IPARD supports positively affect hematological parameters, milk production, and welfare indicators of dairy cows

Abstract

The study investigated body condition score (BCS), hematological parameters, metabolic profile indicators, total oxidant-antioxidant status, and milk yield (MY) of cows in non-funded (NF) and funded (F+) dairy farms by the European Union funds (under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance for Rural Development-IPARD) to support rural development. Sixty multiparous Holstein cows (110 to 209 days of lactation) from 3 NF and 3 F+ dairy farms were used in the experiment. Hematological parameters were within physiological limits in both dairy farms. Total erythrocyte count and percent hematocrit were higher in the F+ group. Serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) level and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were higher in NF farms compared to the supported ones. The serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose levels, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity were higher for the cows in F+ farms. The average daily MY and BCS of cows in NF and F+ dairy farms were 15.8 L and 2.83, and 24.4 L and 3.11, respectively (P<0.01). The total antioxidant status (TAS) of cows in NF farms was significantly lower than F+ farms, whereas total oxidant status (TOS) was significantly higher for cows in NF farms. In conclusion, the grant support is important in establishing a more capable, more efficient, and more suitable infrastructure for animal welfare, and positively affects the physiological health and efficiency of animals in these dairy farms.