Search Results (30)

Calcium disorders remain a major challenge during the transition period of dairy cows, and oral calcium supplements are widely used to prevent postpartum hypocalcemia. This study evaluated the effects of administering an oral Ca-bolus containing calcium sulfate, acetate, and formate on postpartum mineral status and energy balance in multiparous Simmental cows. Twenty cows (mean parity 3.5 ± 0.51) were fed a prepartum diet with a negative dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) and enrolled at calving if body condition score was between 3.0 and 3.5 and urine pH ranged from 6.2 to 6.8 during the wk before parturition. Animals were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to a control group (n = 10) or to a treatment group (n = 10) receiving two oral boluses (each 175 g; 45.14 g calcium plus 40,250 IU vitamin D₃), administered immediately after calving and 24 h later. Blood samples were collected up to 48 h postpartum for calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium analyses, and up to 14 d postpartum for glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate. Both groups were normocalcemic at calving, and no significant treatment effects were detected for any parameter at any time point. However, a short-lived numerical increase in calcium was observed 6 h after bolus administration. These results suggest that additional oral Ca supplementation may not be required in well-managed Simmental cows receiving a prepartum negative DCAD diet. Full article

In dairy cow, the peripartum metabolic stage is critical as may affect post-partum metabolic and reproductive recovery, colostrum quality, and overall reproductive fitness. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying doses of α-ketoglutarate (AKG) on lactation performance, reproductive performance, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in periparturient dairy cows. A total of 180 periparturient dairy cows were randomly assigned to four groups, with each cow receiving 1 g, 5 g, or 10 g of AKG in their prepartum diets. Results indicated that feeding 5 g and 10 g of AKG significantly increased the colostrum fat and protein content, reduced somatic cell counts, and improved daily milk yield. Regarding reproduction, AKG supplementation regulated reproductive hormones, increased postpartum estrogen levels, improved conception rates, and shortened the interval between breeding periods. For immune and antioxidant functions, AKG significantly increased serum IL-10 levels while reducing TNF-α and interleukins 1β and 6. It also significantly elevated glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels, reducing oxidative stress and demonstrating anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, cows receiving medium-to-high doses of AKG had a significantly lower incidence of postpartum diseases such as mastitis. In conclusion, appropriate AKG supplementation can improve lactation performance, reproductive performance, immune function, and overall health in periparturient dairy cows, providing a theoretical basis for its use in dairy cow nutrition management. Full article

Subclinical hypocalcemia negatively impacts dairy cows’ health, milk production, and reproduction, posing a global challenge. This study evaluated the effects of aluminum sulfate supplementation in the close-up diet to reduce blood phosphorus levels and prevent postpartum hypocalcemia. Thirty-four cows were assigned to the Control (CTRL, n = 17) and Treatment (TRT, n = 17) groups. The TRT group received 400 g/cow/day of aluminum sulfate at least 14 days before calving, with identical post-calving diets. Blood samples were analyzed for total and ionized calcium (tCa, iCa), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Milk yields were recorded. TRT cows had 0.22, 0.18, and 0.14 mmol/L higher tCa levels than CTRL cows at 12 h, 1 d, and 2 d postpartum, respectively, with elevated iCa levels from 10 days prepartum to 3 days postpartum. Lower serum P levels were observed in TRT cows until day 2 postpartum, while Mg levels remained similar. BHB levels differed only on day 14 postpartum. These findings suggest that aluminum sulfate supplementation effectively lowers serum P and increases tCa, offering a promising strategy for hypocalcemia prevention in dairy cows. Full article

