Addition of clinoptilolite in the diet reduces uterine PMN leukocytes and open days in multiparous lactating dairy cows managed in a mountain tropical pasture-based system

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the effect of adding clinoptilolite in the diet on uterine health and reproductive performance in multiparous lactating dairy cows managed in a tropical pasture-based system above 2500 meters of altitude. Seventy-seven multiparous Holstein crossbred cows were allocated randomly into two groups: clinoptilolite supplemented cows (CLG, n = 42) and nonsupplemented cows as control (CG, n = 35). Cows from CLG were supplemented with clinoptilolite from 30 days (50 g/cow/day) before to 60 days after calving (200 g/cow/day). Data were analyzed by general linear model, least squares means and chi-square test of SAS. In CLG cows, percentages of uterine PMN leukocytes (P<0.0001) and proportion of subclinical endometritis (P=0.0187) were lower than in CG. The interval calving to rst corpus luteum was shorter (P=0.0759) in CLG than CG, and calving to rst service interval was similar between treatments. Cows from CLG became pregnant 35 days earlier than CG cows (P=0.0224). In conclusion, daily addition of clinoptilolite in the diet decreased the proportion of cows with subclinical endometritis and shortened the interval from calving to conception in lactating dairy cows.

Zeolite-supplemented diets in the prenatal period affected postpartum reproductive parameters, colostrum production, and body condition score of dairy cows

“…Also, other abnormalities in these cows were less frequent than CON. These findings are consistent with the reports that confirm the beneficial effect of zeolite supplementation in CON ling Plasma Ca concentration and improving reproductive parameters [ 16 , 20 , 21 , 25 ].…”

“…Moreover, the percentage of pregnancy efficiency (pregnancy percentage on the 150th day after parturition) was significantly higher than CON for zeolite-consuming groups. The beneficial effect of zeolite supplementation in the present study is consistent with reports that imply improved productive and reproductive traits [ 22 , 23 , 25 , 14 ] and pregnancy performance due to improved digestion or metabolic status in cows. The range of hypocalcemia prevalence stated in different reports ranged from a minimum of 33% in the study of Jahani-Moghadam et al [ 3 ] to a maximum of 58.6% in the study of Amanlou et al [ 33 ], who reported higher hypocalcemia occurrence for the prepartum cows fed DCAD diets with a Ca serum concentration of less than 2.125 mmol/l immediately after parturition.…”

“…The daily addition of zeolite to the prepartum diet of multiparous lactating dairy cows significantly reduced the number of uterine PMN leukocytes (an index of uterine health), the frequency of cows with subclinical endometritis, and the calving to conception interval [ 25 ]. Clinoptilolite can improve uterine health and subsequent conception rates through two mechanisms, including: 1) modifying ruminal physiology and improving the cow’s metabolic status [ 17 ] and 2) improving the cow’s immune system [ 15 , 18 , 25 , 36 ].…”

“…Calcium homeostasis is a crucial factor during the transition period [ 11 , 12 ], and low-quality diets due to Ca restriction are associated with various negative effects on future cow performances [ 13 , 14 ]. Using natural calcium binders in feed to regulate the plasma Ca concentration around parturition seems like a practical and innovative solution [ 15 , 16 – 25 ]. Natural clinoptilolite and synthetic zeolites (Zeolite-A) have improved animal health and performance [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Increasing antibody production and immune response in dairy cows and calves vaccinated against Escherichia coli were found after daily intake of clinoptilolite [ 15 , 22 – 24 ]. Sinchi et al [ 25 ] showed that dietary feeding of clinoptilolite reduces uterine polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and decreases open days in multiparous lactating dairy cows under a tropical mountain pasture-based management system. Their results confirmed a decreased frequency of cows with subclinical endometritis and a shortened calving interval in dairy cows.…”