Authors : H.C. Zheng, Y.Q. Jiang, Y.M. Wu, Z.L. Hu, X. Huang, J.K. Wang and J.X. Liu
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Baihu Decoction-Based Powder (BDP) on lactation performance, thermal status and immune traits in lactating dairy cows during hot season. Twenty mid-lactating cows divided into two groups were fed the same basal diet and added without or with 120 g of BDP. Addition of BDP had no effect on dry matter intake and milk yield but significantly increased milk fat percent. Rectal temperature did not change in cows fed BDP while respiration rate and heart rate were significantly increased by BDP. No significant differences were found in the peripheral blood rheology and whole hemacyte indexes between two treatments. Concentration of plasma cGMP was significantly improved by BDP while the cAMP and its ratio to cGMP did not change. Addition of BDP tended to decrease IL-1β concentration but no differences were observed in IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 assay between two treatments. It is indicated that BDP could alleviate the negative effects of environment-induced hyperthermia on lactating cows.
H.C. Zheng, Y.Q. Jiang, Y.M. Wu, Z.L. Hu, X. Huang, J.K. Wang and J.X. Liu, 2014. Effects of Dietary Addition of Baihu Decoction-Based Powder on Lactation Performance, Thermal and Immune Status in Lactating Dairy Cows During Hot Season. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 786-791.