PSXI-8 Supplementation of a fennel herbaceous flavor to total mixed rations containing cottonseed or flaxseed increased dry matter intake of high-yield Holstein cows during early lactation period. (7th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, H; Wang, C; Wang, X; He, M
• Is Part Of: Journal of animal science. Volume 96(2018)Supplement 3
• Page Start: 426
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2018-12-07
• Subjects: Flavor -- Flaxseeds -- Lactating cow; Livestock -- Periodicals; Livestock; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 636.005
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky404.933
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8812

Abstract

Abstract: This study was to investigate effect of a flavour added to 2 different cow total mixed rations (TMR) composed of cottonseeds or flaxseeds with a 2 by 2 experimental design on cow health and lactation performance. Total 40 multiparous Holstein cows in the early peripartum were assigned to four groups (n=10) based on their previous lactation performance. After calving the cows were fed with one of following diets for 10 weeks: 1) Cottonseeds TMR (CON); 2) CON plus 3 g/d/cow Luctarom containing fennel herbaceous flavour with sweet taste (FLV); 3) Flaxseeds TMR (FLX); 4) FLX plus 3 g/d/cow the same Luctarom flavour (FLX+FLV). Experimental data including DM intake, milk yield and quality, fatty acids composition, body weight and general health related blood parameters were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA. It was found from the study that DM intake was increased (P<0.05) by either inclusion of FLV or FLX. FLV tended to prevent (P=0.10) cow weight loss, whereas FLX increased (P<0.01) milk yield but decreased (P<0.01) fat concentration. Interaction effect (P<0.05) of FLV by FLX were found on milk protein, lactose and somatic cells counts were increased (P<0.05) by FLV when added to CON. FLX greatly increased (P<0.01) milk alpha-linolenic acids and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid. FLV decreased (P<0.05) blood total protein and triglyceride whereas FLX increased (P<0.05) blood albumin level. FLV also increased (P<0.05) blood urea nitrogen when added to CON, and decreased (P<0.05) blood very low density lipoproteins and beta-hydroxybutyric acid when added to FLX. In conclusion, the study indicated that Luctarom containing fennel herbaceous flavour with sweet taste to different TMR diets increased cow DM intake and tended to prevent weight loss during the early lactation period, whereas inclusion of flaxseeds in TMR to replace cottonseeds greatly increased DM intake, milk yield and functional fatty acids.