Effect of propylene glycol supplementation to feed of dairy cows on some biochemical measurements

The periparturient period during late pregnancy and early lactation are physiologicaly important status for health of dairy cows and inside great metabolic stress. Propylene glycol (PG) is a substance used to prevent negative energy balance in periparturient dairy cows, since it has a beneficial effect on glucose and fat homeostasis. Fifteen clinically health pregnant cows in good nutritional condition nearly ages , weights , body condition , and 30 days before expected calving day . Animals are divided into three equal groups , the first fed a basal ration , the second was administrated 100ml liquid does of PG/os and the third group was administrated 200 ml of PG/os to every cow beside basal ration . The experimental period extended from 30 days periparturient to 30 days post parturient. Blood samples were obtained 4 hours after the onset of first feed in take or / and PG administration days. Serum was separated and analyzed for glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA).The obtained results revealed, an improvement in the metabolic status reflected by an increase in glucose and total proteins in PG 200ml treated group at 30 days post parturient. Meanwhile, significant decreases in each of total cholesterol , triglycerides , NEFA and urea in PG supplied groups (100ml and 200ml )at 30 days post parturient . In addition a significant decrease in the creatinine level was observed in the 200 ml PG treated group at 30 days post parturient. The concentrations of albumin and globulin were uniform in all groups. It can be concluded that the use of such additional nutrient (PG) in later periparturient and in early post parturient period of cows was indicated beneficial effects in the treatment of such physiology and biochemical disturbances.