Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the transition dairy cow fed linseed

Abstract

Thirty-three Holstein cows were stratified by groups of three within parity for similar expected calving dates; cows within group were assigned to one of three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic total mixed diets: control with no added fat (CO) and supplement with either 85% saturated fatty acids (EB) or linseed (LI). The experiment was conducted from wk 6 before to wk 4 after calving. Feeding EB increased plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-OH butyrate (BHBA) and it decreased concentration of glucose compared to feeding CO and LI. Cows fed EB would be more susceptible to develop fatty liver.