The Performance and Metabolism of Dairy Cows Receiving an Ultra-Diluted Complex in the Diet during the Transition Period and Early Lactation

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The transition period is a critical phase for dairy cows, characterized by significant metabolic changes that occur to prepare the cow for calving and future lactation. This study evaluated the effects of an ultra-diluted complex on the productive performance and metabolic profile of dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or an ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. Cows were evaluated from 30 days prior to calving through 60 days in milk. The addition of UD to the cows’ diet had no direct effect on the cows’ dry matter intake, but the cows in the UD treatment had a higher dry matter intake relative to their body weight. The group receiving UD showed a trend toward lower somatic cell counts, indicating better udder health. In addition, a trend toward better liver health was observed for cows in the UD group. These results suggest that the use of UD may be beneficial for dairy cows when used during the transition period and early lactation. ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of feeding an ultra-diluted complex to dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant dairy cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. The CON group received a placebo (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of expanded silicate), while the UD group received the ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of PeriParto Transição–RealH, composed of ultra-diluted substances + vehicle: expanded silicate). Cows were evaluated from 30 days before the expected calving date until 60 days in milk (DIM) for sample and data collection. Post-partum dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the treatment. Cows fed UD had higher DMI relative to BW. Feeding UD increased milk lactose content and decreased milk protein content. Cows fed UD had lower somatic cell counts in the third and fourth week of lactation. Cows fed UD showed a tendency for higher liver health index. Using UD during the transition period and early lactation may benefit liver and udder health of dairy cows with no detrimental effect on milk performance.