Effect of a calcium-energy supplement drink at calving on lactation performance: Milk yield and composition, odds to reach a next lactation, and calving interval

ABSTRACT Supplementation of Ca products to cows after calving is common in protocols. This study evaluated the effect a Ca-energy drink voluntarily consumed on milk yield and composition, odds reach next lactation, interval. prospective randomized included blinded placebo was conducted 10 commercial dairy farms that 504 Holstein cows. Cows were blocked within farm by sequence parity (primiparous or multiparous). Within each block 2 animals, randomly assigned 1 treatments: supplement (CAE, n=255) providing 45 g other components (dextrose, lactose, protein, fat, minerals vitamins), (i.e., 100 cellulose 20 dextrose; CON, n=249), both strictly offered animals for voluntary consumption. Treatments mixed L water 3 h calving. Milk data analyzed using approaches. The first, most classical, treatments observed data, whereas second approach residuals difference between prediction made herd test-day model). Eighty-one percent CAE fully treatment, only 50% CON did. No differences detected yield, nor composition multiparous production treatment time interaction fat reflecting greater 150 d only. However, primiparous receiving had increased (+0.8 kg/d) component yields +40 g/d protein) compared with These effects more evident when +1.5 kg/d +57 protein). achieved model allowed be adjusted environmental genetic factors effect, age at calving, parity, stage breeding value). no probability reaching lactation 72% against 69% CON). Primiparous longer interval At 400 application 65% 81% calved already. supplementation tested oral solution did not increase neither multiparous, but positively influenced primiparous.