Effects of Prepartum Monensin Feeding on Energy Metabolism and
Reproductive Performance of Postpartum High-Producing Dairy
Holstein Cows
Mahmood Changizi Mohammadi, Abbas Rowshan Ghasrodashti1,
Amin Tamadon2 and Mohammad Amin Behzadi3*
Department of Animal Sciences, Azad Islamic University, Khorasgan
Branch, Isfahan, Iran; 1Department of Clinical Studies,
School of Veterinary Medicine, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Kazerun, Iran; 2Department of Animal Health
Management, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University & Stem
Cells and Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shiraz University
of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; 3Professor Alborzi
Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical
Sciences, Namazi Hospital, 71937-11351, Shiraz, Iran *Corresponding
author: amin383bz@yahoo.com
Abstract
This study was designed and executed to determine the effects of monensin in
preparturient diet on postpartum milk production, energy metabolism, and
reproduction performance of Holstein dairy cows. Forty Holstein
dairy cows on close-up period were randomly divided into monensin treated (300
mg/day in close-up ration, top dress) and control groups. Body condition score
(BCS) was estimated three weeks before and three weeks after calving. Milk
production and milk fat percentage were recorded in both groups within 3 weeks
postpartum. Blood samples were collected from five randomly selected cows of
each group three weeks after calving. Serum concentrations of insulin like
growth factor-I (IGF-I), insulin, glucose, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were
measured. Calving to the first observed oestrus interval and calving to
conception interval were compared between two groups. The results of the
experiment showed that loss of BCS (P=0.3), increase of milk production (P=0.9),
and milk fat percentage (P>0.05) were not significantly different between two
groups during the period of study. In addition, mean serum glucose concentration
(P=0.001) and serum insulin concentration (P=0.01) in monensin group were
significantly higher than control cows in the first week postpartum. Moreover,
serum BHBA concentration did not significantly change in monensin group. Serum
IGF-I concentration in monensin group was significantly higher than control
group in three weeks postpartum (P<0.01). The present study indicated that
monensin treatment decreased calving to the first observed oestrus interval
(P=0.05) and calving to conception interval (P=0.002). In conclusion,
supplementing the close-up ration can increase postpartum serum IGF-I
concentration and prevent the increase of serum BHBA concentration. These may
result in enhancement reproductive performance of high-producing dairy cows.
Key words:
Energy metabolism; High-producing dairy cow; Monensin;
Reproductive performance