Effects of betaine supplementation and B12 injection during the transition period on serum metabolite in dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of betaine supplementation (B-SUP) and vitamin B12 injection (VI-B12) during the transition period on serum metabolites in dairy cows. Thirty-two over conditioned multiparous Holstein cows assigned into 1 of 4 diets containing: CB (VI-B12), BC (50 g/day B-SUP), BB (VI-B12+ 50 g/day B-SUP) and control (CC) form 21 d before parturition (dbp) to 21 d postparturation (dpp). Blood sample was collected at -7, 2 and 42 dpp to determine serum metabolites of dairy cowand neonatal calves. The serum metabolites were not affected by experimental treatments (P>0.05), except for glucose which was greater in BC and CB as compared to CC and CB treatments (P<0.05). Among enzymatic indexes, a significant decrease was just showed in BB treatment as compared to CB treatment for GGT enzyme (p <0.05). Also, serum metabolites in neonatal calves were not influenced by experimental treatments (P>0.05). In conclusion, B-SUP and VI-B12 improved just glucose amount without any change in other blood parameters. Anyway, more researches can be give suitable results to us, particular if the protected form of the betaine is used.