Impact of pre-partum nutraceutical or monensin intraruminal boluses on colostrum quality and Holstein dairy cows’ performance: exploratory field study

Abstract

A smooth transition phase is the key for optimal dairy cows’ performance and reduced antibiotics use. Therefore, the objective of our Our study was to compare the effect of an antibiotic growth promoter and a nutraceutical bolus, onhealth, colostrum, milk production, and profitability in transition dairy cows. Seventy-five animals blocked by parity, previous milk yield, lactation length, and body condition score (BCS) were assigned in a randomised design to 1 of 3 groups: control (CON; N = 26) receiving no treatment; monensin (MON; N = 27) receiving, a slow-releasing intraruminal bolus of sodic monensin at −20 d relative to expected calving; nutraceutical (ECS; N = 22) receiving, at −5 d before the expected calving an intraruminal bolus of Echinacea purpurea dry extract, vitamin E, l-carnitine and Silybum marianum released within 24h. Colostrum yield and density were recorded; its composition and immunoglobulins content were analysed. Every 20 days BCS was recorded; individual milk yield was recorded daily until 70DIM and monthly thereafter until 305 DIM. Milk quality was tested monthly. An economic evaluation until 70DIM was performed. Colostrum and $\Delta$ BCS were analysed by analysis of covariance. Economics and BCS were analysed with ANOVA, and milk yield and quality with ANOVA for repeated measures. The MON and ECS had lower colostrum protein and His, Arg, Ala, Met, Val and Ile content, and in higher milk yield until 35 (ECS) and 70 (MON) DIM compared to the CON. A trend for a higher partial income was observed for MON and ECS compared to the CON group, suggesting a positive impact of the treatments.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Monensin and nutraceutical boluses alter colostrum composition and increase milk yield.

• Nutraceutical bolus is a promising alternative.

Keywords:

• Colostrum
• income
• monensin
• nutraceutical bolus
• transition cows

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical approval

The study complied with the Italian laws on animal experimentation and ethics (DL 04/03/2014 n. 26). All research reported in this research has been conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [S.M.], upon reasonable request.