Effect of a Multispecies Probiotics on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Holstein Cows

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental multispecies probiotics on milk production and reproductive performance of postpartum lactating Holstein cows. Ninety-six cows were assigned to one of two dietary treatments from day 1 to 85 postpartum. Treatments were including 1) control, a standard diet, (n=48) and 2) probiotic, same as control plus 3 g/co w/day of the probiotics supplement (Hypro-cow®) (n=48). In a subset of eight animals per group, dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS), rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) were assessed, and blood samples and milk yield recorded. Milk samples were analyzed every 2 wk. for fat, protein and somatic cell. Blood samples were collected on day 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 85 post-partum for determining plasma total protein, albu-min, creatinine, urea, glucose and triglyceride concentrations and activity of transaminases (aspartate ami-notransferase and alanine aminotransferase). In all animals, occurrence of health disorders (i.e. metritis, endometritis, laminitis and mastitis), calving to first estrus interval, days open (DO), conception rate to first insemination and pregnancy up to 85 and 120 DIM were evaluated. Probiotic supplementation increased DMI (17.43±0.11 vs. 14.12±0.17) and BCS (3.36±0.16 vs. 3.14±0.23) (P<0.05). Mean daily milk yield (36.34±0.32 vs. 34.36±0.38) (P=0.05), and all milk components increased (P<0.05) by probiotic supple-mentation. Plasma concentrations of urea (10.28±0.63 vs. 11.08±0.47) and creatinine (1.00±S0.25 vs. 1.23±0.63) was lower (P<0.05) in supplemented group compared to control group. The incidence of lamini-tis (20.5±0.61 vs. 27±0.31) and metritis (32±0.03 vs. 40±0.81) were reduced (P<0.05) in supplemented cows compared to control cows. Interval from calving to first estrus and days open (DO) was reduced by 4 and 26 days, respectively (P<0.05) in treated cows. The conception rate was greater in probiotic group (22.5%) than control group (12.5%). In conclusion, supplemental multi-species probiotics during postpar-tum has a beneficial effect on productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows.