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Table 7 Summary of studies in periparturient dairy cows investigating the effects of supplemental phytoproducts on performances in the prepartum and early lactation

From: Role of nutraceuticals during the transition period of dairy cows: a review

Nutraceutical

Treatment

Period

Main outcome

Reference

EO mix (thymol, eugenol, vanillin, guiacol, limonene

1 g/cow/d

From −21 d to 42 d relative to calving

No effect

[137]

2 g/cow/d

28 d

DMI decrease. Small effects on digestion, ruminal fermentation, milk production and composition. Ruminal pH increase

[138]

1.2 g/cow/d

From −4 weeks before calving to 15 weeks after

DMI decrease but milk yield was maintained

[133]

Herbal choline

17 g/cow/d (0.071% of TMR)

1 year

Improve milk yield and fertility in first lactation cows. Reduction of abortions and mastitis and respiratory problems. Hypocalcemia disorders increase

[139]

Tea saponin

20, 30, 40 g/cow/d

8 weeks treatment

Intermediate dose (20, 30 g/d) had no effect on feed intake. High dose (40 g/d) decreased DMI and milk yield)

[140]

EO mix (menthol, eugenol, anethol)

1.2 g/cow/d

20 d

Improved feed efficiency and calcium homeostasis at rumen level

[141]

  1. EO essential oil, DMI dry matter intake