Glutathione (GSH), widely present in plant and animal cells and crucial for combating oxidative stress and inflammation, has not been evaluated in dairy cows. This study aims to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected glutathione (RPGSH) supplementation on lactation, nutrient metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and health in transition dairy cows. Forty Holstein dairy cows (2.65 ± 0.78 of parity, 2.81 ± 0.24 of body condition score, 9207.56 ± 1139.18 kg of previous 305-day milk yield, 657.53 ± 55.52 kg of body weight, mean ± SD) were selected from a large cohort of 3215 cows on day 21 before expected calving (day −21 ± 3 d). Cows were randomly stratified into four dietary treatment groups (n = 10 per group): control (basal diet + 0 g/d RPGSH); T1 (basal diet + 1.5 g/d RPGSH); T2 (basal diet + 2 g/d RPGSH); and T3 (basal diet + 3 g/d RPGSH). Supplementation commenced approximately 21 days (±3) prepartum and continued through 21 days postpartum. Blood samples were collected at −21 ± 3, −14 ± 3, −7 ± 3, 0, 7, 14, and 21 d for analysis of serum metabolic parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Milk composition was analyzed from samples collected on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 2 g/d of RPGSH reduced somatic cell count (p < 0.05) and the incidence of postpartum diseases in dairy cows. No differences were observed among the groups in milk yield, milk fat, protein, lactose, total solids, dry matter intake, or energy-corrected milk. However, fat-corrected milk and feed efficiency were higher in the T2 group compared to the control (p < 0.05). Calcium and phosphorus levels did not differ among the groups. Compared to the control group, cows supplemented with 2 g/d RPGSH had lower β-hydroxybutyrate levels and higher glucose levels on days 14 and 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). From days 14 to 21 postpartum, RPGSH supplementation increased blood GSH, serum catalase, and total antioxidant capacity while reducing malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, haptoglobin, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and interleukin−6 levels compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The supplementation of 2 g/d RPGSH showed relatively better effects. RPGSH supplementation at 2 g/d improved lactation performance, nutrient metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation status in dairy cows, playing a crucial role in maintaining their health. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of supplementing RPGSH additive in Holstein cows. Full article

Twenty-seven gestating primiparous sows (203 ± 9.1 kg initial body weight on d 89 ± 1 of gestation) were selected to determine the effect of standardized ileal digestible (SID) sulfur-containing amino acid (SAA) intake during late gestation on whole-body nitrogen (N) retention and subsequent litter performance. Primiparous sows were assigned to one of two experimental diets that provided SAAs at 63 or 200% of the estimated requirements during late gestation (0.29 and 0.92% SID SAAs, respectively; n = 15 and 12, respectively). The diets were isoenergetic, and the SID Lys was 0.80% in both diets. Each gilt received 2.50 kg of the assigned diet between gestation d 90 and farrowing. Common lactation and nursery diets were provided to all primiparous sows after farrowing and offspring after weaning, respectively. Gilt whole-body N balance was determined between d 107 and 109 of gestation using total urine collection and fecal grab sampling. After farrowing, litters were standardized to 13 piglets and were not offered creep feed. Whole-body N retention was greater in primiparous sows fed the diet containing 0.92 vs. 0.29% SID SAAs in late gestation (27.2 vs. 19.3 ± 1.8 g/d; p < 0.05), but the number of piglets born alive, litter birth weight, subsequent piglet growth rates, and litter size at weaning were not different between the treatment groups. The post-weaning growth performance of the offspring was not influenced by maternal dietary treatment in late gestation. At farrowing, the post-absorptive plasma concentration of Tau was greater (p < 0.01) for primiparous sows fed 0.92 vs. 0.29% SID SAAs in late gestation, and offspring from primiparous sows fed 0.92% SID SAAs tended to have greater plasma homocysteine (Hcys; p = 0.066). Post-absorptive plasma AAs Ile, Leu, Val, and Tyr were greater (p < 0.05), and Ser tended to be greater (p = 0.071) in sows fed 0.92 vs. 0.29% SID SAAs. For the offspring, there were no diet effects on any of the dispensable and indispensable AA concentrations in plasma at birth, at weaning, or 3 and 6 weeks post-weaning. The primary finding is that the sow has a remarkable ability to buffer dietary AA imbalances, ensuring fetal growth even when SAA intake is below the current requirement estimates. While sufficient supplemental SAA intake is essential for the sow’s well-being, excessive SAA levels may not confer additional advantages in terms of sow or piglet growth and the production of vital metabolites. This research emphasizes the importance of meticulously balanced diets for pregnant sows to simultaneously support maternal growth and nitrogen retention, which may also have an impact on the synthesis of biomolecules linked to improving health outcomes for the offspring. Full article

