complex transition from one phase to the next. From a physiological point of view, the balance and flow of nutri- ents can determine cows’ susceptibility to pre- and post- partum diseases. Any potential metabolic risk can lead to lower colostrum quantity and quality (lower calcium and immunoglobulins levels), lower milk production, higher im- munodepression and higher calving-to-conception inter- vals. Of course, and prior to this, we need to set the basics with the establishment of rumen microflora and healthy gastrointestinal tract as a result of optimum and balanced dry matter intake from forages to concentrates ratio. To achieve that, several additives could possibly work in that direction, including rumen-protected amino acids, glucose precursors (i.e. glycerine, propylene glycol), pH modulators, yeast-based products and appetite promoters that alter epi- thelium functionality, forestomach mobility and osmoregu- lation. There is no doubt that optimum forage-to-concen- trates ratio contributes to lower environmental impact as less nitrogen and methane are lost through metabolism. It’s only recently that the EU approved a methane-reducing feed additive in a trial to support a lower carbon footprint from dairy farming. In addition to that, we know that certain vitamins and minerals functioning as nutraceuticals regulate oxidative stress. Cows with high productivity require addi- tional supplementation of rumen-protected B vitamins (bio- tin, niacin, choline). What is more, Vitamin A enhances cellular resistance to pathogens, and its pro-vitamin β-carotene in- creases the antibacterial activity of leukocytes (Von Lintig and Vogt et al. 2004), improves conception rates and lowers cases of ovarian cysts and placental retention (Kaewlamun et al. 2011). Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant, maintaining cell mem- brane structure but also regulating immunoglobulin produc- tion (mainly IgG) and reducing somatic cell count. Sufficient


overall vitamin nutrition is of utmost importance, especially in some regions where heat stress is a major issue for dairy farming. Dihydropyridine (DHP) lowers cytoplasmatic calcium levels (inhibits absorption) and has antioxidant ability while also regulating rumen microflora. Cows fed with DHP under heat- stressed conditions are found with lower superoxide dismu- tase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) (Yu et al. 2020). Oxidative stress may occur in cases of liver dysfunction (lower methyl-donor supplementation – Be- taine) and gut inflammation, promoting anorexia. The key behavioural signal from cows remains sufficient dry matter intake. Yeast-based products containing multiple vitamins, polyphenols (resistant to rumen microbial degradation) and β-glucans can support gut inflammation to increase mucosal immunity and plasma IgG levels (Yuan et al. 2015). Active compound mixtures from several herbs can lower somatic cell count and substantially decrease milk pathogens, includ- ing Staphylococcus agalactiae, S. aureus, streptococci and Escherichia coli (Kraszewski et al. 2008).


In conclusion Profit margins in dairy farming are continuously being squeezed as production costs rise faster than milk prices. In an effort to overcome that, farmers are breeding cows with higher genetic potential. This practice is understood, but we need to also reconsider the expansion of the nutrients supply gap due to inadequate rations and underfeeding of feed ad- ditives during certain periods. In this era of strict legislation when it comes to antibiotic use in the herd and the focus of consumers on animal welfare, the industry needs to reconsid- er the use of nutraceuticals in dairy farming. More studies will test the improvement of physiochemical milk parameters after the use and effect of nutraceuticals on milk yield.


▶ DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 9, No. 2, 2022 31


We need to also reconsider the expansion of the nutrients supply gap due to inad- equate rations and underfeed- ing of feed addi- tives during certain periods.


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