The effect of a product with three gluconeogenic precursors during the transition period on blood metabolites and milk yield in Chilean Holstein cattle

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of a product containing calcium propionate 70 g/kg, propylene glycol 95 g/kg and glycerol 330 g/kg on blood β-hydroxy butyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and milk yield in Chilean Holstein cows. Cows were housed in a free-stall with head-locks, milked 3× and fed a total mixed ration. At 21 days before expected parturition 40 cows were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 20) and a treated group (n = 20). Controls received the farm diet. Treated cows received 300 g of the supplement, top dressed on the same diet, during the morning until 15 cows per group accomplished 30 days pp. A blood sample was obtained at calving for non-esterified fatty acids determination and at 7, 14 and 21 days pp for β-hydroxy butyrate determination. Milk yield up to 60 days pp was higher (2 kg/day) in the treated than control group. Non-esterified fatty acids were higher in the control than treated group. The control group at 14 days pp had a lower concentrati...