ARTICLE 68 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2023 Feeding supplemental choline during the transition period can enhance milk production through peak and the entire lactation. BOOSTING MILK PRODUCTION WITH CHOLINE SUPPLEMENTATION DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD Kari Estes, M.S. Research Manager Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health 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 kgper-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
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