Effect of organic acids salts supplementation on milk production, milk composition and blood parameters in early lactation dairy cows

Amel Haddoum; Zahra Berrama; Imene Kerbache; Nassim Moula; Djamel Khelef; Samir Souames

Amel Haddoum Research Laboratory of Animal Production and Health, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7786-4914
Zahra Berrama Research Laboratory of Animal Production and Health, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6422-3594
Imene Kerbache Research Laboratory of Animal Production and Health, Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7967-4797
Nassim Moula Department of Veterinary Management of Animal Resources, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4438-8759
Djamel Khelef https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2169-9071
Samir Souames https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8036-9945

Keywords: Organic acids salts, Early lactation, Dairy cows, Milk production, Blood biochemical parameters

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of organic acids salts supplementation on early-lactation Montbéliarde (MO) and Normande (NO) dairy cows. Seventy cows (36 MO, 34 NO) were allocated to two groups (n = 35 each). The supplemented group (OA) received 50 g/cow/day of calcium and sodium malate and propionate salts from calving to 65 days postpartum, while the control group (CON) received no additives. Daily milk production was recorded for each cow, and milk composition (protein, fat, lactose) was analyzed on Days 15, 35, and 65 postpartum. Blood samples were collected on Days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum to determine biochemical parameters. Organic acids salts supplementation significantly increased milk yield and improved milk fat, protein, and lactose yields and percentages. A significant interaction between supplementation and breed was observed for milk yield and lactose. Significant effects were also found for blood glucose, triglycerides, albumin, total protein, and calcium concentrations. Higher blood glucose levels suggest enhanced energy status, potentially reducing hepatic steatosis risk by lowering triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids accumulation. Increased plasma protein and albumin levels indicate improved liver function and protein synthesis, supporting milk production. Higher blood calcium concentrations suggest better metabolic adaptation to lactational demands. Overall, organic acids salts supplementation may maintain health and productivity during early lactation, reducing production losses and improving dairy farm profitability.