This study was conducted at a commercial dairy farm in Queensland, Australia to evaluate the effects of feeding a lactic acid bacteria-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) during gestation on the metabolic profile of periparturient dairy cows and its effects on milk production and body weight. A total of 150 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly selected based on parity (2.3) and days in milk (130 DIM) and divided into two groups of 75 cows each (control and DFM). The control cows were assigned to a basal diet consisting of a silage-based partial mixed ration (PMR), concentrate fed in the dairy twice a day, and ad libitum pasture. The DFM group received the same basal diet supplemented with three strains of Lactobacillus top-dressed in the feed. The DFM supplementation continued during both the dry period and the subsequent lactation. A subset of 82 cows (40 control and 42 DFM) were monitored during the calving season (March to July 2022) to assess the metabolic profile and postpartum performance. Blood samples were collected during the periparturient period (−4 to −2 w prepartum, around calving, and at weeks 1, 3, and 6 postpartum) to measure the levels of metabolites, enzymes, and minerals. Overall, the serum glucose, NEFA, and chloride levels were higher, while protein and urea were lower in cows supplemented with the DFM (p < 0.005). The pre-calving levels of glucose were higher and the total bilirubin, urea, and BHB were lower in cows supplemented with DFM than in the control (p < 0.05). The post-calving levels of glucose and Mg were also higher in the DFM cows than in the control cows (p < 0.05). Average milk production at 110 DIM was significantly higher in the DFM cows compared to control cows (p = 0.03). Although the total milk production over 305 days was numerically greater in the DFM cows, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3), whereas the milk protein percentage was higher in the control cows (p = 0.03). The body weight of the DFM cows was greater during the periparturient period (p = 0.001) than that of the control cows. In the DFM cows, glucose levels had a positive correlation (r = 0.16) with milk yield, at 110 DIM, while serum total protein had a positive correlation with body weight (r = 0.32) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding Lactobacillus-based DFM during gestation can positively influence the metabolic profile of periparturient cows, which, in turn, may affect the milk production and body weight of postpartum dairy cows. Full article

Dairy cows face metabolic challenges around the time of calving, leading to a negative energy balance and various postpartum health issues. Adipose tissue is crucial for cows during this period, as it regulates energy metabolism and supports immune function. Naringin, one of the main flavonoids in citrus fruit and their byproducts, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoconstituent. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplemental naringin on performance, systemic inflammation, oxidative status, and adipose tissue metabolic status. A total of 36 multiparous Holstein cows (from ~21 d prepartum through 35 d postpartum) were provided a basal control (CON) diet or a CON diet containing naringin (NAR) at 30 g/d per cow. Supplemental NAR increased the yield of raw milk and milk protein, without affecting dry matter intake. Cows fed NAR showed significantly lower levels (p < 0.05) of serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, malonaldehyde, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, but increased (p < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase activity relative to those fed CON. Supplemental NAR increased (p < 0.05) adipose tissue adiponectin abundance, decreased inflammatory responses, and reduced oxidative stress. Lipidomic analysis showed that cows fed NAR had lower concentrations of ceramide species (p < 0.05) in the serum and adipose tissue than did the CON-fed cows. Adipose tissue proteomics showed that proteins related to lipolysis, ceramide biosynthesis, inflammation, and heat stress were downregulated (p < 0.05), while those related to glycerophospholipid biosynthesis and the extracellular matrix were upregulated (p < 0.05). Feeding NAR to cows may reduce the accumulation of ceramide by lowering serum levels of NEFA and LPS and increasing adiponectin expression, thereby decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in adipose tissue, ultimately improving their systemic metabolic status. Including NAR in periparturient cows’ diets improves lactational performance, reduces excessive lipolysis in adipose tissue, and decreases systemic and adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Integrating lipidomic and proteomic data revealed that reduced ceramide and increased glycerophospholipids may alleviate metabolic dysregulations in adipose tissue, which in turn benefits systemic metabolic status. Full article

