Assessment of the Effects of Supplemental Rumen Protected B Vitamins and Choline for Periparturient Cows: A Meta-Analysis of 28 Feeding Studies

There are currently no prescribed requirements for B vitamins or choline dairy cows during the transition period, but many recent studies have shown a variety of benefits from supplying these nutrients to periparturient cows. The purpose this research effort was determine potential benefit including rumen protected blend composed (riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin B12) and (RPBlend, Jefo Nutrition Inc., St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) based on results 28 on-farm feeding (USA-12, Mexico-7, Canada-4, Chile-3, Australia-1, Brazil-1) conducted between 2011 2018. All farms participated in monthly herd management record keeping systems were selected participate due their excellent management. Meta-analyses which risk differences determined used assess effects supplemental RPBlend health parameters reproduction. effect size as determinant possible contribution RPblend yields milk, energy corrected milk (ECM), fat protein first four weeks lactation. Results showed that inclusion reduced (P displaced abomasum fever did not diminish > 0.10) with BPBlend. incidence rate subclinical ketosis, blood beta hydroxy butyric acid greater than 1.2 mM lower (than those supplemented. proportion confirmed pregnant by 100 days given BPBlend while yield < 0.05) when received blend. These suggest can assist cow health, reproduction production at start