemental fat increased plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol. Increased intake of alpha-tocopherol linearly increased concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in plasma but the rate of increase was 1.9 times greater when fat was fed. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations were linearly related to concentrations in milk, but a change in plasma alpha-tocopherol resulted in a smaller change in milk alpha-tocopherol when fat was fed than when it was not. Fat treatment did not affect plasma alpha-tocopherol expressed relative to plasma cholesterol (mg alpha-tocopherol/g cholesterol) or relationships between plasma alpha-tocopherol/g of cholesterol and milk alpha-tocopherol. These data suggest that concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in milk are a function of the alpha-tocopherol enrichment of the plasma lipid fraction and enrichment of that fraction is saturable.     

Bovine neutrophil responses to parenteral vitamin E.

Twenty-eight Holsteins were tested to determine effects of dietary and parenteral vitamin E supplementation during the dry period on plasma alpha-tocopherol and in vitro neutrophil functions at calving. Cows were assigned to one of four experimental groups receiving either supplemental dietary vitamin E, injections of vitamin E, both dietary and injections of vitamin E, or neither source of supplemental vitamin E during the dry period in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Cows receiving parenteral vitamin E were injected subcutaneously with 3000 IU of vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) at 10 and 5 d prior to anticipated calving. Cows not receiving parenteral vitamin E were injected with a placebo. Experimental groups receiving dietary vitamin E during the dry period were supplemented with 1040 IU/d compared with none for controls. Cows injected with vitamin E had greater plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration 5 d after the first injection, at calving, and 1 wk after calving than did cows injected with placebo. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations did not differ between dietary vitamin E treatment groups from calving through 4 wk postpartum. No interaction was found between dietary and parenteral supplementation of vitamin E on plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration. Neutrophils from cows injected with vitamin E had greater intracellular kill of bacteria at calving than did neutrophils from placebo-injected cows. Neither phagocytic index nor percentage of neutrophils phagocytizing differed between vitamin E-injected and placebo-injected cows. Dietary vitamin E during the dry period had no effect on neutrophil function at calving. Intracellular kill and plasma alpha-tocopherol were correlated at calving.     

Responses of dairy cattle to long-term and short-term supplementation with oral selenium and vitamin E1

In a two-lactation-gestation cycle experiment, 152 Holstein cows with low serum Se and vitamin E were fed total mixed rations and assigned at parturition to four groups (1, control; 2, 500 IU vitamin E/d; 3, 2 mg Se/d; 4, 500 IU vitamin E plus 2 mg Se/d). Supplements were not fed during dry periods. Serum Se and vitamin E were increased within 1 mo by oral supplements. Maximal mean serum Se in cycles 1 (67 ng/ml at 7 mo) and 2 (74 ng/ml at 4 mo) occurred in groups 3 and 4, respectively. Maximal mean serum vitamin E in cycle 1 (3.3 micrograms/ml at mo 8) and 2 (3.03 micrograms/ml at mo 2) occurred in groups 4 and 2, respectively. Selenium treatment of the dams increased Se in colostrum and in serum of presuckle calves. Vitamin E supplementation of dams did not affect vitamin E in serum of presuckled calves. Reproductive performance was not affected by supplement. In an 8-wk study, 24 lactating cows with low serum Se were assigned (6/group) to 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg supplemental Se/d. Maximal mean serum Se concentrations of 23, 56, 71, and 79 ng/ml were attained by wk 4 in the above respective groups. These data indicate that 2 to 2.5 mg supplemental Se/cow per d were inadequate for desirable serum Se concentrations and support recent changes in allowed Se supplementation for dairy cattle.     

