Reduction of plasma NEFA concentration by nicotinic acid enhances the response to insulin in feed-restricted Holstein cows.

The objective was to investigate the relationship between elevated plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration and insulin resistance in Holstein cows. Six nonlactating, nongestating, ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were blocked by body condition score and randomly assigned to a sequence of 2 treatments in a crossover design. Cows were offered legume and grass hay ad libitum supplemented with minerals and vitamins and were allowed free access to water and a trace mineralized salt block.

Effect of dietary thiamin supplementation on milk production by dairy cows.

We conducted three experiments to determine the effects of dietary thiamin supplementation on milk production by dairy cows. In trial 1, 28 Holstein cows were blocked by parity and assigned randomly to either placebo or thiamin top-dress for the 8-wk experiment to provide a supplemental thiamin intake of 0 or 150 mg/d per cow. Within each of these groups, cows were further assigned randomly to two total mixed rations (TMR) for 4 wk, with the TMR treatments then reversed for a second 4-wk experimental period.