Supplementing glycerol to transition dairy cows to improve metabolic status and productivity

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Dairy cows undergoing the transition from the dry period to lactation are at risk for developing post-partum diseases such as ketosis, which can further increase their risk of developing other health and reproductive disorders. Subclinical ketosis (SCK) impacts many dairy cows, with an estimated incidence of >40% in Canadian dairy herds. SCK is resultant of excessive negative energy balance in early lactation. Recent research data from Ontario, Canada showed that cows milked in robotic milking systems are at even greater risk of experiencing SCK. Greater supplementation of traditional robot concentrates, which are typically high in starch, in early lactation is problematic due to the increased risk of other health challenges (ruminal acidosis). Thus, providing an alternative energy source, with high glucogenic potential, may be more desirable during the early post-partum period. An example of such a feed supplement with high glucogenic potential is glycerol. Glycerol is readily available, at a reasonable cost, due to being a by-product of the biodiesel industry, which is being produced in growing amounts worldwide. Thus, the objective of this research is to determine if pre- and post-calving glycerol supplementation can improve metabolic health, rumen stability, and productivity of dairy cows milked in robotic systems. In two studies, we will examine the expected benefits of feeding glycerol to transition dairy cows. We predict that glycerol supplementation will enhance dry matter intake, rumen health, and the metabolic status of dairy cows, as well as their subsequent milk production and efficiency. With these results, we expected to develop best management practices for feeding transition dairy cows that not only result in improved health and welfare, but also production efficiency. This, in turn, will help dairy producers be more profitable, while also increasing consumer confidence in this agricultural sector.