Prepartum supplementation of selenium and vitamin E to dairy cows: assessment of selenium status and reproductive performance

Incidence of retained placenta in dairy cows was evaluated in 627 parturitions. The herd was divided prepartum into three groups: 1) control, no treatment (n = 217 cows); 2) cows injected intramuscularly (n = 190) 21 to 10 d prior parturition with 45 mg Se and 2040 IU of vitamin E; and 3) cows intraruminally administered (n = 220) with two 30-g pellets containing 10% elemental selenium 2 mo prior to expected calving. Incidence of retained placenta (22.1%) was not reduced by Se in combination with vitamin E injection or intraruminal Se pellet nor were other measures of reproduction improved for cows fed a prepartum diet adequate in Se. At parturition the blood plasma Se concentrations were higher in treated postpartum with Se than in untreated cows. No difference in blood plasma Se was observed at parturition between cows with or without placenta retention. Cows dosed intraruminally with Se had a significant increase in milk Se, but this was too small to be a danger to human health. The present results on placenta retention suggest that this disorder is not a Se responsive disease in the dairy cow.     

Effects of adding beta-carotene to rations of lactating cows consuming different forages

Thirty-six Holstein cows fed a corn silage-based ration and 34 fed an alfalfa-grass silage-based ration were assigned according to calving date to receive either 300 mg/head per day of synthetic beta-carotene in a gelatin capsule or an empty gelatin capsule daily for the first 100 days postpartum. Supplemental vitamin A was provided at 3919 IU/kg of ration dry matter. Cervix diameters for cows supplemented with beta-carotene were smaller at 21 days and 28 days postpartum. Days from parturition to first observed estrus were less when beta-carotene was added and less when corn silage was fed. Means of other reproductive traits were more favorable for cows treated with beta-carotene (fewer services per conception and shorter intervals between parturition and conception). Milk progesterone at 21 and 28 days postpartum was not affected by either roughage or beta-carotene treatment. Milk from cows receiving alfalfa-grass silage contained lower somatic cell concentrations than that produced by cows fed corn silage. Milk somatic cell concentrations were lower in both roughage treatment groups for cows supplemented with beta-carotene. No effects of roughage or beta-carotene on milk production or milk fat percentages were significant.     

Relationships among vitamin E, selenium, and bovine blood neutrophils

Effects of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on in vitro phagocytosis and intracellular kill of bacteria by bovine neutrophils were investigated. Diets were not supplemented with vitamin E and selenium during the dry period and first 21 d of lactation. Cows were then assigned to one of four treatment diets for 30 d. Treatment diets were either unsupplemented or supplemented with vitamin E, selenium, or both vitamin E and selenium, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated from each cow on lactation d 51. Vitamin E supplementation of diets increased intracellular kill of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by neutrophils. Intracellular kill of S. aureus was greater in neutrophils isolated from selenium supplemented cows than in neutrophils from cows without supplemental selenium. Intracellular kill of E. coli did not differ between neutrophils from selenium supplemented and selenium unsupplemented cows. Ability of neutrophils to phagocytize either S. aureus or E. coli was independent of vitamin E and selenium.     

Decreased plasma retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and zinc concentration during the periparturient period: effect of milk fever

Retinol (vitamin A), alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), and Zn are micronutrients essential for health and performance. We determined the effects of parturition, lactation, and periparturient Ca status on plasma retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and Zn in 18 Jersey cows during the 2 wk before and after parturition. Six cows developed clinical milk fever. Prepartum plasma concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and Zn decreased progressively in all animals. A nadir was reached at 1 d postpartum when concentrations declined to 38, 47, and 67%, respectively, of prepartal baseline concentrations. Plasma Zn returned to baseline concentrations within 3 d of calving, and plasma alpha-tocopherol returned toward baseline about 10 d after calving. Plasma retinol remained below baseline concentrations throughout the first 2 wk of lactation. The decline in plasma Zn observed at calving was more severe in cows with milk fever (parturient paresis) than in cows without milk fever. The decrease in plasma retinol and alpha-tocopherol observed at parturition was similar in cows with or without milk fever. These data document an acute decline in plasma retinol, alpha-tocopherol, and Zn in the immediate periparturient period and indicate that the decline in plasma Zn is more severe in cows with milk fever.     

