Supplementing Limited Methionine Diets with Rumen-Protected Methionine, Betaine, and Choline in Early Lactation Holstein Cows

Abstract

Eighty lactating Holstein cows from 21 to 91 d in milk were fed a corn silage-based total mixed ration (TMR) formulated with the Met content limited (42 g/ d) to investigate the impact of supplementing rumen-protected (RP) forms of Met, betaine, and choline on performance and metabolism. One of 4 supplements was blended into the TMR to produce 4 dietary treatments: 1) control, 2) 20 g/d of RP-Met, 3) 45 g/d of RP-betaine, and 4) 40 g/d of RP-choline. Calcium salts of fatty acids were used to protect both RP-betaine and RP-choline supplements. A similar amount of Ca salts of fatty acids was included in both control and RP-Met supplements to provide equal amounts of fat to all treatments. Overall, no differences in intake, milk yield, or milk composition were observed in primiparous cows. Average dry matter intake, body weight, and body condition score were not different among treatments in multiparous cows. Milk yield was higher in multiparous cows fed RP-choline compared with the other treatments. Multiparous cows fed RP-choline had higher milk protein yield than cows fed control or RP-betaine but was not different from cows fed RP-Met. Multiparous cows fed RP-choline had higher milk fat yield than cows fed RP-Met but was not different from cows fed control or RP-betaine. There were no beneficial effects of RP-betaine supplementation to a Met-limited TMR.

Periparturient Dönem Sütçü Sığırlarda Metionin ve Lizinin Metabolik Profil Üzerine Etkileri

“…On the other hand, At their recent study, Phillips et al 25 demonstrate that inclusion of methionine into diets of cows drops off their serum TG at postpartum 1 st week. By contrast, the studies using methionine during early lactation period report no change in serum TG levels 26,27 . Xu et al 28 discloses that the addition of rumen-protected amino acids containing methionine (13 g/day) and lysine (40 g/day) into the rations of multiparous Holstein dairy cattle reduces serum levels of TG and NEFA.…”

“…This condition can be associated with increased VLDL catabolism in mammary glands and excessive fat accumulation in liver 2 . Davidson et al 26 added methionine to diets of cows at their early lactation period but observed no change in their VLDL concentrations. In the current study at evaluations within the groups, we measured numerically the lowest VLDL concentration in control and methionine groups at postpartum 2 w but at postpartum 2 w in Group L and Group LM.…”

“…The results of the present study are consistent with these studies mentioned here. On the other hand, methionine supplementation during early lactation in cows is shown to have no effect on serum HDL levels 26 . Likewise, methionine addition into the rations of dairy cattle during lactation period is reported not to affect CHOL levels 27 .…”

“…Even though BHBA concentrations are shown to be associated with negative energy balance and mobilization of stored fats in body, they are also affected by lactation itself 13 . Several studies demonstrate that various doses of methionine supplementations during prepartum and postpartum periods in cows do not change BHBA concentrations 26 . In addition, the level of BHBA in multiparous is reported to be elevated with respect to the cows at their first calving 26 .…”

“…Several studies demonstrate that various doses of methionine supplementations during prepartum and postpartum periods in cows do not change BHBA concentrations 26 . In addition, the level of BHBA in multiparous is reported to be elevated with respect to the cows at their first calving 26 . At their study where they fed the cows with low and normal energy rations, Rulquin and Delaby 5 noted no effect of methionine on serum BHBA levels in both groups.…”