Impact of Flaxseed Supplementation on Milk Yield and Quality, Blood Profiles, and Immune Response in Crossbred Dairy Cows under Field Conditions

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of flaxseed supplementation on milk yield and quality, blood parameters, immune response, body condition score (BCS), and nutrient digestibility in lactating crossbred dairy cows under field conditions in Khulna, Bangladesh. Inadequate nutrition remains a major constraint to dairy productivity in Bangladesh, particularly during lactation when nutrient requirements are substantially increased.Flaxseed is recognized as a valuable feed ingredient due to its high energy content and favorable nutritional composition, making it a potential dietary supplement for improving dairy cow performance.A total of sixteen lactating Holstein Friesian crossbred cows were assigned to four treatment groups following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The control group received a basal diet without flaxseed supplementation, whereas the treatment groups received concentrate mixtures containing 2%, 4%, and 6% flaxseed, respectively. The feeding trial was conducted for three months under field conditions. Data were collected on daily milk yield, milk composition, hematological parameters, blood glucose concentration, body condition score, and nutrient digestibility. Feed, milk, blood, and fecal samples were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures.The results indicated that flaxseed supplementation positively influenced productive and physiological performance. Supplemented cows showed improvements in milk yield and milk composition, reflecting enhanced nutrient utilization and energy availability. Hematological parameters remained within normal physiological ranges, suggesting no adverse effects on animal health. Improved blood glucose concentration and other blood profile indicators demonstrated better metabolic profile. Flaxseed generally normalise the blood profile leukocyte intense to support the immunity system that enhance the body condition of dairy cow. More over, flaxseed Supplementation a significant role in body condition and digestibility of dairy cow as it is the source of strong protein, about 18% to 20% of protein presents in flaxseed that helps to provide more energy Though it has some research gives that including, have some anti nutritional factors for long time supplementation, not familiar to used in rural area as it is new protein sources . But it provids a significant results in different profile of dairy cow. Furthermore, it could be a revolutionary feet source for all dairy cow farms sector in Bangladesh .

Keywords: Flaxseed, crossbred dairy cows, milk yield, milk composition, nutrient digestibility, body condition score, hematological parameters, Bangladesh.

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