Mineral metabolism, in particular Ca, and to a lesser extent phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg), is altered with the onset of lactation because of extensive irreversible loss to synthesize colostrum and milk. The transient reduction in the concentration of Ca in blood, particularly when it lasts days, increases the risk of mineral-related disorders such as hypocalcemia and, to a lesser extent, hypophosphatemia. Although the incidence of clinical hypocalcemia can be reduced by prepartum dietary interventions, subclinical hypocalcemia remains prevalent, affecting up to 60% of the dairy cows in the first 3 d postpartum. More importantly, strong associations exist between hypocalcemia and increased susceptibility to other peripartum diseases and impaired reproductive performance. Mechanistic experiments have demonstrated the role of Ca on innate immune response in dairy cows, which presumably predisposes them to other diseases. Hypocalcemia is not related to inadequate Ca intake as prepartum diets marginal to deficient in Ca reduce the risk of the disease. Therefore, the understanding of how Ca homeostasis is regulated, in particular how calciotropic hormones such as parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, affect blood Ca concentrations, gastrointestinal Ca absorption, bone remodeling, and renal excretion of Ca become critical to develop novel strategies to prevent mineral imbalances either by nutritional or pharmacological interventions. A common method to reduce the risk of hypocalcemia is the manipulation of the prepartum dietary cation-anion difference. Feeding acidogenic diets not only improves Ca homeostasis and reduces hypocalcemia, but also reduces the risk of uterine diseases and improves productive performance. Feeding diets that induce a negative Ca balance in the last weeks of gestation also reduce the risk of clinical hypocalcemia, and recent work shows that the incorporation of mineral sequestering agents, presumably by reducing the absorption of P and Ca prepartum, increases blood Ca at calving, although benefits to production and health remain to be shown. Alternative strategies to minimize subclinical hypocalcemia with the use of vitamin D metabolites either fed prepartum or as a pharmacological agent administered immediately after calving have shown promising results in reducing hypocalcemia and altering immune cell function, which might prove efficacious to prevent diseases in early lactation. This review summarizes the current understanding of Ca homeostasis around parturition, the limited knowledge of the exact mechanisms for gastrointestinal Ca absorption in bovine, the implications of hypocalcemia on the health of dairy cows, and discusses the methods to minimize the risk of hypocalcemia and their impacts on productive performance and health in dairy cows. Full article

BioCholine Powder is a polyherbal feed additive composed of Achyrantes aspera, Trachyspermum ammi, Azadirachta indica, and Citrullus colocynthis. The objective of this study was to analyze published results that support the hypothesis that the polyherbal product BioCholine Powder has rumen bypass choline metabolites through a meta-analysis and effect size analysis (ES). Using Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and university dissertation databases, a systematic search was conducted for experiments published in scientific documents that evaluated the effects of BioCholine supplementation on the variables of interest. The analyzed data were extracted from twenty-one publications (fifteen scientific articles, three abstracts, and three graduate dissertations available in institutional libraries). The studies included lamb growing–finishing, lactating ewes and goats, calves, and dairy cows. The effects of BioCholine were analyzed using random effects statistical models to compare the weighted mean difference (WMD) between BioCholine-supplemented ruminants and controls (no BioCholine). Heterogeneity was explored, and three subgroup analyses were performed for doses [(4 (or 5 g/d), 8 (10 g/d)], supplementation in gestating and lactating ewes (pre- and postpartum supplementation), and blood metabolites by species and physiological state (lactating goats, calves, lambs, ewes). Supplementation with BioCholine in sheep increased the average daily lamb gain (p < 0.05), final body weight (p < 0.01), and daily milk yield (p < 0.05) without effects on intake or feed conversion. Milk yield was improved in small ruminants with BioCholine prepartum supplementation (p < 0.10). BioCholine supplementation decreased blood urea (p < 0.01) and increased levels of the liver enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT; p < 0.10) and albumin (p < 0.001). BioCholine doses over 8 g/d increased blood glucose, albumin (p < 0.10), cholesterol, total protein, and globulin (p < 0.05). The ES values of BioCholine in retained energy over the control in growing lambs were +7.15% NEm (p < 0.10) and +9.25% NEg (p < 0.10). In conclusion, adding BioCholine Powder to domestic ruminants’ diets improves productive performance, blood metabolite indicators of protein metabolism, and liver health, showing its nutraceutical properties where phosphatidylcholine prevails as an alternative that can meet the choline requirements in ruminants. Full article