The effect of source of supplemental dietary calcium and magnesium in the peripartum period,and level of dietary magnesium postpartum,on mineral status,performance, and energy metabolites in multiparous Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding different supplemental sources of Ca and Mg in the peripartum period, and different dietary levels of Mg postpartum, on plasma mineral status, performance, and aspects of energy metabolism in transition dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 41) were used in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments starting at 28 d before expected parturition. Main effects were source assignments (CS = common sources of supplemental Ca and Mg, or MA = a blend of common and commercial mineral sources with supplemental minerals primarily from a commercial Ca-Mg dolomite source; MIN-AD, Papillon Agricultural Company Inc., Easton, MD) beginning at 21 d before due date; cows were further randomized within source treatments to 1 of 2 levels of Mg supplementation (LM = formulated postpartum diet Mg at 0.30% of dry matter (DM), or HM = formulated postpartum diet Mg at 0.45% of DM) beginning within 1 d after parturition. Final treatment groups included the following: common source, low Mg (CS-LM, n = 11); common source, high Mg (CS-HM, n = 11); MIN-AD, low Mg (MA-LM, n = 10); and MIN-AD, high Mg (MA-HM, n = 9). Treatment diets were fed and data collected through 42 d in milk. Postpartum plasma Mg concentrations tended to be higher for cows fed HM and cows fed CS, but no effects were observed on peripartum plasma Ca concentrations. Peripartum plasma P concentrations were higher for cows fed MA. Dry matter intake (DMI) in the prepartum period was higher for cows fed MA (CS = 15.9 vs. MA = 16.8 kg/d) and postpartum DMI was higher in some groups depending on week. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were lower for cows fed MA during both the prepartum and postpartum periods. A source by level interaction was observed for postpartum plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations such that cows fed CS-LM had numerically higher BHB and cows fed MA-LM had numerically lower BHB (geometric means; CS-LM = 7.9, CS-HM = 6.9, MA-LM = 6.3, and MA-HM = 7.3 mg/dL) than cows fed the other 2 treatments. Higher milk fat yield, milk fat content, and fat- and energy-corrected yield during wk 1 for cows fed MA resulted in source by week interactions for these outcomes. This study demonstrated that varying supplemental Ca and Mg sources and feeding rates had minimal effect on plasma Ca status despite differences in plasma Mg and P concentrations. Effects on DMI and plasma energy metabolites suggest an opportunity for strategic use of mineral sources in the transition period to promote metabolic health.     

Peripartal metabolism and production of holstein cows fed diets supplemented with fat during the dry period

Previous research from our laboratory demonstrated that cows fed supplemental fat throughout the dry period in an attempt to increase body condition score (BCS) had little hepatic lipid accumulation at d 1 postpartum compared with cows fed an isocaloric high-grain diet or a lower energy control diet. However, results were confounded by lower dry matter intake and loss of BCS by cows fed the fat-supplemented diet. Here, cows were fed a control diet (C) moderately high in nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) or an isocaloric fat-supplemented, low NFC (F) diet to reassess the effects of supplemental fat throughout the dry period on peripartal lipid accumulation in liver. A more energy-dense, high-NFC diet supplemented with fat (CF) was also fed to test the efficacy of supplemental fat in a diet with similar carbohydrate composition but higher energy density. Intakes of dry matter and net energy for lactation were similar among treatments throughout the experiment, although diet x day interactions during the last 21 d before parturition indicated that cows fed CF decreased intakes more slowly. Cows gained similar amounts of BCS and body weight among diets prepartum, but cows fed C tended to lose more BCS and body weight around parturition. Milk production and milk components did not differ among treatments. Prepartum concentrations of glucose, insulin, total protein, nonesterified fatty acids, and mu-hydroxybutyrate in plasma were similar among treatments. Supplemental fat increased prepartum concentrations of urea and cholesterol in plasma. Postpartum concentrations of metabolites and insulin in plasma were similar among treatments. Concentrations of total lipid and triglyceride in liver increased at parturition, whereas hepatic glycogen concentration decreased, but concentrations were not different among treatments. Supplemental fat fed prepartum did not affect peripartal lipid accumulation in liver tissue and did not benefit postpartum milk production.     

Ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate for prevention of parturient paresis in dairy cows

Forty-eight Holstein cows with two or more previous lactations and no history of parturient paresis were randomly assigned to one of four prepartum diets in a 2 x 2 factorial design to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with ammonium salts and Ca intake on serum Ca concentrations at calving. Four diets provided either 53 g total dietary Ca/d or 105 g Ca/d and were either supplemented with ammonium salts [100 g/d each of NH4Cl and (NH4)2SO4] or unsupplemented. Anion-cation balance of the diets, calculated as milliequivalents (Na + K)--(Cl + S), was -75 meq/kg DM with ammonium salts and +189 meq/kg DM without ammonium salts. Experimental diets were fed from 21 d prior to expected parturition until calving. Calcium intake during the feeding period did not affect the incidence of parturient paresis or serum concentrations of ionized Ca at calving. The incidence of parturient paresis was 4% with and 17% without the ammonium salts. Cows fed diets containing ammonium salts had higher serum ionized and total Ca concentrations at parturition. Serum concentrations of Mg, P, Na, K, and Cl on the day of parturition were unaffected by dietary treatment.     

Production,metabolism, and follicular dynamics in multiparous dairy cows fed diets providing different amounts of metabolizable protein prepartum and postpartum

Our objectives were (1) to determine whether increasing metabolizable protein (MP) supply above requirements in late-gestation cows would benefit health, milk production, and reproduction; (2) to determine whether an increased supply of MP postpartum affects production; and (3) to determine whether supply of MP prepartum interacts with MP supply postpartum. Pregnant nonlactating cows (n = 60) blocked by expected parturition date were assigned to 1 of 3 prepartum diets from 21 d prepartum to parturition: 12% crude protein (CP) soybean meal (SBM) supplement (LSB); 15% CP SBM supplement (HSB); and 15% CP SBM plus animal-marine protein supplement (HMP). Diets were formulated to supply an estimated 924, 988, and 1,111 g/d of MP, respectively, at 11.5 kg of dry matter intake (DMI). After parturition, cows received diets containing 18% CP, either from SBM (SB) or SBM plus animal-marine protein (AMP) supplements, that provided 2,056 (SB) or 2,293 g/d (AMP) of MP at 21 kg of DMI; thus, treatments were in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Milk production and DMI were recorded for 63 d postpartum. Prepartum DMI was lower at wk ?3 for cows fed LSB compared with those fed HSB or HMP. Postpartum DMI did not differ significantly between cows fed SB and those fed AMP (20.8 vs. 19.6 kg/d). Milk production did not differ due to prepartum diets or postpartum diets. Milk fat and protein percentages were not affected by prepartum or postpartum diets. Cows fed AMP postpartum tended to produce more milk fat, but 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) did not differ from SB-supplemented cows (33.6 kg/d vs. 32.2 kg/d). Gross feed efficiency (FCM/DMI) was greater for cows fed AMP postpartum (1.82 vs. 1.68). Prepartum concentrations of urea N in plasma were lower for LSB than for HSB and HMP, and HSB was greater than HMP. Postpartum concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate were greater for cows fed AMP postpartum than for those fed SB. Postpartum urea N was higher for SB than for AMP (14.4 vs. 12.5 mg/dL). Concentration of total protein in plasma was greater postpartum for cows fed HSB or HMP prepartum than for those fed LSB, and was greater postpartum for cows fed AMP than for those fed SB. Hepatic concentrations of total lipids and triglyceride did not differ among treatments. Hepatic glycogen was greater postpartum for cows fed SB postpartum. Feeding HSB or HMP increased the number of follicles 6 to 9 mm in diameter compared with LSB. The size of the largest follicle was increased by HMP compared with HSB. In conclusion, increasing the amount of MP fed to cows during the last 21 d prepartum did not affect milk production or BCS but increased plasma total protein concentration. Follicular dynamics were improved by increasing the amount of MP prepartum. Feeding HMP prepartum improved follicular dynamics prepartum and increased milk fat yield in wk 1. Feeding AMP postpartum increased efficiency of FCM production and plasma total protein. We found few interactions between prepartum and postpartum MP supply.     

