Assessing the Revitalization of Postpartum Performance and Health in Dairy Cows with a Novel Feed Supplement

Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of a novel feed supplement (NFS) on nutrient intake, body weight, body condition score, energy balance, metabolic profile, and mineral status in dairy cows during early lactation. Post-partum crossbred lactating cows (N=12) were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (CON) and a novel feed supplement group (NFS), with experimental feeding conducted over a 90-day period. The CON group received a diet of green fodder, wheat straw, and concentrate mixture, while the NFS group received the same diet with an additional novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of BW. Results showed that cows in the NFS group had a higher voluntary feed intake compared to the CON group. Body weights and body condition scores remained comparable between both groups. Cows fed with NFS had significantly higher serum glucose and lower serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels than those in the CON group. Additionally, haemoglobin, hematocrit, serum total protein, albumin, and urea levels were significantly elevated in the NFS group, while serum ALT levels were reduced compared to the CON group. Serum levels of key minerals (Ca, iP, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) were also enhanced in the NFS group. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of the novel feed supplement at 0.25% of body weight significantly improved nutrient intake, energy balance, metabolic profile, and mineral status in lactating crossbred cows during the early postpartum period.