Research on the Applications of Calcium Propionate in Dairy Cows: A Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In modern dairy cattle production systems, the mycotoxins in feed and metabolic disease, such as ketosis and milk fever, seriously affect the health and milk production of dairy cows. Calcium propionate is a safe and reliable food and additive that is widely used. It can be employed in silage and total mixed rations (TMR) against mycotoxin production. In the perinatal period, many cows cannot adjust to the tremendous metabolic, endocrine, and physiological changes, resulting in ketosis and fatty liver due to a negative energy balance or milk fever induced by hypocalcemia, which damages their health and reduces the production performance. Studies have revealed that calcium propionate can play an active role in solving these problems. It can also regulate rumen development in calves. This paper reviews the recent research progress regarding the application of calcium propionate in dairy cows and dairy calves. The key findings and mechanisms are summarized and potential further studies are suggested. ABSTRACT: Calcium propionate is a safe and reliable food and feed additive. It can be metabolized and absorbed by humans and animals as a precursor for glucose synthesis. In addition, calcium propionate provides essential calcium to mammals. In the perinatal period of dairy cows, many cows cannot adjust to the tremendous metabolic, endocrine, and physiological changes, resulting in ketosis and fatty liver due to a negative energy balance (NEB) or milk fever induced by hypocalcemia. On hot weather days, cow feed (TMR or silage) is susceptible to mildew, which produces mycotoxins. These two issues are closely related to dairy health and performance. Perinatal period metabolic disease significantly reduces cow production and increases the elimination rate because it causes major glucose and calcium deficiencies. Feeding a diet contaminated with mycotoxin leads to rumen metabolic disorders, a reduced reproductive rate (increased abortion rate), an increased number of milk somatic cells, and decreased milk production, as well as an increased occurrence of mastitis and hoof disease. Propionic acid is the primary gluconeogenic precursor in dairy cows and one of the safest mold inhibitors. Therefore, calcium propionate, which can be hydrolyzed into propionic acid and Ca(2+) in the rumen, may be a good feed additive for alleviating NEB and milk fever in the perinatal period of dairy cows. It can also be used to inhibit TMR or silage deterioration in hot weather and regulate rumen development in calves. This paper reviews the application of calcium propionate in dairy cows.