Flaxseed and productivity of dairy cows

H. V. Petit

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre

C.P. 90 Succ Lennoxville, Sherbrooke QC  J1M 1Z3 Canada

ABSTRACT

Flaxseed contains approximately 55% of total fatty acids of the oil as α-linolenic acid and is rich in lignans, which are strong antioxidants. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are known to have beneficial effects on human health. Flaxseed could then be an interesting natural feed to consider for changing milk composition and improving health of dairy cows. Feeding flaxseed compared to no lipids or a source of saturated fatty acids from 6 weeks before calving could be a useful strategy to prevent the development of fatty liver in the transition dairy cow. Feeding flaxseed during the prepartum period had little effect on production in the subsequent lactation but improved fertility of dairy cows. However, flaxseed decreased quality of embryos from donor lactating dairy cows compared to feeding calcium salts of palm oil, but had no effect on the subsequent pregnancy rate of heifers receiving frozen grade 1 embryos. In conclusion, flaxseed is generally a good feed ingredient for reproduction of dairy cows but its long term effects on health and productivity still need to be determined.