Investigation of the effect of feeding TMR (Total Mixed Ration) with different protein and energy contents on milk yield, average feed consumption and blood antioxidant status in Holstein dairy cows during early lactation period [Investigação do efeito da alimentação com Ração Total Misturada (RTM) com diferentes teores de proteína e energia sobre a produção de leite, consumo médio de ração e estado antioxidante sanguíneo em vacas leiteiras da raça Holandesa durante o início do período de lactação]

Durna Ö., YILDIZ G., KOCAMAZ D., Merhan O., Önk K.

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, cilt.78, sa.2, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 78 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1590/1678-4162-13698
  • Dergi Adı: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: antioxidan statu, energy, milk yield, protein, TMR
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Total Mixed Rations (TMRs) formulated with different energy and protein levels on milk yield and antioxidant status in Holstein dairy cows during early lactation. Twenty multiparous Holstein cows (2nd–3rd lactation) were grouped based on milk yield and assigned to two dietary treatments: R1 (low energy-protein) and R2 (high energy-protein), with 10 cows per group. The trial lasted 45 days at a certified dairy farm in Ankara, under housing and management conditions appropriate to animal welfare. Turkey. All animals were fed ad libitum with TMRs prepared according to NRC (2000) standards. Daily milk yield and group-based feed intake were recorded, and blood samples were collected at the end of the trial to assess antioxidant parameters. Results showed that cows in the R2 group exhibited significantly higher milk yields on days 10, 20, 30, and 45, indicating improved lactation performance with high energy-protein TMR. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and albumin levels were significantly elevated in the R2 group, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity. Other antioxidant parameters remained unaffected. In conclusion, feeding high-energy and protein TMRs to dairy cows during early lactation positively affected milk production and protected against oxidative stress.