THE EFFECTS OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL AND CALCIUM PROPIONATE IN DAIRY COWS

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effects of the oral administration of
propylene glycol and calcium propionate on performance of dairy cows.
Treatments were 10 l water (control), 10 l water+300 ml propylene glycol
(GP) and 10 l water+500 g calcium propionate (CP). Animals were mainly of
Holstein breeds and were fed and managed in a commercial setting. The cows
were divided randomly into an experimental group, n=24 (n=12 with PG and
n=12 with CP) and a control group, n=11. Cows received the assigned
treatment within 10 hours of calving and 24 hours after calving. Health
events were recorded during calving and for the first 21 days in milk (DIM).
Health examinations were performed on cows that appeared not well. The
cows were milked three times daily and milk production was recorded
electronically. Milk solid content and somatic cell score were determinate
from three consecutive milking weekly till 20 DIM and than monthly till 110
DIM. Retained placenta, hypocalcaemia, displaced abomasums, ketosis and
metritis were low in treatment groups (with PG and CP). The cows receiving
PG had 2.8 Kg/day grater milk production than control group. The cows
receiving CP had 1.7 kg/day grater milk production than control group.
Prophylactic administration of PG and CP drenches to Holstein cows may be
justified by potentially higher milk yields and reduced health complications.