Effects of prepartum dietary cation-anion difference and source of vitamin D in dairy cows: Vitamin D,mineral, and bone metabolism

Pregnant Holstein cows, 28 nulliparous and 51 parous, were blocked by parity and milk yield and randomly allocated to receive diets that differed in dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD), +130 or ?130 mEq/kg, and supplemented with either calcidiol or cholecalciferol at 3 mg/11 kg of dry matter from 255 d of gestation until parturition. Blood was sampled thrice weekly prepartum, and on d 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30 postpartum to evaluate effects of the diets on vitamin D, mineral and bone metabolism, and acid-base status. Blood pH and concentrations of minerals, vitamin D metabolites, and bone-related hormones were determined, as were mineral concentrations and losses in urine and colostrum. Supplementing with calcidiol increased plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 3-epi 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ compared with supplementing with cholecalciferol. Cows fed the diet with negative DCAD had lesser concentrations of vitamin D metabolites before and after calving than cows fed the diet with positive DCAD, except for 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂. Feeding the diet with negative DCAD induced a compensated metabolic acidosis that attenuated the decline in blood ionized Ca (iCa) and serum total Ca (tCa) around calving, particularly in parous cows, whereas cows fed the diet with positive DCAD and supplemented with calcidiol had the greatest 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ concentrations and the lowest iCa and tCa concentrations on d 1 and 2 postpartum. The acidogenic diet or calcidiol markedly increased urinary losses of tCa and tMg, and feeding calcidiol tended to increase colostrum yield and increased losses of tCa and tMg in colostrum. Cows fed the diet with negative DCAD had increased concentrations of serotonin and C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen prepartum compared with cows fed the diet with positive DCAD. Concentrations of undercarboxylated and carboxylated osteocalcin and those of adiponectin did not differ with treatment. These results provide evidence that dietary manipulations can induce metabolic adaptations that improve mineral homeostasis with the onset of lactation that might explain some of the improvements observed in health and production when cows are fed diets with negative DCAD or supplemented with calcidiol.     

Effects of supplementation with ruminally protected choline on performance of multiparous Holstein cows did not depend upon prepartum caloric intake

Objectives were to evaluate the effect of prepartum energy intake on performance of dairy cows supplemented with or without ruminally protected choline (RPC; 0 or 17.3 g/d of choline chloride; 0 or 60 g/d of ReaShure, Balchem Corp., New Hampton, NY). At 47 ± 6 d before the expected calving date, 93 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Cows were fed energy to excess [EXE; 1.63 Mcal of net energy for lactation/kg of dry matter (DM)] or to maintenance (MNE; 1.40 Mcal of net energy for lactation/kg of DM) in ad libitum amounts throughout the nonlactating period. The RPC was top-dressed for 17 ± 4.6 d prepartum through 21 d postpartum (PP). After calving, cows were fed the same methionine-balanced diet, apart from RPC supplementation, through 15 wk PP. Liver was biopsied at ?14, 7, 14, and 21 d relative to parturition. Cows fed EXE or MNE diets, respectively, consumed 40 or 10% more Mcal/d than required at 15 d before parturition. Cows fed the MNE compared with the EXE diet prepartum consumed 1.2 kg/d more DM postpartum but did not produce more milk (41.6 vs. 43.1 kg/d). Thus, PP cows fed the EXE diet prepartum were in greater mean negative energy balance, tended to have greater mean concentrations of circulating insulin, fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate, and had greater triacylglycerol in liver tissue (8.3 vs. 10.7% of DM) compared with cows fed the MNE diet prepartum. Cows fed RPC in transition tended to produce more milk (43.5 vs. 41.3 kg/d) and energy-corrected milk (44.2 vs. 42.0 kg/d) without increasing DM intake (23.8 vs. 23.2 kg/d) during the first 15 wk PP, and tended to produce more milk over the first 40 wk PP (37.1 vs. 35.0 kg/d). Energy balance of cows fed RPC was more negative at wk 2, 3, and 6 PP, but mean circulating concentrations of fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate did not differ from those of cows not fed RPC. Despite differences in energy balance at 2 and 3 wk PP, mean concentration of hepatic triacylglycerol did not differ between RPC treatments. Feeding RPC reduced the daily prevalence of subclinical hypocalcemia from 25.5 to 10.5%, as defined by concentrations of total Ca of <8.0 mg/dL in serum in the first 7 d PP. Pregnancy at first artificial insemination tended to be greater for cows fed RPC (41.3 vs. 23.6%), but the proportion of pregnant cows did not differ by 40 wk PP. Heifers born from singleton calvings from cows fed RPC tended to experience greater daily gain between birth and 50 wk of age than heifers from cows not supplemented with RPC. Feeding RPC for approximately 38 d during the transition period tended to increase yield of milk for 40 wk regardless of amount of energy consumed during the pregnant, nonlactating period.     

