Dietary Anion Cation Difference in Ration of Transition Cows Kept under KPSBU and KPBS Cooperative Administration

This title has been presented on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 16.00-16.10 GMT+7.

Abstract

This title has been presented on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 16.00-16.10 GMT+7.

Transition dairy cows often suffer from hypocalcemia metabolic disorders, commonly known as milk fever. The disorder can be mitigated through DCAD (dietary cation-anion difference) management. Pre-partum diet acidification, achieved using a negative DCAD, facilitates calcium (Ca) bone mobilization. Post-partum alkalization, achieved by transitioning to a positive DCAD, supports overall health and Ca metabolism in fresh cows. An explorative study has been conducted monitoring DCAD management of transition cows kept under KPSBU and KPBS cooperatives administration. Thirty dairy farmers in each area have been observed for their cow’s DCAD status and performances. Descriptive and correlative statistics were used to characterize averages, ranges, and links between DCAD status and the prevalence of metabolic disorders. The results indicated that Napier grass and concentrate were used as the primary ration with an average proportion of 48% and 52%, respectively. Meanwhile, tofu waste and agriculture by-products were used as complementary feeds. The average ration contains 35% DM, 6.07% ash, 11% CP, 26.17% CF, 52.41% TDN. Eighty percent in KPSBU and 78% in KPBS of pre-partum cows have positive DCAD, while 89% and 92% of post-partum cows in the consecutive area have positive DCAD. The average milk production was 17 and 16 l/day in KPSBU and KPBS, respectively. The occurrence of prepartum metabolic disorder cases was considerably high in both areas (53.3%), but the post-partum incidence was found more often at KPBS than at KPSBU (46.67% vs 18.75%). The study concludes that the mismanagement of DCAD pre-partum leads to a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders in transition cows and needs to be addressed seriously.