The administration of yeast products as feed additives has been proven to beneficially affect animal productivity through energy, oxidative, and immune status improvement. This study evaluated a combination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae live yeast (LY) with yeast postbiotics (rich in mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and beta-glucans) and selenium (Se)-enriched yeast on ewes’ milk performance and milk quality, energy and oxidative status, and gene expression related to their immune system during the peripartum period. Ewes were fed a basal diet (BD; F:C = 58:42 prepartum and 41:59 postpartum) including inorganic Se (CON; n = 27), the BD supplemented with a LY product, and inorganic Se (AC; n = 29), as well as the combination of the LY, a product of yeast fraction rich in MOS and beta-glucans, and organic-Se-enriched yeast (ACMAN; n = 26) from 6 weeks prepartum to 6 weeks postpartum. The β-hydroxybutyric acid concentration in the blood of AC and ACMAN ewes was lower (compared to the CON) in both pre- and postpartum periods (p < 0.010). Postpartum, milk yield was increased in the AC and ACMAN Lacaune ewes (p = 0.001). In addition, the activity of superoxide dismutase (p = 0.037) and total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.034) measured via the 2,2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method was increased in the blood plasma of the ACMAN postpartum. Higher ABTS values were also found (p = 0.021), while protein carbonyls were reduced (p = 0.023) in the milk of the treated groups. The relative transcript levels of CCL5 and IL6 were downregulated in the monocytes (p = 0.007 and p = 0.026 respectively), and those of NFKB were downregulated in the neutrophils of the ACMAN-fed ewes postpartum (p = 0.020). The dietary supplementation of ewes with yeast postbiotics rich in MOS and beta-glucans, and organic Se, improved energy status, milk yield and some milk constituents, and oxidative status, with simultaneous suppression of mRNA levels of proinflammatory genes during the peripartum period. Full article

Colostrum is a vital performance for buffaloes and potentially functional foods in the future. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the difference between the parity of buffalo colostrum and mature milk. Twenty pregnant buffaloes (primiparous = 10; multiparous = 10) were assigned to the same diet prepartum and milking routine postpartum. Calves were separated from the dams immediately after birth and colostrum was harvested within 2 h, whilst mature milk was harvested at 7 days postpartum. The colostrum was analyzed for immunoglobulin G and milk composition as the mature milk. The results showed that there was a higher level of protein, solid not fat, and milk urea nitrogen (p < 0.05), with a tendency for higher total solids (p = 0.08) in primiparous buffaloes’ colostrum compared with multiparous. No parity effect was observed in colostrum immunoglobulin G, fat, lactose, and yields of colostrum and composition (p > 0.05). There was no difference in mature milk composition and yield by parity affected (p > 0.05). Compared with mature milk composition, colostrum had a higher content protein, total solids, solid not fat, and milk urea nitrogen (p < 0.05); however, fat and lactose were lower than that of mature milk (p < 0.05). For minerals, multiparous buffaloes’ colostrum had a higher concentration of Fe (p = 0.05), while the mature milk had higher concentrations of K and P compared with primiparous. Buffalo colostrum had higher concentrations of Na, Mg, Co, Fe, and K with a lower concentration of Ca relative to mature milk (p < 0.05). It was observed that parity affected colostrum characteristics rather than mature milk and caused subtle variations in minerals in colostrum and mature milk of buffaloes. As lactation proceeded, both milk composition and minerals in the milk changed drastically. Full article

The present study aimed to alleviate the negative effects of the peripartum and postpartum periods on the timing of ovarian follicle development, milk composition, as well as blood and metabolic profiles due to Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation. Twenty-seven pregnant Ardi goats were classified using a randomized complete design into three groups: a control group and two N. sativa groups (10.0 and 20.0 g N. sativa seeds per kg diet). Productive and reproductive performances, in addition to blood and metabolic profiles, were investigated and compared using Duncan’s multiple test. N. sativa supplementation increased dry matter intake and body weight. Ruminal pH and total bacterial counts were increased versus a decreased total protozoal count due to N. sativa inclusion. Additionally, N. sativa supplementation increased the concentration of protein, lactose, solids not fat, fat, and ash in milk. Pulse rates were the lowest (p < 0.05) in the N. sativa group and the partial pressure of oxygen was the lowest in the control group. Red and white blood cells and their related parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, neutrophils, and lymphocytes) showed significant increases due to N. sativa inclusion. Total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium) values were higher (p < 0.05) in the N. sativa group. Lower concentrations of blood urea nitrogen were found in N. sativa groups compared to control one. In conclusion, N. sativa inclusion from 4 weeks prepartum to 4 weeks postpartum of Ardi goats modified productive and reproductive performances without any adverse effects on blood and metabolic profiles. Full article

