Effect of using calcium salts of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on cow performance during the transition period.

This study was carried out to assess the effects of two types of fatty acids-calcified salts on the performance of dairy cows in the transition period. In total, 32 multiparous Holstein cows with body weight mean of 723=39.9 kg in a 6-week time range (three weeks before until three weeks after parturition) were assigned to treatments in a completely randomized design. There were four diets including control (without fat supplement), diet supplemented with unsaturated fat, diet supplemented with saturated fat and diet supplemented with both unsaturated and saturated fats. Fat supplements as calcium salts were applied at the level of 1.5% and 3% in the pre-partum and post-partum diets,respectively. Based on the results, it turned out that pre-partum DM feed intake, post-partum body weight and body condition score were not affected by the diets, whereas, post-partum DM feed intake appeared to be different (p < 0.05). In addition, the digestibility coefficient appeared to be different among pre- and post-partum trial diets (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed for blood parameters as well as milk yield and its composition. In conclusion, the results revealed that fat sources as calcium salt supplements can improve the digestibility of nutrients in the digestive system, without any adverse-effects on performance in dairy cows.