Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.33128/k.63.2.3

Influence of micronized zeolite clinoptilolite supplementation on udder health, milk production and composition of Holstein cows in different lactations under robotic milking conditions

Mislav Đidara ; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Matej Brlić ; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Vesna Gantner ; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
Martina Pavlić ; Hrvatska agencija za poljoprivredu i hranu, Osijek, Hrvatska
Saša Lončar ; PP Orahovica d.o.o., Zdenci, Hrvatska
Marcela Šperanda ; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska

Abstract

Natural zeolite clinoptilolite is a microporous aluminosilicate mineral of an open three-dimensional solid anionic lattice structure with pores of exchangeable cations. The addition of zeolite in the diet is increasingly being used in animal nutrition. The aim of the experiment was to establish the effect of micronized clinoptilolite zeolite on udder health and milk composition of cows of different lactations under conditions of robotic milking. Cows were fed a partial mixed ration (PMR) for milking cows with the addition of 200 g per cow of micronized clinoptilolite zeolite (Zeotex®, Mevex, Croatia) and concentrate on a robotic feeding unit for 42 days of the experiment. Significantly (P <0.05) lower number of somatic cells was found in the milk of 1st and 2nd lactation cows after 42 days of zeolite supplementation compared to the beginning of the experiment. The content of milk fat in the milk of lactating cows was significantly (P <0.05) higher on the 42nd day of the experiment compared to the beginning and the 21st day of the experiment. Significantly (P <0.05) higher urea concentration in milk was found on the 21st day of the experiment compared to the beginning of the experiment in lower lactating cows. A significant (P> 0.05) reduction in the number of somatic cells after 42 days of zeolite application in the diet of dairy cows confirms the ability of zeolite to positively affect udder health. The decrease in the number of somatic cells in cows of only 1st and 2nd lactation suggests a limited ability of zeolites to chronic udder infections in higher lactating cows. Significant (P <0.05), but transient increase in urea in milk on day 21 of the experiment, is probably a reflection of the adaptation of the rumen micropopulation to the new feeding conditions with the addition of zeolite. The increase in the content of milk fat in cows in the first lactation speaks in favor of the positive effect of zeolite and the improvement of milk quality.

Keywords

cows; zeolite clinoptilolite; milk quality; somatic cell count

Hrčak ID:

279850

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/279850

Publication date:

18.6.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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