A two-step feeding of calcium salts of fish oil improves reproductive performance in Holstein cows

Aim of study: To examine the effects a biphasic schedule feeding n-3 fatty acids on dairy cows.Area Isfahan, Iran.Materials and methods: 140 lactating Holstein cows were allotted at calving into two groups 70 animals received one dietary treatments: 1) saturated (SFA, containing 80% palmitic acid) or 2) calcium salt fish oil (CSFO, 16% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic (DHA)), with an n-6/n-3 FA ratio approximately 7 for SFA 5 CSFO treatments. The supplements fed to respective 240 g/head.day from 0 21 days in milk, 120 22 150 milk. Milk yield was recorded biweekly milk composition evaluated monthly. concentration blood determined d-90 experiment 10 randomly selected each group. Reproductive indices until d-150.Main results: supplementation did not affect average yield, somatic cell count (SCC); however, some weeks it decreased SCC (p<0.05). Plasma concentrations as well fat EPA DHA increased CSFO-fed Feeding open (100 vs 119 days, p<0.05), service per conception all rates (p<0.05).Research highlights: implementation two-stage program improved reproductive variables reduced cows.