Effect of commercial mixture of herbal essential oils containing Ricinoleic acid, Cardanol and Cardol on performance and blood parameters in Holstein dairy cows

In order to evaluate the effects of Essential® (a commercial mix of herbal essential oils containing Ricinoleic acid, Cardanol and Cardol) on milk production and composition and blood parameters, 20 Holstein dairy cows (DIM=80±20) were used in two experimental groups in completely randomized design. Experimental groups included: 1- control group (total mixed ration and no additive) and 2- Essential® group (supplementation of 13.5 gr Essential®/cow/day in the TMR) during 30 days of experimental period (consisted of 21 days adaptation followed by 9 days sampling period). The TMR consisted of 41.6% alfalfa hay, 2.83% cotton seed and 55.57% concentrate (Dry Matter bassis). There were no significant differences between experimental groups in milk production and compositions and 4% fat-corrected milk (P>0.05). Also, substantial differences were not observed between experimental groups in glucose, triglyceride, urea, albumin, total protein, LDL, HDL and hepatic enzymes (P>0.05). Essential® consumption led to higher cholesterol concentration and total antioxidant capacity than control group (P