Effect of Anionic and Zeolite Supplements and Oral Calcium Bolus in Prepartum Diets on Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Milk Compositions, Plasma Ca Concentration, Blood Metabolites and the Prevalence of Some Reproductive Disorders in Fresh Dairy Cows

Abstract

Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields and compositions, and plasma Ca concentrations, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders in dairy cows after parturition. Ninety pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets and their counterparts using an oral Ca bolus: (1) Control (CON): low Ca (0.44%); (2) Anionic (ANI): high Ca (1.00%); (3) Zeolite (ZEO): low Ca (0.44%). The feed and energy intakes of the CON and ZEO groups were higher than the ANI group. The raw milk yield, Pr%, and feed efficiency did not differ between the groups, while the corrected milk yield, fat% and total corrected milk yield at 305 days differed between groups. Total plasma and the ionized Ca concentration of the ANI and ZEO groups, at calving time and in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after that, were higher than in the CON group. The frequencies of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders in the ANI and ZEO groups were lower than in the CON. The blood metabolite levels in the CON group were higher than in other groups. In conclusion, the ANI and ZEO diets and their counterparts supplemented with an oral Ca bolus improved the milk production traits, plasma calcium and metabolites concentration and also effectively prevented reproductive disorders.

The effect of oral administration of zeolite on the energy metabolism and reproductive health of Romanian spotted breed in advanced gestation and post partum period

“…Similar results were obtained by Maity et al. (2021) and Masoumi Pour et al. (2022) by lowering blood BHB levels after zeolite supplementation in dairy cow diets.…”

“…Moreover, based on this study, it's suggested that increased glucose levels and the reduction in ketosis incidence have positive effects on uterine health. Although the detailed mechanism of zeolite's action on reproductive health isn't fully understood, there are apparent benefits in reducing uterine pathology ( Masoumi et al., 2022 ).Therefore, by numerically establishing the bacterial population for the two groups, it can be noted that for the T group the bacteria was present in a smaller number in the uterin secretions. A plausible explanation could indeed involve a more robust local immune response within the organism.…”

Adaptive changes in immunological, hematological and metabolic profiles of pregnant cows

“…Low calcium levels during this phase can lead to various complications such as hypocalcemia, displaced abomasum, ketosis, metritis, and placental retention. Ruminants rely on gluconeogenesis, a process crucial for maintaining energy levels, especially during the periparturient period (Masoumi Pour et al, 2022).…”