Some Effects of Feeding Lactates to Dairy Cows

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Experiments were conducted to determine the value of mixed lactates for ketosis prevention and to observe the effects of feeding them to normal cows. Fifty cows were used in the ketosis study. One-half were controls and one-half were fed an average of 1.21 lb of lactates per day for 6 wk, starting at calving. Although there was a slight advantage for the lactate-fed cows in terms of higher blood sugar and lower blood ketone levels, there was no reduction in the incidence of ketosis and no effect on milk production. Eight normal cows in mid-lactation were used to study the effects of feeding mixed lactates compared to comparable levels of sodium propionate. Lactates fed at a level of 2 lb daily increased blood ketones and solids-not-fat content of the milk. Propionate increased blood sugar and decreased blood ketones as well as hay consumption.