The Use of Monensin for Ketosis Prevention in Dairy Cows during the Transition Period: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Since the approval by the European Medicines Agency in 2013 of a monensin controlled-release capsule (CRC) for the prevention of ketosis in dairy cows, there has been widespread use across Europe. In recent decades, several papers have investigated the effects of monensin used as a CRC or as a feed additive to improve cattle energy metabolism and improve feed efficiency. Since the CRC is the only form of monensin permitted in Europe in dairy cows, the objective of this review was to report and summarize observations from the literature on the effects of this treatment in transition cows. The peer-reviewed literature published from 1997 was scanned, and papers written in English were evaluated for eligibility. Only papers evaluating the use of monensin in dairy cows for the prevention of ketosis during the transition period were reviewed. In total, 42 papers met the required criteria and were included in this review. The major findings focused on cow metabolism and health, rumen fermentation and milk production and quality. Overall, the review of the existing literature confirmed that monensin delivered as a CRC during the transition period has effects of different magnitude compared to other forms, doses or durations of administration. Studies agree on the antiketotic effects of this treatment, showing evidence of an increased propionate production in the rumen, reduced blood β-hydroxybutyrate, and improved liver function in treated cows, mainly resulting in reduced incidence of peripartum disease. On the contrary, the effects of CRC on ammonia production and rumen microflora are less robust than those reported for other forms. Of importance for the European market is the well-documented absence of any negative impact on milk and cheese production and composition using the CRC treatment.

The Transition Period Updated: A Review of the New Insights into the Adaptation of Dairy Cows to the New Lactation

“…Finally, treatments that are classically adopted in transition cows to modulate rumen fermentation, recently revealed to have a potential role in mitigating the immune dysfunction occurring immediately before and after parturition. Monensin is known for its effect on rumen bacteria populations, resulting in increased propionic acid and reduced lactic acid and methane production [67,120,121]. Thus, modulation of rumen fermentation through monensin is an effective strategy to address the risk of both ketosis and acidosis in dairy cows at the onset of lactation [122].…”

“…Thus, modulation of rumen fermentation through monensin is an effective strategy to address the risk of both ketosis and acidosis in dairy cows at the onset of lactation [122]. These positive effect of monensin on rumen fermentation is reflected by trends of several plasma analytes (i.e reduced BHB and NEFA concentrations and higher plasma glucose) in cows treated with monensin [120,121,123]. A recent study [124,125] found reduced infiltration of T and B leukocytes in the rumen fluid from transition dairy cows that received a controlled-release capsule of monensin 21 days before the expected calving date (expected release rate, 335 mg/d for 95 days).…”

Differentiation of Subclinical Ketosis and Liver Function Test Indices in Adipose Tissues Associated With Hyperketonemia in Postpartum Dairy Cattle

“…Earlier reports suggested that nutrient partitioning and other metabolic activities are the essential physiological processes that subsequently help in subclinical ketosis (SCK) prevention (3) and improving cow's health during the transition and early lactation periods of dairy cattle. In general, the fatty acids, blood metabolites and GH directly or indirectly influence animals in terms of growth, reproduction, welfare condition, during the transition and early lactation periods (4)(5)(6)(7). During the early lactation period, dairy cows experience tremendous physiological and metabolic changes (8)(9)(10), accompanied by fetal development, milk production, high energy intake and a negative energy balance (NEB).…”

Major Nutritional Metabolic Alterations Influencing the Reproductive System of Postpartum Dairy Cows

“…Dietary fat and trace mineral supplementations are also helpful in this regard [199,200]. Monensin supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of subclinical ketosis [201]. Injections of growth hormones such as recombinant bovine somatotropins (rbSTs) are also helpful in improving the metabolic profile and immunity of postpartum dairy cows [202,203].…”