The effects of feeding fish oil on uterine secretion of PGF2alpha, milk composition, and metabolic status of periparturient Holstein cows

The objectives were to determine the effect of dietary fish oil (FO) on uterine secretion of PGF2alpha, milk production, milk composition, and metabolic status during the periparturient period. Holstein cows were assigned randomly to diets containing FO (n = 13) or olive oil (OO, n = 13). Cows were fed prepartum and postpartum diets that provided approximately 200 g/d from 21 d before the expected parturition until 21 d after parturition. The FO used contained 36% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5, n-3) and 28% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3). Blood samples were obtained from 14 d before the due date until d 21 postpartum. A total of 6 FO and 8 OO cows without periparturient disorders were used in the statistical analyses of PGF2alpha-metabolite (PGFM) and metabolite concentrations. Length of prepartum feeding with OO or FO did not differ. Proportions of individual and total n-3 fatty acids were increased in caruncular tissue and milk of cows fed FO. The combined concentrations of EPA and DHA in caruncular tissue were correlated positively with the number of days supplemented with FO. Cows fed FO had reduced concentrations of plasma PGFM during the 60 h immediately after parturition compared with cows fed OO. Concentrations of prostaglandin H synthase-2 mRNA and protein in caruncular tissue were unaffected by diet. Production of milk and FCM were similar between cows fed the two oil diets. However, cows fed FO produced less milk fat. Feeding FO reduced plasma concentrations of glucose. Dietary fatty acids given during the periparturient period can reduce the uterine secretion of PGF2alpha in lactating dairy cows and alter the fatty acid profile of milk fat.     

Lipid metabolite profiles and milk production for Holstein and Jersey cows fed rumen-protected choline during the periparturient period

Choline is important for assembly of very low density lipoproteins to export triglyceride from liver; however, studies to assess the effect of rumen-protected choline (RPC) supplementation on blood lipid metabolites in periparturient dairy cows have not been conducted. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein and 10 multiparous Jersey cows were randomly assigned to control or RPC treatments. A close-up diet was fed from approximately 3 wk before parturition through parturition, followed by a lactation diet from parturition through 49 d postpartum. For RPC, diets were top-dressed once daily with 60 g of a RPC product (25% choline as choline chloride) from 21 d before expected parturition through 21 d postpartum. Treatment did not affect dry matter intake either prepartum (12.0 vs. 12.1 kg/d for RPC and control, respectively) or during the first 3 wk postpartum (14.8 vs. 15.7 kg/d, respectively). Daily yields of 3.5% fat-corrected milk (39.4 vs. 37.4 kg/d), fat (1.46 vs. 1.38 kg/d), and protein (1.09 vs. 1.05 kg/d) did not differ statistically by treatment (RPC vs. control, respectively). Jersey cows in the control group had lower concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in plasma during d 1 to 10 postpartum than did other breed and treatment combinations. Cows fed RPC tended to have greater serum triglycerides prepartum (17.0 vs. 14.7 mg/dL) and lower plasma phospholipid at parturition (65.2 vs. 78.1 mg/dL) than control cows. Treatment did not affect cholesterol and phospholipid at other time points, but concentrations followed patterns of dry matter intake pre- and postpartum. Cows were in moderate body condition score (mean = 3.3) at the start of the study and did not lose excessive condition by 3 wk postpartum (mean body condition score loss = 0.5); therefore, cows might not have been at great risk for hepatic lipid accumulation. Additionally, calculated Met balance was negative postpartum; supplemental RPC might not have spared enough Met to produce a physiological benefit. More research is needed to determine how choline affects prevention or alleviation of fatty liver syndrome and to confirm potential differences between Holstein and Jersey cows.     

