ISSUE FOCUS 26 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2022 2.7 inseminations per pregnancy, compared to 34% success rate and 3.1 inseminations in the non-supplemented group. On top of that, the supplemented cows had an overall increase in milk fat and protein yields (2.246 vs 2.360g/d) and an increase in milk production by an average of 1.5kg per cow per day. MILK PRODUCTION UNDER HEAT STRESS It is a known fact that during heat stress, cows stop eating. And this has a significant effect on milk production. For dairy farms in regions where ambient temperatures are often above the heat stress tolerance rate of cows, there is a constant challenge to keep milk production levels high. Trials with yeast solutions showed that supplementation helps to improve fibre digestion and rumen stabilisation in heat-stressed dairy cows, alongside a reduction in the respiratory rate of supplemented animals, leading to increased milk and milk solids production in comparison to non-supplemented cows. It also helps to support immune response in heat stressed cows. A trial was conducted to investigate the effect of the selenium enriched yeast on milk production, milk quality and health status in heat-stressed dairy cows. In this trial, the daily average temperature-humidity index was more than 72, which indicated that cows were subjected to heat stress for 9 weeks during the trial. The rectal temperature and respiratory rate were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the selenium enriched yeast group compared with the inorganic selenium group. In evaluation of animals’ antioxidant status, it is recognised that glutathione peroxidase (GPx), a selenoprotein, is a major antioxidant enzyme. Cows fed the selenium enriched yeast had higher (P < 0.05) GPx activity than those receiving sodium selenite. In the selenium enriched group, the somatic cell count was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), as well as an increase in the selenium content in the milk (P < 0.05) the selenium content of milk (Figure 2). CONCLUSION Despite the increased focus on high quality diets, management and improved genetics, there is still room to improve the efficiency of our dairy cows. The Program Milk profit from Phileo offers a holistic approach based on yast based solutions to manage the challenges in each lactation phase and during heat stress. This allows us to better manage feed, disease and breeding challenges and keep milk production levels high, a prerequisite for all dairy farmers in times of decreased profit margins. A. Milk selenium concentration. B. Milk somatic cell count. Figure 2 - Effect of the selenium enriched yeast on milk composition and quality. About Dr Valentin Nenov Dr Valentin Nenov DVM, MBA joined Phileo Lesaffre Animal Care in 2014 as global ruminant manager. He is responsible for the global ruminant strategy of the company, development of innovative solutions and building the technical communication. He manages product development and launches in close collaboration with R&D, marketing, and commercial teams. Dr. Nenov obtained his master’s degree in veterinary medicine from Trakia University, Bulgaria. He obtained his MBA from New Bulgarian University. He started his career as a practicing veterinarian for several years after which he joined the pharmaceutical business and worked as a ruminant technical manager for leading animal health care companies in different countries. Dr Nenov has broad experience in intensive and extensive dairy and beef systems in Europe, Middle East, North America and Asia.
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