Effect of Feeding Anionic Ration during the Late Prepartum Period on Performance and Metabolic Profile in the Early Postpartum Period in Holstein and Simmental Dairy Cows

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Simsek U., Hayirli A.

International Journal of Veterinary Science, cilt.15, sa.4, ss.1067-1075, 2026 (Scopus)

Özet

Hypocalcemia, a prevalent metabolic disorder in dairy cattle, particularly around parturition, significantly impacts early lactation. This study investigated the effects of prepartal anionic salt cocktail supplementation on early postpartum performance and metabolic profile in multiparous Holstein and Simmental cows. Thirty-two multiparous (≥3 lactations) Holstein and Simmental cows were initially enrolled at 23 days prior to projected parturition, and 22 cows completed the experiment and were included in the final analyses. They received daily supplementation of either 1 kg wheat bran (control) or 1 kg pelleted anionic salt product until calving. Post-calving, all cows transitioned to a standard early lactation diet until 28 days postpartum. DMI, milk yield, urine pH, and serum metabolic indices were measured. Urine and blood samples were collected prepartum, with blood sampling continuing until 28 days postpartum for metabolic profiling. Anionic salt feeding significantly decreased prepartum DMI (11.25 vs. 11.78kg/d, P<0.0001) but tended to increase postpartum DMI (25.78 vs. 25.64kg/d; P = 0.0530). Urine pH declined significantly in treated cows (7.27 vs. 8.01; P<0.0001), with a more pronounced effect observed in Simmental cows. While prepartum anionic feeding did not significantly alter serum PTH levels, breed-specific differences were evident in serum calcium and magnesium concentrations. Simmental cows showed greater postpartum DMI, a more pronounced reduction in urine pH, and differing serum calcium responses between breeds following anionic feeding, whereas overall postpartum serum calcium concentrations were higher in Holstein cows. These findings suggest possible breed-related differences in response to prepartal anionic salt supplementation under field conditions; however, further studies with larger and more balanced cohorts and varying DCAD levels are warranted to confirm these observations.