Effect of monensin and essential oils on performance and energy metabolism of transition dairy cows

Abstract

This work examined preventive effects of a dietary and a medical intervention measure on postpartum (p.p.) ketogenesis in dairy cows overconditioned in late pregnancy. Sixty German Holstein cows were allocated 6 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to three high body condition score (BCS) groups (BCS 3.95 ± 0.08) and one low BCS group (LC, BCS 2.77 ± 0.14). Concentrate proportion in diet a.p. was higher (60% vs. 20%) and increase in proportion p.p. from 30% up to 50% decelerated (3 vs. 2 weeks) in high BCS groups. High BCS cows received a monensin controlled-release capsule (CRC) (HC/MO), a blend of essential oils (HC/EO) or formed a control group (HC). Performance parameters and energy status were evaluated in three periods [day (d) -42 until calving, one until 14 days in milk (DIM), 15 until 56 DIM]. Feed efficiency was 65% and 53% higher in HC/MO than in LC (p < 0.001) and HC groups (p = 0.002) in the second period. Milk fat content was higher in HC/EO (5.60 vs. 4.82%; p = 0.012) and milk urea higher in HC/MO (135 mg/kg) than in LC cows (107 mg/kg; p < 0.001). Increased p.p. levels of non-esterified fatty acids in serum were found in HC (p = 0.003), HC/MO (p = 0.068) and HC/EO (p = 0.002) in comparison with LC cows. Prevalence of subclinical and clinical ketosis was 54% and 46%, respectively, in HC group. Monensin decreased the prevalence to 50% and 7% respectively. Ruminal fermentation pattern showed higher proportions of propionate (23.43 mol % and 17.75 mol %, respectively; p < 0.008) and lower acetate:propionate ratio (2.66 vs. 3.76; p < 0.001) in HC/MO than HC group. Results suggest that a monensin CRC improved energy status and feed efficiency of transition dairy cows while essential oils failed to elicit any effect.

Effects of monensin and essential oils on immunological, haematological and biochemical parameters of cows during the transition period

“…Besides a reduction of the incidence of production‐associated diseases like mastitis, ketosis and displaced abomasum (Duffield et al., ), monensin improved chemotaxis of neutrophils obtained from monensin‐treated cows in comparison with control animals (Stephenson et al., ). An improved energy status, as found in the present trial (Drong et al., ), may therefore be a contributing factor to an improved immune response around calving.…”

“…Ingredients and chemical composition of the experimental diet is shown by Drong et al. (). Total mixed ration was provided ad libitum via self‐feeding stations (type RIC; Insentec B.V., Marknesse, the Netherlands).…”

“…The outline of the whole experiment is described in full detail in Drong et al. (). In brief, applying an animal model proposed by Schulz et al.…”

“…To investigate the immune system of high‐condition cows in a ketogenic metabolic status, we formed different animals groups with a diverse extent of post‐partal body fat mobilization by combination of the factors BCS before calving and concentrate proportion in the diet (Drong et al., ). We showed that a recently in the EU launched monensin controlled‐release capsule (CRC) indicated for transition cows improved energy status and decreased ketogenesis in high‐conditioned animals likely via an increased provision of ruminal propionate to hepatic gluconeogenesis (Seal and Reynolds, ; Drong et al., ). Simultaneously we could not confirm analogous effects of the natural intervention essential oils on ruminal fermentation or energy household of the cows (Drong et al., ).…”

“…We showed that a recently in the EU launched monensin controlled‐release capsule (CRC) indicated for transition cows improved energy status and decreased ketogenesis in high‐conditioned animals likely via an increased provision of ruminal propionate to hepatic gluconeogenesis (Seal and Reynolds, ; Drong et al., ). Simultaneously we could not confirm analogous effects of the natural intervention essential oils on ruminal fermentation or energy household of the cows (Drong et al., ).…”