Effect of dietary niacin supplementation on serum constituents of periparturient dairy cattle
Dufva, G.S.; Bartley, E.E.; Nagaraja, T.G.; Dayton, A.D.; Frey, R.A.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 45(9): 1838-1841
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 6497142 Document Number: 222106
A total of 60 multiparous periparturient Holstein cows were used to determine the differences in serum constituents between cows given supplemental niacin in the diet and cows not given supplemental niacin. Serum inorganic phosphorus concentration was consistently higher (P < 0.10) and serum K, total Ca and Na concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activities were consistently lower in cows given supplemental niacin than in cows not given supplemental niacin. Serum Cl, creatinine and albumin values also tended to be lower in niacin-supplemented cows. Serum total protein tended to be slightly higher in niacin-supplemented cows. There was no consistent difference in urea N between groups of cows. [Implications with respect to the relationship between niacin and milk production are presented].