ISSUE FOCUS 28 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 tect cells from damage. As a result, feed formulation strategies supporting the antioxidant defense can help maintain milk quality and cow fertility during challenging periods. These systems interact synergistically. Improved rumen function enhances nutrient absorption, providing substrates for milk production. Reduced oxidative stress supports cell function. Enhanced antioxidant status helps maintain ruminant health. This biological integration explains why the multi-component approach proved more effective than single-target interventions. WHEN THEORY MEETS REALITY Results of the Czech Republic study showed the cows supplemented with a rumen-specific live yeast, melon juice powder rich in enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), and organic selenium reached peak lactation earlier than the control group. In addition, milk production exceeded 6.5 kg per head per day at its peak. From days zero to 100 in milk, production was higher by 1.7 kg per head per day on average in the supplemented group -- a steady improvement suggesting enhanced efficiency rather than temporary production spikes.5 (Figure 1) Then came the ultimate test. For 14 days in August, the barn experienced heat stress with a THI index up to 82 and remained elevated. During this time, milk production dramatically decreased for the control cows -- dropping by 6.9 kg per day while the supplemented cows only experienced a drop of 3.8 kg per day. (Figure 2) In addition, the supplemented groups had lower somatic cell counts (SCC) and a lower number of artificial insemination attempts needed per positive pregnancy test.5 With three components added to the ration, the return-on-investment was greater than 9:1 considering the production and internventionssavings.5 Each feed ingredient appeared to help dairy cows guard against the main pathways harmed by heat stress: rumen function and oxidative stress -- leading to a 45% reduction in heat stress impact among the supplemented group. THE BIGGER PICTURE As climate change intensifies environmental challenges and heat stress is poised to become an increasingly widespread concern -- occurring during previously temperate seasons and climates. This trial on a commercial farm shows supplementation Milk Production (kg/hd/d) MILK YIELD ***6.6/hd/d ***6.5/hd/d Control Rumen-specific live yeast + seleniumenriched yeast + superoxide dismutase (SOD) rich ingredient antioxidant supplementation End of treament ***P<0.001 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 6 21 26 31 46 51 56 61 71 76 81 86 91 96 DIM + Figure 1. Milk performance between control cows and cows supplemented with rumenspecific live yeast, seleniumenriched yeast, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) rich ingredient antioxidant supplement. Supplemented cows reached peak lactation earlier than the control group. At peak, milk production exceeded +6.5 kg per head per day.7
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