PSX-20 - Effects of a phytogenic supplement pre- and post-calving on colostrum yield and composition, and cow-calf performance

Abstract: Objectives were to determine the effects of a phytogenic supplement (a blend of turmeric, capsicum, and pepper extracts), fed pre- and post-calving, on colostrum yield and quality, and cow-calf performance. Twenty-three (BW = 532.08 ± 9.13 kg; age 36 mo) crossbred Angus cows were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: 1) Not supplemented (CON, n = 7); 2) supplemented with 250 mg/head/day (PHYT250, n = 8); or 3) supplemented with 500 mg/head/day (n = 8) of the phytogenic supplement. Cows were individually fed the supplement from 30 days (± 5 days) pre-calving (d –30) to 60 days (d 60) post-calving. Total colostrum from the left-rear quarter was collected on d 0 (pre-suckling), and d 1, d 2, and d 3 post-calving. Colostrum weight and volume were recorded, and samples (50 ml) were collected and analyzed for percentages of fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), other solids, and lactose. Cow BW was obtained on a biweekly basis from d -30 to d 60. Calf BW was measured on d 0, d 30, d 42, and d 60. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment, day, and their interaction as fixed effects and animal as a random effect. No treatment by day interaction (P = 0.42) nor main effects of treatment and day (P ≥ 0.25) were observed for colostrum volume. Fat concentration tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for PHYT250 and PHYT500 compared to CON. A treatment × day interaction (P = 0.05) was observed for MUN, with PHYT250 being greater than PHYT500 but similar to CON on d1. There was no difference between treatments for all other days for MUN. No treatment by day interactions (P ≥ 0.15) or main effects of treatment (P ≥ 0.16) were observed for other components. However, there were main effects of day (P ≤ 0.02) with protein being greater on day 0 compared to all other days, and other solids and lactose being greater on day 3 compared to all other days. Main effects of day were observed for cow and calf BW (P ≤ 0.01). Cows were heavier on d 28 and 42, while calves were heavier on d 56 compared to all other days. Even though we did not observe differences in performance, our results suggest that feeding a phytogenic supplement 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving may impact fat and MUN in colostrum. To complement this data, we are currently evaluating concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) in colostrum and calf blood. Further, milk collections will be performed in specific time-points up to weaning, to evaluate any possible effects of our treatments in milk yield and composition.