Impact of essential oil feed supplementation during transition period on health and metabolic parameters in dairy cows.

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of essential oil supplementation, primarily containing seed oil from coriander, along with eugenol, geranyl acetate and geraniol, on the blood metabolic profile and overall health of dairy cattle during the transition period. Milking was done using a milking robot, all cows were given total mixed ration (TMR) twice a day, at 07:00 a.m. and 07:00 p.m. A total of 140 multiparous Holstein cows were divided into two groups: a test group (n=70) receiving essential oil supplementation (1 g/cow/day) and a control group (n=70). The cows were monitored from 30 days before calving to 90 days post-calving. Results showed that cows in the test group produced 4.5% to 7% more milk compared to the control group across different lactation periods (5-90 days in milk). Milk composition was also improved with higher milk fat and protein percentages. Essential oil supplementation positively influenced feed efficiency and metabolic indicators such as albumin. These results suggest that essential oil supplementation enhances milk yield, composition, and efficiency during the critical transition period.