Effect of the Use of Bovine Appeasing Substance on Immunological, Metabolic, and Oxidative Parameters of Postpartum Dairy Cows: Modulation of the Stress Axis
Apr 13, 2026
Fritzen, A., Deolindo, G. L., Nora, L., & da Silva, A. S. (2026). Effect of the Use of Bovine Appeasing Substance on Immunological, Metabolic, and Oxidative Parameters of Postpartum Dairy Cows: Modulation of the Stress Axis. Animals, 16(8), 1185. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081185
Multicenter Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Lages 88520-000, Brazil
Department of Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Chapecó 89815-630, Brazil
Simple Summary
This study investigated whether a natural product called bovine appeasing substance can help dairy cows cope with stress after calving. The period after calving is challenging for cows, as they experience inflammation, metabolic changes, and increased stress, which can negatively affect health, milk production, and reproduction. In this experiment, cows received the substance at calving, and their blood and health indicators were monitored during the first three weeks after birth. Cows treated with the appeasing substance showed lower stress levels, reduced inflammation, and improved metabolic balance compared to untreated cows. They also had lower levels of harmful molecules associated with oxidative stress and showed signs of better recovery of the uterus after calving. In addition, treated cows produced more milk during early lactation. Overall, the results suggest that reducing stress through this substance can improve health, recovery, and productivity in dairy cows after calving. This approach may offer a practical strategy to enhance animal welfare and efficiency in dairy production systems.
Abstract
The responsiveness of the stress axis is fundamental for maintaining health and sustaining productive performance; however, the effect of modulating this stress axis with bovine appeasing substance and its effects on biochemical, immunological, oxidative parameters and uterine involution have not been determined, which are the objectives of this experiment. To elucidate these questions, Holstein cows, from the prepartum to lactation period in a cross-ventilation system, received an application of a bovine appeasing substance (treated group) and a 0.9% saline solution (control group) at the time of calving, and blood samples were collected on calving day and on days 3, 7, 14 and 21 postpartum for analysis. Modulation of the stress axis by bovine appeasing substance increased magnesium levels on days 7 and 14 postpartum, with a reduction in fructosamine levels on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. A reduction in ferritin levels, an acute-phase protein, and a reduction in interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 6 were also observed, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect in cows of the treated group. Creatine kinase activity decreased on day 21 postpartum in cows treated with bovine appeasing substances. An increase in cholinesterase activity on day 7 and a marked decrease on day 21 postpartum in treated cows were observed compared to the control. This was accompanied by a reduction in beta-hydroxybutyrate levels on day 7 and a reduction in reactive oxygen species levels on day 14 in animals of the treated group, indicating modulation of ketogenesis and reduced oxidation through an anti-inflammatory effect. Mean uterine thickness was also affected by the bovine appeasing substance, with a lower mean thickness on day 21 postpartum in treated cows. Modulation of the stress axis by the bovine appeasing substance reduces inflammation, improving energy dynamics and reducing oxidation, thus facilitating tissue repair associated with postpartum uterine involution in dairy cows.
