Summary
This on-farm trial examined the effects of two omega-3 fatty acid dietary sources—extruded flaxseed (7.0%) and salmate (25 g/head/day)—on lactation performance and metabolic markers in 300 Holstein dairy cows in an arid subtropical environment. The study assessed changes in milk production, milk fatty acid profiles, and IGF-1 levels over a 23-week lactation period following three weeks of pre-partum supplementation. The findings contribute to understanding how feed-based omega-3 enrichment strategies might modify milk composition and growth factor dynamics in high-producing dairy systems.
Regional applicability
UK dairy systems typically operate under temperate rather than arid subtropical conditions, which may limit direct application of management practices; however, the milk composition and IGF-1 outcomes could inform nutritional strategies for UK organic or grass-fed dairy producers seeking to enhance omega-3 content and metabolic health markers in milk.
Key measures
Milk production volume, milk fatty acid composition, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations, feed intake
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (from extruded flaxseed and salmate) on milk production, fatty acid profiles, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in lactating Holstein dairy cows under arid subtropical conditions.
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