Effect of capsaicin supplementation on lactational and reproductive performance of Holstein cows during summer

Abstract

Context. Summer ambient temperature and humidity are major factors negatively influencing the physiology and the productive and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. Various management and breeding approaches may be useful for maintaining productivity in dairy cows during summer to minimise these effects.Aims. The experiment was designed to test a natural phytochemical supplementation of capsaicin (CPS), followed by a specific oestrus synchronisation protocol as a means to maintain productivity and reproductive performance of Chinese Holstein cows during summer in Hubei province, China.Methods. Lactating Chinese Holstein cows (n = 109) were randomly divided into four groups and supplemented with 0 (control, n = 27), 20 (CPS-20, n = 26), 40 (CPS-40, n = 28) and 60 (CPS-60, n = 28) mg of capsaicin (CPS) per kg of total mixed ration respectively for continuous 30 days initiated on 10 July 2018. Milk production and composition were measured over 45 days from the start of CPS supplementation. After CPS supplementation, all cows were synchronised through a modified Ovsynch oestrus synchronisation protocol, and reproductive variables were recorded. Metabolic parameters were measured on the days before CPS supplementation, artificial insemination (AI) and 50 days post-AI. Key results. Highest (P < 0.05) milk production were found in the CPS-40 group, and highest total solids and milk fat in the CPS-20 and CPS-40 groups. Milk urea nitrogen and milk fat were generally increased in CPS supplemented cows compared with the control group. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in oestrus response, ovulatory follicle size, ovulation rate and pregnancy rates were observed in the CPS-40 group compared with other groups. Glucose, lipoprotein esterase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased (P < 0.05) in CPS-40 and CPS-60 supplemented groups at the time of AI and 50 days post-AI.Conclusions. CPS supplementation has the capacity to maintain milk yield, milk composition and serum metabolites in Chinese Holstein dairy cows during summer. The synergistic effect of CPS and the modified oestrus synchronisation protocol also improved reproductive variables of the cows.Implications. Adoption of CPS as a supplement along with oestrus synchronisation could be a useful and economical strategy for dairy herd keepers to improve herd performance during summer.

Thermoregulation and Performance of Dairy Cows Subjected to Different Evaporative Cooling Regimens, with or without Pepper Extract Supplementation

“…Future studies should review the dosage of PE, as recent studies have shown the possibility of increasing results using higher dosages [ 52 ]. The optimization of water resources in production systems is a need that can contribute to sustainability and the conscious use of water [ 11 ].…”

Effects of essential oils on economically important characteristics of ruminant species: A comprehensive review

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“…(2013) ; Shang et al. (2016) ; Wall (2011) Capsaicin Chili Peppers milk production, rumen function, heat stress feed additive Bovine, sheep Abulaiti et al. (2021) ; McCarty et al.…”

Influence of Functional Feed Supplements on the Milk Production Efficiency, Feed Utilization, Blood Metabolites, and Health of Holstein Cows during Mid-Lactation

“…The favorable impact of cinnamaldehyde in improving the rumen fermentation efficiency could be responsible for optimizing milk yield [31,32]. Additionally, in a recent study by Abulaiti, et al [33], capsaicin supplementation in Chinese Holstein dairy cows maintained milk production and composition. Furthermore, the increasing tendency in the dry-matter intake of lactating Holstein cows fed with FFS-fortified diets could also contribute to the enhancement of milk production [34].…”