Cambridge Journals Online

Metabolic and productive responses of dairy cows to increased ion supplementation at early lactation in warm weather

We found previously that the current recommendations for Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^{[minus sign]} contents in the diet do not meet the needs of lactating cows. The responses of cows receiving a ration with increased amounts of Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^{[minus sign]} (E cows) were compared with those of cows consuming the same ration with a fixed concentration of these ions (C cows) between weeks 2 and 8 post partum (PP). Milk, protein, fat and lactose yields, and dry matter intake between weeks 2 and 4 PP were higher in E than in C cows. These differences did not occur between weeks 4 and 8 PP, mainly because of a higher incidence of PP complications in E cows. A greater increase in plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration in E than in C animals during weeks 2 and 3 PP was consistent with the milk responses. A reduction in aldosterone concentration in E cows in weeks 2 and 3 PP was a consequence of their Na⁺ requirements being satisfied as a result of their enhanced Na⁺ intake. A subsequent elevation in aldosterone concentration in E animals was probably related to a moderate excess in K⁺ intake. This increase in aldosterone explains the urinary potassium loss that was detected at week 6 PP. The absence of differences between E and C cows in plasma renin activity was consistent with an absence of differences in urine volume and with the apparent utilization of the enhanced ion intake for body functions.