title: Effect of monensin and essential oils on performance and energy metabolism of transition dairy cows.
abstract: This work examined preventive effects of a dietary and a medical intervention measure on postpartum (p.p.) ketogenesis in dairy cows overconditioned in late pregnancy. Sixty German Holstein cows were allocated 6 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to three high body condition score (BCS) groups (BCS 3.95 ± 0.08) and one low BCS group (LC, BCS 2.77 ± 0.14). Concentrate proportion in diet a.p. was higher (60% vs. 20%) and increase in proportion p.p. from 30% up to 50% decelerated (3 vs. 2 weeks) in high BCS groups. High BCS cows received a monensin controlled-release capsule (CRC) (HC/MO), a blend of essential oils (HC/EO) or formed a control group (HC). Performance parameters and energy status were evaluated in three periods [day (d) -42 until calving, one until 14 days in milk (DIM), 15 until 56 DIM]. Feed efficiency was 65% and 53% higher in HC/MO than in LC (p < 0.001) and HC groups (p = 0.002) in the second period. Milk fat content was higher in HC/EO (5.60 vs. 4.82%; p = 0.012) and milk urea higher in HC/MO (135 mg/kg) than in LC cows (107 mg/kg; p < 0.001). Increased p.p. levels of non-esterified fatty acids in serum were found in HC (p = 0.003), HC/MO (p = 0.068) and HC/EO (p = 0.002) in comparison with LC cows. Prevalence of subclinical and clinical ketosis was 54% and 46%, respectively, in HC group. Monensin decreased the prevalence to 50% and 7% respectively. Ruminal fermentation pattern showed higher proportions of propionate (23.43 mol % and 17.75 mol %, respectively; p < 0.008) and lower acetate:propionate ratio (2.66 vs. 3.76; p < 0.001) in HC/MO than HC group. Results suggest that a monensin CRC improved energy status and feed efficiency of transition dairy cows while essential oils failed to elicit any effect.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Drong
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: von Soosten
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frahm
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rehage
authors.affiliation: Institute for Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Breves
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Braunschweig, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dänicke
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008985:Monensin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D009822:Oils, Volatile; D008985:Monensin
keywords: dairy cow; energy metabolism; essential oils; monensin