When we think about plants and dairy cattle, our minds will race to forages. And yes, absolutely, proper forage species, varieties and management will be key to building a targeted nutrition program that is effective for a smooth transition period. As has been the topic of many discussions, nutrition is one part of the equation, but do not forget the influence of the environment.
From a farm management perspective, it is well-documented that a number of stressors may take place around the transition period with respect to pen movements, stocking density, ration changes and environmental changes (heat, cold, ventilation, bedding, etc.), which in turn may compromise the endocrine system, the immune system and the overall nutrient metabolism. When we implement management techniques, we aim to maximize the success of the transition period and subsequent lactations.
Working with springing heifers and cows requires special attention to promote the conditions that best meet their immense genetic potential. It is beneficial both for cows and producers when we successfully adapt to their needs throughout different life cycle stages.
The transition period is one of those specific stages that can be defined as 21 days pre-calving and stretching out toward peak milk production (which may be anywhere from about 35 to 90 days in milk depending on genetics, parity and farm). During this time, nutritionists are conscious that our animals may face a plethora of challenges that can impede health, which in turn can take a toll on production and reproduction.
If we consider how plants can help our heifers and cows conquer that daunting transition period, there may be more than simply forages, in terms of plants, to consider. Let us dig into the world of phytochemicals.
Phytochemicals in the dairy world may be more commonly referred to as plant-bioactive components, plant extracts, botanical extracts or phytogenic molecules. Essential oils, flavonoids and tannins would all fall under this umbrella. Although herbal remedies derived from chamomile, ginger and lavender have been around for centuries, we are seeing more scientific research in the last few years dedicated to the potential impact of phytomolecules in dairy cattle health, efficiency and performance.
During the transition period, one of the keys is to maintain a reasonable inflammatory response and a sound metabolism to favor the start of a promising new lactation. Implementation of management techniques that reduce stress and ensure delivery of a strategically formulated nutrition program with adequate feed intake and minimal negative energy balance can support this goal. In addition, a number of plant extracts that may be of interest for transition cow programs have been and continue to be investigated as candidates to contribute as antioxidants (e.g., thyme, clove and cinnamon extracts), to help stimulate appetite (e.g., fenugreek and vanilla extracts) and to improve the metabolic status of dairy cows (e.g., capsicum extracts), just to name a few.
Specific phytomolecule implementation practices for the transition cow can be linked to an ever-growing understanding of the natural biology of the dairy cow as she approaches her due date and enters lactation. In preparation for lactation, heifers and cows have a great demand for energy in the form of glucose. This molecule is a precursor of lactose and one of the drivers of milk volume. Cows are biologically wired to redirect glucose to the mammary gland for milk production to support calves. Ruminant species greatly rely on the liver to produce glucose through the metabolic process of gluconeogenesis. The normal biological response to energy from feed intake is excretion of the hormone insulin. In turn, the presence of insulin will inhibit the production of glucose from the liver (gluconeogenesis) and increases glucose storage. Therefore, by reducing the presence of insulin there can be more glucose available for milk production.
In addition to the cow’s biology in early lactation that favors glucose uptake by the mammary gland – an organ not regulated by insulin – for milk production, there have been recent studies that have investigated the role of rumen-protected capsicum to help enhance this natural phenomenon. Studies have shown that this botanical extract can decrease blood insulin concentrations without decreasing glucose levels through activation of receptors located in the lower gut, which in turn induce the production of peptides that play a role in reducing the secretion of insulin by the pancreas and the upregulation of gluconeogenesis pathways.
In healthy cows, this glucose will be directed to the mammary gland for enhanced milk production, which also allows the cow to have an improved overall metabolic status. This may be partially due to less dependence on other sources of energy to support an increasing milk production. Nonetheless, it should be noted that if an animal is subject to stressors that activate an immune response, there will be a greater demand for glucose to be directed to the immune system.
By providing additional support to the cow through implementation of phytochemicals, we must remain aware of the herd’s current condition and how these compounds could potentially impact cow performance and health.
As expertise in the field of botanical extracts grows and the industry continues to gain a better understanding of the underlying mode of action for each of those compounds, it is important to talk to your nutritionist about strategies that can be used to favor health and performance through introduction of botanical extracts in your herds.
