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A Two-Step Randomized Controlled Trial on Evidence-Based On-Farm Oral Mineral Supplementation of Early Postpartum Cows

Principal Investigator: Sabine Mann

Co-PI: Jessica McArt

Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences
Sponsor: Research Grants Program in Animal Health
Title: A Two-Step Randomized Controlled Trial on Evidence-Based On-Farm Oral Mineral Supplementation of Early Postpartum Cows
Project Amount: $49,879
Project Period: October 2026 to September 2027

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant):

Mineral and electrolyte abnormalities are common in early-lactation cows, especially those with a displaced abomasum or those off feed for other reasons, and they are at risk of developing hyperketonemia due to energy deficit. These mineral abnormalities increase the risk of recumbency and death. Bovine practitioners treat these animals empirically as evidence-based recommendations are lacking and cow-side diagnostics are not feasible due to associated costs. Recipes for oral mineral supplementation vary widely and are largely based on personal experience and opinion. We aim to address this critical barrier in the field and improve evidence-based instruction for future practitioners. As such, our project has the goal of providing evidence-based treatment recommendations for oral mineral supplementation of early lactation dairy cows with two common clinical presentations: (1) displacement of the abomasum (DA), and (2) inappetence (off-feed) with hyperketonemia (off-feed + HYK).