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Direct-Fed Microbial Supplementation on the Performance of Dairy Cattle During the Transition Period¹

J. E. Nocek^*, W. P. Kautz, J. A. Z. Leedle and E. Block^,2

^* Spruce Haven Farm and Research Center, Union Springs, NY 13160
Chr. Hansen’s Biosystems, Milwaukee, WI 53214-4298
McGill University, Ste. Anne De Bellevue, Quebec, Canada

Corresponding author: J. E. Nocek; e-mail: jimnocek{at}worldnet.att.net.

The influence of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) on the prepartum period and the effects on production performance during the postpartum period was investigated using 64 multiparous Holstein cows. Two close-up dry cow diets were fed to two groups of 32 cows each starting 21 d precalving as follows: 1) no DFM and 2) DFM. Postcalving cows were fed a lactation ration with or without DFM supplementation. Direct-fed microbial supplementation contained approximately 5 x 10⁹ cfu of yeast and 5 x 10⁹ cfu of bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, two strains) topdressed in a 90-g supplement/cow per day in both pre- and postpartum periods. The DMI during the prepartum period was not affected by DFM supplementation. During the postpartum period, DMI, milk yield, and milk protein content were higher for cows receiving DFM supplementation compared with no DFM. Blood glucose and insulin levels were higher and NEFA levels were lower for cows receiving DFM during the postpartum period. These data suggest that targeted DFM supplementation increased DMI and milk production postpartum. Blood metabolite information would suggest this response was associated with more glucose being made available and less fatty acids being mobilized from lipid stores.

Key Words: direct-fed microbial • production

Abbreviation key: DFM = direct-fed microbials

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