Effects of silage species and supplemental vitamin E on the oxidative stability of milk

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of feeding legume silages and providing supplemental vitamin E in concentrates on the oxidative stability of milk. In experiment 1, six multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows were offered 1 of 6 silage treatments in a cyclical changeover-design experiment, with four 4-wk periods. The silages were grass, red clover, white clover, alfalfa, grass and red clover mixture (50:50 on a DM basis), and grass and white clover mixture (50:50 on a DM basis). In experiment 2, 8 cows were used in a changeover-design experiment with three 4-wk periods. The 4 treatments were a factorial combination of forages (grass silage or red clover silage) and supplemental vitamin E in the form of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (29 or 290 IU/kg of DM in the concentrate). All forages were offered ad libitum and a flat rate of concentrates (8 kg/d) was fed in both experiments. Red clover silage led to significantly higher forage intakes, milk yields, and milk protein percentage in experiment 2, which was in agreement with results from experiment 1. There was no effect of vitamin E on feed intake, milk production, or milk fat and protein percentage. Red clover silage also led to significant changes in milk fatty acid profiles, particularly increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Milk samples were stored at 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C and analyzed for alpha-tocopherol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances at intervals to determine oxidative stability. Diets based on red clover and alfalfa silages were associated with more rapid loss of alpha-tocopherol and increased production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances during the storage of milk in comparison with diets based on grass silage. The increased oxidative deterioration of milk produced from cows fed red clover silage was avoided by vitamin E supplementation.     

Effects of different vitamin A supplies on performance and the risk of ketosis in transition cows

This experiment investigated the effects of feeding low and high supplies of vitamin A (VA) during the transition period on plasma metabolites, prevalence of ketosis, and early milk production. In a randomized complete block design, 42 prefresh Holstein cows and 21 heifers were blocked by parity and calving date and assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (n = 21 per treatment unless noted): CON, a transition diet with supplemental VA (75,000 IU/d) to meet the requirement; LVA, a transition diet with no supplemental VA; or HVA, a transition diet receiving supplemental VA (187,500 IU/d) 2.5 times greater than the requirement. Experimental periods were prepartum (−14 d prepartum), postpartum (1 to 30 d in milk), and carryover period (31 to 58 d in milk; common lactating diet with adequate VA was fed). Differences in dry matter intake in the pre- and postpartum periods and milk yield were not detected among treatment. Milk fat, protein, and lactose yields were similar among treatments and not affected by VA. Somatic cell count increased linearly with increasing VA. Body weight and body condition score decreased postpartum, but no VA effect was observed. Plasma retinol concentrations (n = 10 per treatment) decreased at d 2 postpartum and increased as lactation progressed, but the concentrations were unaffected by treatment. Plasma β-carotene (n = 10 per treatment) had a treatment by time interaction and its concentration decreased after parturition and remained low for 2 wk. Plasma fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate did not differ among treatments. Milk retinol concentration and yield (n = 10 per treatment) increased as VA supply increased. Segmented neutrophils (%) decreased, and lymphocytes (%) increased in blood with increasing VA supply. In conclusion, providing different supplies of VA did not affect production, mobilization of body fat, and risk of ketosis; however, excessive VA supply may have negatively affected the immune response, in part contributing to increased milk somatic cell counts during early lactation.     

