Effects of Feeding Calcium Salts from a Mixture of Linseed and Fish Oil on Productive Response, Metabolic Status, and Reproductive Parameters in Early-Lactation Dairy Cows
This study evaluated the effects of supplementing early-lactation Holstein cows with rumen-protected omega-3 fatty acids (calcium salts) on productive and reproductive performance. Thirty-six multiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments from 21 ± 2 days before calving to 105 ± 5...
| Autores principales: | , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | info:ar-repo/semantics/artículo |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés |
| Publicado: |
MDPI
2025
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12123/23005 https://www.mdpi.com/2624-862X/6/4/34 https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy6040034 |
| Sumario: | This study evaluated the effects of supplementing early-lactation Holstein cows with rumen-protected omega-3 fatty acids (calcium salts) on productive and reproductive performance. Thirty-six multiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments from 21 ± 2 days before calving to 105 ± 5 days in milk (DIM): a Control group (C) or an Omega-3-supplemented group (O-3), receiving a blend of linseed and fish oil (60:40). Both groups were fed isoenergetic diets, with ground corn as the control supplement. Total dry matter and net energy intake did not differ between treatments. A treatment-by-time interaction was observed for milk yield, with cows in the O-3 group producing more milk than controls at specific time points. Additionally, O-3 cows had higher overall protein yield and improved feed efficiency. No differences were found in body weight, BCS, glucose, insulin, IGF-1, or urea concentrations, but a tendency toward higher plasma NEFA and BHBA concentrations and lower energy balance was observed in the O-3 group. Supplementation increased plasma cholesterol and progesterone concentrations and was associated with a higher proportion of cows being pregnant at 130 DIM. These findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation may improve specific aspects of lactational performance and reproductive efficiency without compromising metabolic status. |
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