Effects of a Protected Vitamin and Choline Supplement in the Transition Period on Dairy Cow Metabolic Parameters and Health

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing pre- and postpartum transition diets with a rumen-protected supplement (Vicomb, Jefo Nutrition Inc., St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) containing selected vitamins (folic acid, riboflavin vitamins A, D and E) and choline (VC) on periparturient health in Holstein dairy cattle. Data from 155 cows were analyzed to assess the effects of providing 4 treatment regimens of supplemental VC (no VC, VC prepartum only, VC postpartum only, or VC pre- and postpartum) on the health and metabolic status of cows. Blood samples were taken at approximately 2 wk as well as 3 d prepartum, plus 1 and 2 wk postpartum. Samples were analyzed for serum β-hydroxybutyric acid, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, urea, and aspartate amino transferase. Metabolic diseases were monitored and recorded until 100 d in milk. Somatic cell counts were recorded monthly for the first 3 mo of the cows' lactation using CanWest Dairy Herd Improvement (CanWest DHI, Guelph, ON, Canada) reports. The VC during the prepartum period reduced serum urea and aspartate amino transferase levels at 2 wk prepartum, but not at 3 d prepartum. At 2 wk postpartum, β-hydroxybutyric acid levels were 35% less (P < 0.05) in the group that was supplemented postpartum relative to the cows that did not receive the supplement postpartum. The occurrence of mastitis was reduced (P < 0.05) by VC when used either pre- or postpartum, but did not affect Somatic cell count or the occurrence of other postpartum diseases in this herd.