Iranian Journal of animal Science

Iranian Journal of animal Science

The effect of supplemental n-3 fatty acids during pre- and post-partum diets on health and production of Holstein dairy cows

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hoda Javaheri Barfourooshi 1
Armin Towhidi 2
Hasan Sadeghipanah 3
Mehdi Zhandi
Saeed Zeinodini 4
1 Ph.D. Graduate, Department of Animal Science, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran,
2 Associate Prof., Department of Animal Science, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran,
3 Assistant Prof., Department of Animal Production Management Research, Animal Science Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
4 Associate Prof., Department of Animal Science, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
10.22059/ijas.2014.53781
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was evaluating effect of fish oil versus palm oil on mammary gland health and milk production in Holstein cows. Ten multiparous Holstein cows were used from six week before up to 63 days after parturition. Feed intake and milk production were recorded daily, milk composition, body weight and body condition score were measured weekly and blood metabolites were determined 21 day intervals. Milk production with fish oil consumption was increased from 6th weeks of lactation (P<0.05). Among milk composition, only percentage and yield of milk fat were decreased in FO group (P<0.05). Milk somatic cell count (P=0.06) and score (P<0.05) were decreased with fish oil consumption. Among blood metabolites, serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and LDL to HDL-cholesterol ratio were decreased in FO group (P<0.05). Results indicated that consumption of fish oil in transition period besides conserving milk production can alleviate undesirable effects of negative energy balance in early lactation, and decrease milk somatic cell count.
Keywords
fish oil
dry period
milk yield and composition
Blood metabolites
Holstein cow
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Iranian Journal of animal Science
Volume 45, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Autumn 2014
Pages 245-255

  • Receive Date 28 November 2013
  • Revise Date 30 July 2014
  • Accept Date 02 September 2014