Propionibacteria Fed to Dairy Cows: Effects on Energy Balance, Plasma Metabolites and Hormones, and Reproduction

• Published in: Journal of dairy science Vol. 85; no. 7; pp. 1738 - 1751
• Main Authors: Francisco, C. C, Chamberlain, C. S, Waldner, D. N, Wettemann, R. P, Spicer, L. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Savoy, IL Am Dairy Sci Assoc 01.07.2002; American Dairy Science Association
• Subjects: Animal productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle - blood; Cattle - physiology; Eating; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism - physiology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hormones - blood; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins - blood; Lactation - physiology; Microbial ecology; Milk - chemistry; Milk - secretion; Milk Proteins - analysis; Normal microflora of man and animals. Rumen; Progesterone - blood; Propionibacterium - physiology; Radioimmunoassay - veterinary; Random Allocation; Reproduction - physiology; Terrestrial animal productions; Vertebrates; Microbial activity; Animal microorganism relation; MILK YIELD; Farming animal; Nutrition; Ruminant animal; Dairy cattle; Rumen; Experimental study; Insulin like growth factor 1; Seeding; Milk production; Female sexual function; Energy balance; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Microorganism culture; Propionibacteriaceae; Bacteria; Cow milk; Actinomycetes; Artiodactyla; Ungulata
• ISSN: 0022-0302; 1525-3198
• DOI: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74248-3

To determine the effect of feeding Propionibacteria on energy balance, milk yield, and composition, metabolites and hormones of early-lactating dairy cows, multiparous Holstein cows were individually fed a total mixed ration from -2 to 12 wk postpartum with no addition (control, n = 10) or with an additional 17 g of Propionibacteria culture daily (Treated, n = 9). Daily feed intake and milk production were recorded. Plasma cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), leptin, insulin, glucose, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP), and progesterone concentrations were measured up to twice weekly. Cows fed supplemental Propionibacteria had improved energy balance at wk 1 of lactation and had lower DMI per kg of body weight than control cows on wk 3 to 7, 10, and 12. Cows fed Propionibacteria had a greater percentage of milk protein and solids-not-fat and plasma NEFA concentrations than did control cows only at wk 1 of lactation. Treatment did not affect milk production or percentage of milk fat and lactose. Leptin levels were greater in treated than control cows throughout the study. Plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, IGFBP-3, and IGF-I concentrations were not affected by feeding Propionibacteria, but those variables increased with week postpartum. Plasma IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 levels decreased with week postpartum. Measures of reproductive and ovarian function did not differ between Propionibacteria-treated and control cows. Feeding Propionibacteria culture to transition and early lactating dairy cows may hold potential for improved milk protein production and metabolic efficiency during early lactation, without affecting reproductive function.