Cows in the peripartal period undergo changes in thyroid hormones and are susceptible to lipomobilization and/or oxidative stress. The addition of chestnut tannins as polyphenolic compounds in the diet may improve feed efficiency and prevent oxidative stress-related health disorders in transition cows. However, the relationship between chestnut tannin supplementation and thyroid function, which plays an important role in metabolic regulation, has not been investigated in dairy cows. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chestnut tannin supplementation during the close-up period on thyroid status and to evaluate the interaction between thyroid hormones and oxidative stress biomarkers in prepartum dairy cows. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were fed either a diet containing chestnut tannins (CNTs, n = 20, 1.96 g chestnut tannins/kg feed, dry matter) or a non-supplemented diet (CON, n = 20) during the last 25 ± 2 days of gestation. Blood samples were collected on the first day of study (before chestnut tannin supplementation) and d 5 before parturition to measure hormonal and oxidative stress indices. Serum concentrations of T3 (p = 0.04) and T4 (p = 0.05) were higher in CNT cows than in the CON group on day 5 before parturition. Thyroid status of CNT cows was associated with higher serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, p < 0.01), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD, p = 0.03) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, p = 0.01), and reduced glutathione concentration (GSH, p = 0.05). Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were lower (p = 0.04) which was associated with lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST, p = 0.02), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, p = 0.01) activities in the CNT than in the CON group. Estradiol and progesterone did not differ between CNT and CON cows. Chestnut tannin supplementation improves antioxidant protection, prevents oxidation-reduction processes, reduces the degree of liver cell membrane damage, and protects thyroid tissue from damage, allowing higher T3 and T4 synthesis. Considering the importance of the thyroid hormone status before parturition, mechanisms of thyroid hormone regulation in CNT-supplemented dairy cows require more detailed investigations. Full article

Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields and compositions, and plasma Ca concentrations, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders in dairy cows after parturition. Ninety pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets and their counterparts using an oral Ca bolus: (1) Control (CON): low Ca (0.44%); (2) Anionic (ANI): high Ca (1.00%); (3) Zeolite (ZEO): low Ca (0.44%). The feed and energy intakes of the CON and ZEO groups were higher than the ANI group. The raw milk yield, Pr%, and feed efficiency did not differ between the groups, while the corrected milk yield, fat% and total corrected milk yield at 305 days differed between groups. Total plasma and the ionized Ca concentration of the ANI and ZEO groups, at calving time and in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after that, were higher than in the CON group. The frequencies of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders in the ANI and ZEO groups were lower than in the CON. The blood metabolite levels in the CON group were higher than in other groups. In conclusion, the ANI and ZEO diets and their counterparts supplemented with an oral Ca bolus improved the milk production traits, plasma calcium and metabolites concentration and also effectively prevented reproductive disorders. Full article

We studied the effect of pre-natal supplementation with n-3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) combined with a tannin-rich forage on colostrum composition and immunological quality and whether these changes had advantageous effects on lambs’ survival and stress reaction to a post-weaning stressor. Forty-eight Latxa ewes were fed during the last five weeks of pregnancy with two experimental diets: a control diet based on a neutral concentrate and forage (tall fescue hay; CO-FES), and a supplemented diet based on polyunsaturated (PUFA)-rich concentrate and tanniferous forage (sainfoin; ALA-SAIN). After parturition, twenty ewes had their blood and colostrum sampled, and their lambs were monitored until post-weaning. Lambs were afterwards subjected to (i) an aversive handling period (AHP) followed by a behavioral assessment and (ii) inflammatory and lymphocyte proliferation challenge. Feeding ALA-SAIN resulted in changes in colostrum fatty acid composition, specifically higher α-linoleic acid (p < 0.001), conjugate linoleic acid (p = 0.005), vaccenic acid (p = 0.006) and long-chain n-3 PUFA (p = 0.004). Pre-partum nutrition did not affect lamb immunoglobulin (Ig) G apparent efficacy absorption, but circulating IgG tended to be higher (p = 0.054) in ALA-SAIN lambs. ALA-SAIN lambs interacted more frequently with other lambs (p = 0.002), whereas ALA-SAIN females spent more time closer to other lambs (p < 0.001). Plasma cortisol was higher (p = 0.047) and plasma interleukin (IL)-2 lower (p = 0.003) in CO-FES lambs. This research highlights the importance of prenatal nutrition on the immune system stimulation and lambs’ behavior as a strategy to improve lambs’ health and welfare during early life. Full article