Effects of dietary rumen protected choline on some blood and milk metabolites in dairy cows during transition period

The aim of this study was to investigate non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) profiles and milk production for dairy cow fed rumen protected choline during the transition period. Material and Method:A total of 30 dairy cows were allotted to one control and two experimental groups (10 animals per group) and were fed for beginning 3 weeks prior to expected calving until 21 days postpartum: 1) control group, fed a basal diet; 2) fed a basal diet containing 60 g/head/day rumen protected choline; 3) fed a basal diet containing 120 g/head/day rumen protected choline. Results:There were no significant (P>0.05) differences between the groups in terms of weekly average live weight level and milk yield. Similarly, when evaluated the time-dependent change according to groups, intra-group time x group interactions were not significant for live weight levels (P=0.3864) and milk yield (P=0.3864). Fat and protein levels of colostrum for control group, treatment group 1 and 2 were determined 6.75±0.107,6.93±0.225 and 6.81±0.272; 14.74±0.179, 14.36±0.253 ve 14.23±0.783, respectively. The differences between groups were statistically insignificant for fat and protein levels of colostrum. Intra-group time x group interactions were not significant (P=0.2249) for MUN in colostrum and milk during postparturient period. When evaluated the time-dependent change according to groups, Intra-group time x group interactions were not significant (P>0.05) for serum NEFA and BHBA levels of dairy cow during transition period. After the impact of groups were removed, time-dependent changes were significant (P<0.001).Conclusion: Rumen protected choline supplementation did not have a significant effect on energy (BHBA) and protein metabolism (MUN) of dairy cow during the transition period. This additive is not required when provided proper rumen fermentation with rations prepared as isocaloric and isonitrogenous, but in order to better understand the effect of rumen protected choline on dairy cow during the transition period. There is a need to further studies which predetermined metabolic profiles, and for animals fed malnourished, having been high milk yields or metabolic disorders.