Aiming to improve milk quality and animal health, the effects of the inclusion of sunflower oil with added organic selenium (Se) and vitamin E in the diets of lactating cows were evaluated. Twenty-four multiparous lactating Jersey cows were randomly enrolled into four treatments: CON (control); SEL [2.5 mg organic Se kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM) + 1000 IU vitamin E daily]; SUN (sunflower oil 3% DM); and SEL + SUN (sunflower oil 3% DM + 2.5 mg organic Se kg⁻¹ DM + 1000 IU vitamin E daily). The experimental period was 12 weeks with 14 days for acclimation. Cows were milked twice a day. Dry matter intake, milk production, and composition were measured daily and analyzed in a pooled 4-week sample. On day 84, white blood cell counts, as well as serum and milk Se and vitamin E levels, were assessed. Supplementation with selenium and vitamin E alone or combined with sunflower oil increased milk production, and increased the serum and milk concentrations of those nutrients. The inclusion of sunflower oil reduced fat content and DM intake but also altered the milk fatty acid profile, mainly increasing levels of trans 11 C18:1 (vaccenic) and cis 9 trans 11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Our results indicate that supplementation with sunflower oil, Se and vitamin E provides beneficial effects on animal performance and milk composition, which could be an important source of CLA and antioxidants (Se and vitamin E) for human consumption.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding an ultra-diluted complex to dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant dairy cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. The CON group received a placebo (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of expanded silicate), while the UD group received the ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of PeriParto Transição–RealH, composed of ultra-diluted substances + vehicle: expanded silicate). Cows were evaluated from 30 days before the expected calving date until 60 days in milk (DIM) for sample and data collection. Post-partum dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the treatment. Cows fed UD had higher DMI relative to BW. Feeding UD increased milk lactose content and decreased milk protein content. Cows fed UD had lower somatic cell counts in the third and fourth week of lactation. Cows fed UD showed a tendency for higher liver health index. Using UD during the transition period and early lactation may benefit liver and udder health of dairy cows with no detrimental effect on milk performance.

This study investigated the effect of coated urea supplementation associated with monensin on rumen metabolism and fermentation, in cattle consuming a low‐quality forage‐based diet. Eight ruminally cannulated Nellore cows consuming Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu hay were randomly assessed to two 4 × 4 Latin square design, in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, with a factorial treatment arrangement with the factors: (i) urea source: (CON) no urea, (URE) common urea, (PCU) polymer‐coated urea and (LCU) lipid‐coated urea; (ii) monensin: (MON) addition of monensin in the diet; and (NM) no addition of monensin in the diet. Ruminal NH ₃ ‐N concentration was affected by urea source and there was an interaction between time and the urea source. Rumen acetate molar concentration was lower, while rumen propionate was greater for URE compared to coated urea. The total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and non‐protein nitrogen (NPN) were greater for URE compared to coated urea treatments and for LCU compared to PCU. Animals fed URE had greater urea excretion compared to coated urea. In conclusion, coated urea generates a lower ammonia peak; however, both coated urea did not promote total nitrogen release. No synergy was observed with the combination of urea and monensin.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an ultra-diluted complex supplementation as a prophylactic strategy on immunity, performance, and respiratory scores of weaned Holstein calves immediately after grouping. Thirty-six weaned Holstein female calves (80.4±1.3 days old; 105.6±10.4 kg) were allocated to 6 pens (n=6 per pen) in a completely randomized design experiment in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. During a 28 days period, animals received a total mixed ration and were enrolled into two different groups (n=18 per group): 1) Control (basal diet + calcium carbonate, top-dressed at 30 g/animal/d – ultra-diluted placebo vehicle), or 2) ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + TopVita™-Real H, top-dressed at 30 g/animal/d – Sulphur:10-60 + Viola tricolor:10-14 + Caladium seguinum:10-30 + Zincum oxydatum:10-30 + Phosphorus:10-60 + Cardus marianus:10-60 + Colibacillinum:10-30 + Podophyllum:10-30 + Vehicle: calcium carbonate; q.s. 1kg). Blood samples were collected from each heifer at enrollment and 28 days later to assess polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function and blood cell count. Body weight was assessed at enrollment and 28 days later at the end of the study. Regarding respiratory-screening process, a calf scoring system modified for calves in group pens was used. There was no effect of prophylactic ultra-diluted treatment on PMNL, nor it affected lymphocytes count and its ratio. Besides, the ultra-diluted product did not affect body weight and ADG. Further, no effect was observed in respiratory scores throughout the study period. In conclusion, the ultra-diluted complex did not improve blood cells count and PMNL function, nor it had impact on the performance of weaned Holstein calves after grouping.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate and organic zinc supplementation, alone or combined, on performance, zinc metabolism, blood parameters, and gut health in Holstein calves highly challenged by heat and diarrhea during the pre-weaning and weaning periods. Forty-eight male calves were assigned to one of four treatments: control (CON), SB (3 g/kg of sodium butyrate in dry matter [DM]), OZn (262 mg/kg of organic zinc in DM), or SBOZn (3 g/kg of sodium butyrate and 262 mg/kg of organic zinc in DM). Calves were monitored from days 7 to 63 for feed intake, weight gain, body morphometry, fecal score, and blood parameters. Zinc balance was evaluated from days 45 to 49, and 24 calves were slaughtered on day 64 for jejunal sampling to assess tight junction gene expression. Diarrhea incidence was high (>90%) across groups. Fecal scores varied over time but did not differ between treatments. The OZn and SBOZn groups had higher Zn intake, with greater absorption and retention of the mineral compared to the CON and SB groups. Additionally, the OZn group tended to have higher serum Zn concentrations. SB and OZn, separately or combined, had limited effects and did not consistently improve the performance or health of calves highly challenged during pre-weaning and weaning.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ultra-diluted complex on the health status, growth performance, and blood parameters of dairy calves during the preweaning phase in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. During a 75-period trial, thirty-four Holstein newborn calves at the second day of life were completely randomized individually into two treatments: (1) control (CON), oral saline supplementation (5 mL/d); and (2) oral supplementation with 5 mL/d of a ultra-diluted complex (UD): Sulfur: ${10}^{60}$ + Viola tricolor: ${10}^{14}$ + Caladium seguinum: ${10}^{30}$ + Zincum oxydatum: ${10}^{30}$ + Phosphorus: ${10}^{60}$ + Cardus marianus: ${10}^{60}$ + Colibacillinum: ${10}^{30}$ + Podophyllum: ${10}^{30}$ + Vehicle: alcohol. Free access to water and a starter was ensured during the trial period. Feed intake and fecal and health scores were monitored daily. Calves were weighed and measured weekly. Blood samples were collected at enrollment on the first day and every 21 days until the 75th day, 2 h after morning milk feeding, and tested for hematology, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total protein albumin, globulin, and creatinine. At 70 days of age, calves were disbudded following the standard management practices of the farm. The inflammatory profile, including Immunoglobulin A, Immunoglobulin G, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, and haptoglobin, was quantified in serum samples. The ultra-diluted complex was ineffective in reducing the incidence of diseases, starter feed intake, daily weight gain, and body measurements and inflammatory profile. Blood parameters were also not affected. Thus, the ultra-diluted complex was inefficient in reducing the incidence of diseases and did not affect the performance and metabolites of pre-weaned Holstein calves.