Boosting milk production with choline supplementation during the transition period

Feeding supplemental choline during the transition period can enhance milk production through peak and the entire lactation.

During the critical transition period, several physiological changes occur in dairy cows, such as inflammation and reduced feed intake. Nonetheless, incorporating choline into their diet can have a positive impact on a cow’s metabolism. Choline plays a pivotal role in formation of all cell membranes, milkfat globule synthesis, and aids the liver in managing fat accumulation during transition. Extensive research highlights the advantages of feeding rumen-protected choline during transition into lactation, resulting in increased milk yields.

Dr. Barry Bradford from Michigan State University elaborates on the findings, stating, “Multiple studies indicate an average milk yield increase of approximately 2,3 kg per day in early lactation cows. In a recent study that we are preparing for publication, we even observed a staggering 4 kg-per-day increase in milk yield. So, the effect appears substantial, with consistent milk responses.”

A separate study conducted at the University of Wisconsin–Madison by Dr. Heather White’s lab reaffirms the positive correlation between choline supplementation during the transition period and increased milk production. “Supplementing rumen-protected choline during the transition period led to a 2,3 kg-per-day advantage in energy-corrected milk (ECM) during the first 100 days of lactation,” White explains. “Remarkably, our cows produced 30% more milk and 37% more ECM than the average in the most recent rumen-protected choline meta-analysis published in 2020, and we still observed these benefits.”

Choline not only enhances milk production during early lactation but also extends its benefits throughout the lactation period. Dr. Bradford notes that even when choline was provided for only the initial 21 days post-calving, milk yield continued to increase beyond the peak lactation period. “Cows were producing over 4 kg more milk per day, on average, throughout 12 weeks of lactation, which is quite remarkable considering that the supplementation had ceased nine weeks earlier.”

Dr. White’s study supported this observation, showing a sustained increase in ECM for the entire experimental period after providing choline for 21 days post-calving. Similarly, Dr. José Santos from the University of Florida reported a consistent milk production increase (2,1 kg per cow per day) over a 40-week trial period.

The consistent positive response, even after the cessation of treatment, has raised questions about the underlying mechanisms. Dr. Santos suggests that this may be linked to enhanced animal health or alterations in mammary cell metabolism and survival, possibly extending the lifespan of mammary cells or reducing cell death.

Interestingly, cows receiving prepartum rumen-protected choline also produced higher colostrum yields while maintaining colostrum quality. Dr. Bradford notes, “Our recent study revealed an impressive 80% increase in colostrum yield. Many producers have shown interest in choline supplementation for the potential to improve colostrum yield, addressing their fall colostrum-related issues.”

Dr. White underscores the importance of this finding, as colostrum is crucial for calf health, stating, “Prepartum rumen-protected choline-treated cows yielded 2 kg more colostrum with an average colostrum quality exceeding a 24,6 percent Brix score.”

Another noteworthy discovery that Santos emphasizes often goes unnoticed is that cows exhibit a positive response to rumen-protected choline, regardless of their body condition score when they commence supplementation during the prepartum phase. Santos challenges the prevailing belief that choline should only be administered to overweight, over conditioned cows, describing it as a dogma that the industry should discard. He asserts that even cows with a low body condition score can benefit from supplementing rumen-protected choline, particularly in terms of enhancing milk production.

Santos advocates for a shift in perspective among nutritionists and producers, likening choline to other essential nutrients in a cow’s diet, such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

White emphasizes that every farm should conduct return on investment assessments tailored to their specific circumstances, and in most instances, the advantages of choline supplementation in terms of milk production amply justify the practice. This, in turn, yields benefit not only in long-term milk production but also in colostrum quantity and calf growth, constituting additional advantages.

Bradford underscores the importance of revisiting the potential of supplementing choline, especially in light of the recent data from the past five years. He encourages those who may have previously overlooked choline due to a perceived absence of metabolic issues to reconsider its utilization, highlighting its potential to enhance productivity.

White points out the variability in efficacy among different rumen-protected products, emphasizing the significance of having comprehensive research data to inform decision-making in this regard.