Effect of dietary cobalt level and supplementation with vitamin B12 on dairy cow performance, metabolism and indicators of energy status in the transition dairy cows

Minerals are a key component in dairy cow rations and their effects on performance, health, fertility and welfare are well documented. Traditionally, dairy cows have been supplemented to avoid deficiencies, although more recently dietary recommendations incorporate effects on animal health, fertility and product quality. There is a growing body of evidence in the US that a high proportion of dairy cows are being supplemented in excess of requirements. There is, however, a lack of accurate information on mineral intake levels on UK dairy farms, particularly in situations where minerals are provided from several sources (e.g. in-feed, free access supplements, boluses, drenches). Traditionally blood samples have been used to indicate mineral adequacy in dairy cows, but for many key minerals blood analysis is insensitive and only of value in situations of acute deficiency or excess. Therefore, one of the main obstacles to improving the mineral nutrition of dairy cows is reliable information on levels currently being fed on farm. This study aims to benchmark current mineral intake levels in the UK with a view to providing information that will lead to more accurate diet formulation, reduce feed costs, improve animal health and welfare and decrease the environmental impact of milk production.

Aims and Objectives:

To provide dairy farmers with up-to-date and applied information on mineral requirements and use so that they can more accurately supplement diets to enhance cow performance, health, welfare and fertility, whilst reducing production costs and environmental pollution.