The effects of a synthetic analogue of the Bovine Appeasing Pheromone on milk yield and composition in Valdostana dairy cows during the move from winter housing to confined lowland pastures

Abstract

This Research Communication describes the effects of a synthetic analogue of the Bovine Appeasing Pheromone (BAP) on milk parameters in Valdostana dairy cows during the first turning out from tie-stalls to confined lowland pastures around the farms. Thirty healthy lactating Valdostana cows were enroled in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups: experimental group (EG, n = 15) and control group (CG, n = 15). The two groups were separately housed in the same farm and managed outside in two different pens. Treatment (BAP and solution) and control (solution only) were poured on the nuchal skin area between the horns when the animals were inside the farm at the feeding rack every 7 d for 28 d (T0-T4). Milk samples were evaluated at the same time points (T0-T4). Daily milk production (kg/day) was higher in the EG than in the CG, particularly during the first day after the turning out to pasture (T1). Somatic Cell Count (103 cells/ml) was higher in the placebo group than in the EG, especially at T1. Proteins, fat, fat-free dry matter and casein (g/100 g) were not affected by the treatment. In T1 urea (mg/dl) content was higher in CG vs. EG, suggesting a more correct metabolic balance in the group treated with BAP. The use of BAP appears to modulate adaptation in ways that may improve dairy cow performance in the context of changes in management routines.

Appeasing Pheromones against Bovine Respiratory Complex and Modulation of Immune Transcript Expressions

“…In our study, appeasing pheromones showed, after 30 days, a slight beneficial impact on bovine health, which is in line with previous studies [22,[24][25][26] also reporting an interest in using these molecules in cattle to improve animal health.…”

“…Among the potential alternatives, bovine appeasing pheromone is an attractive one. As stated above, several previous reports have shown a benefit when appeasing pheromones were used in dairy and beef cattle production [22,[24][25][26]. In our study, carried out in fattening units from western France using Charolais young bulls, we observed that significantly more clinical cases were detected on day 30 (D30) in the control group than in the group of bulls which received appeasing pheromone, while the opposite was observed earlier on D8.…”

“…The production of these hormones during nursing exists in all mammals including bovine. In cows, there is a specific area between the two mammary chains [22]. Appeasing pheromones are produced by sebaceous glands of the sulcus.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, the effect of appeasing pheromone on bovine performance and disease incidence has been assessed in a limited number of studies [22,[24][25][26]. Positive effects including increased performance and improved early detection of BRD signs were reported in dairy cattle as well as beef cattle.…”

Chemical Signaling in Bovines: Understanding the Behavior and Way of Communication

“…BAS has been used to reduce agonistic behavior in various animal species, thus stimulating feeding behavior and weight gain, and thus helped in improvement of post-weaning performance and reduced post-weaning mean haptoglobin concentrations. BAS administration helps in improved milk yield, reduced somatic cell count of dairy cows, and improved performance and reduced duration and costs of medication in case of pre-weaning dairy calves [35,36].…”