Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A019
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, A019 (2023)
Herbal mixture supplementation of dairy cows’ rations affects milk composition, milk quality and cow condition
Magdalena Moczulska1*, Julia Fabjanowska1, Renata Klebaniuk1, Edyta Kowalczuk-Vasilev1, Wioletta Samolińska1, Bożena Kiczorowska1, Szymon Milewski1
1 Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: magdalena.moczulska@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Providing a well-balanced feed for high-yielding dairy cows is a prerequisite not only for high milk yields and optimal milk quality but also for maintaining herd health and optimal body condition. Additional dietary support for the dairy cow’s organism can be achieved through the use of dedicated herbal mixtures. The appropriate selection of primary herbal materials and their application in animal nutrition in a dedicated blend, may intensify the positive effect of a single herb, leading to an increased impact on the animal organism due to a potential additive effect. Therefore, the hypothesis was formulated that supplementation of a bioactive-rich herbal mixture consisting of three herbs Thymus vulgaris, Echinacea purpurea, Origanum vulgare fed to dairy cows could improve production performance (milk yield, its’ composition and quality) while maintaining optimal animal condition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a herbal blend supplementation of dairy cow diets on milk yield, composition and quality, as well as on the body condition of the studied cow herd. The experiment was conducted on a herd of 150 Hf dairy cows divided into two groups (K – control, D – experimental). In each group, five subgroups of cows were distinguished according to their physiological state and performance. Observation and monitoring of the herd were carried out for the full lactation period. The experimental factor was a herbal mixture of own recipe (Thymus vulgaris, Echinacea purpurea, Origanum vulgare) administered at a dose of 50 g/100 kg b.w./day to cows in the period: one week before the planned calving – until the end of the third month of lactation. During the experiment, the cows’ feed intake, yield and milk composition and quality were evaluated. With the BCS (Body Condition Score) method, cows were subjected to condition assessment at each physiological phase. The addition of the experimental herbal mixture to the ration helped to improve the production parameters of the cows. It had an indirect effect on milk quality parameters. Compared to the control group, cows receiving the dedicated herbal mixture had the optimal body condition in each of the five periods evaluated. The use of phytobiotic support for dairy cows can be an effective strategy to improve productivity and their overall health status.
How to cite
M. Moczulska, J. Fabjanowska, R. Klebaniuk, E. Kowalczuk-Vasilev, W. Samolińska, B. Kiczorowska, S. Milewski, 2023. Herbal mixture supplementation of dairy cows’ rations affects milk composition, milk quality and cow condition. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A019