Supplementation of dairy cows with propylene glycol during the periparturient period: effects on body condition score, milk yield, first estrus post-partum, beta -hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations
Fonseca, L.F.L. da; Rodrigues, P.H.M.; Santos, M.V. dos; Lima, A.P.; Lucci, C. de S.
Ciencia Rural 34(3): 897-903
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0103-8478
DOI: 10.1590/s0103-84782004000300037
Accession: 004336648
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of propylene glycol (PPG) administration on milk yield, body condition score (BCS), number of days to first oestrous after calving, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and plasma glucose concentrations on periparturient dairy cows. 23 Holstein cows were assigned to two treatments: (a) 300 ml of PPG (treated group, N=11), (b) 300 ml of water (control group, N=12) administered via drench during the periparturient period. BCS was evaluated on days -10, 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 relative to calving date. The interaction of time to treatment was significant and during the 4th and 5th week of lactation, milk yield was significantly higher in the treatment group. Days to first oestrous of PPG and control group was on the average 40.2 and 45.2 respectively (P>0.05). There was no effect of treatment on body condition score from calving to 60 days post partum. Results further showed that there was no effect of treatment or interaction of time and treatment on plasma parameters (BHBA, NEFA, and glucose), but there was effect of time on NEFA and glucose.