When it comes to nutrition for dairy cows, pregnant milking cows need special nutrition during pregnancy. The body develops organs at different stages of gestation, such as the heart, lungs, immune system, and various body tissues. Moreover, proper nutrition during mid-gestation is essential for fat cell and muscle fiber development. The food a cow receives during this time can affect the yield and marbling of its carcass.
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Mineral supplements
The best way to ensure your cows’ nutrition is to supplement their diets with a high-quality vitamin and mineral pack. Then, add a good-quality feed supplement to boost energy and protein levels. The results will be worth it, not just for your cows, but for your business as well. By boosting the nutritional status of your dairy herd, you’ll save money in the long run. And, the added bonus? A higher milk production rate and more profit in the long run!
A study performed in California showed that a high-quality mineral supplement could reduce the risk of peripartum reproductive conditions in pregnant dairy cows. In the first experiment, the treatment group received an initial injection of 5 mL of mineral supplement, which was repeated 38 to 45 days later. In the second experiment, similar cows served as controls. The two treatments both resulted in lower conception rates, but there was no difference in the incidence of first-service conception.
Vitamins A and E
Supplementation of Vitamins A and E to pregnant dairy cows can improve the health of the female animal. Pregnant dairy cows are at higher risk for clinical and infectious diseases, particularly during parturition and the lactation rest period. The use of Vitamin E significantly affects the levels of protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins in the bloodstream.
Supplementation of vitamins A and E to pregnant dairy cows improves milk production and reproduction performance. Supplementation of Vitamin E did not improve SCC or colostrum quality, but it did significantly reduce retained placenta in the womb. Although there is no proof to support the use of Vitamin E in dairy cows, it is believed to enhance reproductive performance. The use of Vitamin A and E to pregnant dairy cows can reduce the risk of fetal loss and other reproductive disorders.
Energy requirements
The first seven months of pregnancy overlap with the lactation period. The energy requirements of pregnant cows match those of the developing fetus. Consequently, energy requirements of pregnant dairy cows are different than those of non-pregnant cows. However, they can be estimated using the same formulas. The following table shows the energy requirements of pregnant dairy cows. Read on to learn more about this important topic!
There are many ways to estimate the energy requirements of pregnant dairy cows. Some are linear, while others are not. For example, the NEpreg (new energy retained) of crossbred Holstein x Gyr cows is lower than that of purebred Holstein cows. However, after 230 days of pregnancy, the estimated NEpreg exceeds the NRC requirements. However, retained energy in the gravid uterus and mammary gland are calculated from this data. As a result, this allows for a more accurate representation of the energy requirements of pregnant cows.
Calcium
In a recent study, researchers assessed the effect of oral calcium supplementation on the metabolic status of dairy cows during pregnancy. While no difference was found in the incidence of SCH between the CA and control groups, the treatment did appear to reduce the risk of metritis. Insufficient effects were seen on the rumination and eating time of the CA group. The study sample size was too small to detect any significant differences between the two groups.
The results showed that prepartum dairy cows fed calcium had higher levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. The cows also had more glands on the lining of the uterus, which is responsible for keeping the organ clean and secreting hormones that stimulate ovulation. This may explain the higher pregnancy rates in these cows. However, further studies will be necessary to identify the exact cause of the problems.
Colostrum
Milk and colostrum are often classified according to the time they were produced. Cows produce colostrum immediately after parturition, two days after parturition, and five to seven days after parturition. Its fat content is usually higher than milk, and Foley and Otterby found that it varied widely. However, Abd El-Fattah et al. observed that colostrum fat content decreased after parturition.
The first milk produced after parturition is colostrum, a rich natural source of nutrients. It is a potent source of immunoglobulins, peptides with antimicrobial activity, and growth factors. In commercial milk, colostrum is used to support general health, and may also be used to treat medical conditions and as a supplement by athletes. In addition to its nutritional benefits, colostrum may be useful for pregnant dairy cows, children, and adults.
Vitamins
Milk and colostrum contain high levels of vitamin D, calcium, thiamine, and folic acid. The addition of vitamin E, a prenatal nutrient, may prevent these problems. While many dairy farms supplement the colostrum with vitamin E, they also feed their cows with vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the development of the fetus, and vitamin D is essential for the health of both cows and calf.
The amount of vitamin E in a pregnant dairy cow’s blood serum can be determined by measuring the fatty acid content of the animal’s serum. Serum vitamin E concentrations are affected by total serum lipid concentration, and higher lipid content is associated with a greater serum vitamin E concentration. In late gestation and at peak feed intake, the levels of these nutrients may be lower than optimal. Vitamin E concentrations are also often expressed as a ratio, with serum lipid content as the denominator.