Effects of pre- and postfresh transition diets varying in dietary energy density on metabolic status of periparturient dairy cows

Effects of dietary energy density during late gestation and early lactation on metabolic status of periparturient cows were studied. Four weeks before expected calving, animals were fed a low (DL; 1.58 Mcal of NE_L/kg) or high energy density diet (DH; 1.70 Mcal of NE_L/kg). After calving, half of the cows from each prepartum treatment were assigned to a low (L; 1.57 Mcal of NE_L/kg) or high energy density diet (H; 1.63 Mcal of NE_L/kg) until d 20 postpartum. After d 20, all animals were fed H until d 70. Animals fed DH had a more positive energy balance during the prepartum period. Animals fed DH had higher plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin and lower concentrations of plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) on d −7 relative to calving compared with animals fed DL. No differences in blood concentrations of metabolites, insulin and liver triglycerides (TG) content were observed on d 1. Liver TG content at d 1 and 21 were more related to magnitude of change in energy intake prepartum than to energy intake in the last week of gestation. Cows fed H had higher concentrations of plasma glucose and insulin, but similar plasma NEFA during the postpartum period compared with cows fed L. Plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and liver TG content on d 21 were 46 and 30% lower, respectively, for cows fed H compared with cows fed L. Interactions between prepartum and postpartum treatments indicated that negative effects of delaying higher concentrate feeding until d 21 postpartum can be partially offset by increasing concentrate in the diet before calving. Cows fed L had a higher increase in white line hemorrhage scores between prepartum and 10 wk postpartum compared with cows fed H. Energy density of prepartum diets had a minor influence on metabolic status of cows postpartum. A more favorable metabolic profile occurs when increasing the concentrate content of the diet immediately postpartum compared with delaying the increase until d 21 postpartum.     

Effects of day relative to parturition and dietary crude protein on rumen fermentation in prepartum transition cows

Twelve Holstein cows and eight heifers were used in a randomized block design to examine changes in rumen fermentation and blood metabolites as animals fed diets containing 9.1 (low protein, LP) or 11.2% crude protein (moderate protein, MP) approached parturition. Animals were blocked by expected calving date and parity. Diets were isocaloric (1.58 Mcal/kg of dry matter), and the difference in dietary crude protein was achieved by the addition of urea. Diets were fed as total mixed rations for ad libitum intake. Dry matter intake decreased from 12.2 kg/d on d -21 to 9.1 kg/d on d -1 relative to parturition and was unaffected by dietary crude protein or parity. Rumen ammonia concentrations were higher for animals fed the MP diet compared with those fed the LP diet (1.8 vs. 3.7 mM). In situ neutral detergent fiber disappearance was not affected by dietary crude protein after 8 h of incubation, but it did decrease from 25.8% on d -21 to 23.3% on d -1. After 16, 24, and 48 h of incubation, neutral detergent fiber disappearance was greater for animals consuming MP than for animals consuming LP (30.6 vs. 34.4%, 37.0 vs. 44.1%, and 57.9 vs. 65.1%, respectively). There was a parity x treatment interaction after 48 h of incubation. Fiber disappearance was 55.7 or 65.9% for heifers and 60.0 or 64.7% for cows fed LP or MP, respectively. The solids rate of passage was not affected by treatment, parity, or day relative to parturition. Concentrations of plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) increased from 218 microEq/L on d -21 to 619 microEq/L on d -1. There was an interaction between day relative to parturition and parity on NEFA concentrations. Heifers had plasma NEFA concentrations of 272 and 772 microEq/L on d -21 and -1, respectively. Cows had NEFA concentrations of 164 and 467 microEq/L on d -21 and -1, respectively. Plasma glucose concentrations were affected by parity (65.8 and 58.8 mg/dl for heifers and cows). Plasma urea, NEFA, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and glucose concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. In conclusion, heifers tended to have higher plasma concentrations of NEFA and glucose, but did not have elevated concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate. Rumen fermentation was relatively unaffected by day relative to parturition, but feeding less than 11% crude protein to prefresh transition cows may limit ruminal fiber degradation.