(1) Background: This study evaluated the effects of a plant bioactive (Phyto Ax’Cell, Phytosynthese, Mozac, France) on the inflammatory status and health of dairy cows during calving. (2) Methods: 46 Holstein crossbred cows were randomized into a control group (CON, n = 23) and the Phyto Ax’Cell group (PAC, n = 23). PAC received Phyto Ax’Cell at 25 g/cow/day, from 15 days prepartum to 7 days postpartum. Blood analyses were performed weekly from D-7 to D14 to evaluate the energy metabolism and inflammatory status; rectal temperature was measured daily within 14 days from calving day (D0). (3) Results: PAC showed lower serum haptoglobin at D7 (0.55 vs. 0.79 mg/mL; p < 0.05) and D14 (0.44 vs. 0.66 mg/mL; p < 0.05). CON had a higher number of circulating white blood cells and granulocytes on D7 (p < 0.05). Fewer cows from PAC showed hyperthermia (≥39 °C) during the first 2 weeks postpartum (−7%, p < 0.05). Energy metabolism, which was represented by the NEFA/cholesterol ratio, improved (0.21 vs. 0.36 at D0, p < 0.1; 0.19 and 0.15 vs. 0.36 and 0.32, respectively, at D+7 and D+14, p < 0.05) under the plant bioactive supplementation. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory plant bioactive compound with Brazilian green propolis administered during calving had a beneficial effect on the energy and inflammatory status of dairy cows.

Department of Large Animal Clinical Laboratory University of Veterinary Sciences Brno 612 42 Brno Czech Republic

Nutrition and Feeding of Farm Animals Institute of Animal Science 104 00 Prague Czech Republic

Phytosynthése 632 00 Mozac France

Ruminant and Swine Clinic University of Veterinary Sciences Brno 612 42 Brno Czech Republic

Zobrazit více v PubMed

Mikulková K., Illek J., Kadek R. Glutathione redox state, glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium concentration in periparturient dairy cows, and their relation with negative energy balance. J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2020;29:19–26. doi: 10.22358/jafs/117867/2020. DOI

Trevisi E., Amadori M., Cogrossi S., Razzuoli E., Bertoni G. Metabolic Stress and Inflammatory Response in High-Yielding, Periparturient Dairy Cows. Res. Vet. Sci. 2012;93:695–704. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.11.008. PubMed DOI

LeBlanc S. Interactions of Metabolism, Inflammation, and Reproductive Tract Health in the Postpartum Period in Dairy Cattle: Reproductive Tract Inflammation in Cattle. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 2012;47:18–30. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02109.x. PubMed DOI

Chebel R.C., Mendonça L.G.D., Baruselli P.S. Association between Body Condition Score Change during the Dry Period and Postpartum Health and Performance. J. Dairy Sci. 2018;101:4595–4614. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13732. PubMed DOI

Sordillo L.M., Raphael W. Significance of Metabolic Stress, Lipid Mobilization, and Inflammation on Transition Cow Disorders. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Food Anim. 2013;29:267–278. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2013.03.002. PubMed DOI

Huzzey J.M., Mann S., Nydam D.V., Grant R.J., Overton T.R. Associations of Peripartum Markers of Stress and Inflammation with Milk Yield and Reproductive Performance in Holstein Dairy Cows. Prev. Vet. Med. 2015;120:291–297. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.04.011. PubMed DOI

Lopreiato V., Mezzetti M., Cattaneo L., Ferronato G., Minuti A., Trevisi E. Role of Nutraceuticals during the Transition Period of Dairy Cows: A Review. J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. 2020;11:96. doi: 10.1186/s40104-020-00501-x. PubMed DOI PMC

Oh J., Wall E.H., Bravo D.M., Hristov A.N. Host-Mediated Effects of Phytonutrients in Ruminants: A Review. J. Dairy Sci. 2017;100:5974–5983. doi: 10.3168/jds.2016-12341. PubMed DOI

Jaiswal L., Ismail H., Worku M.A. Review of the Effect of Plant-derived Bioactive Substances on the Inflammatory Response of Ruminants (Sheep, Cattle, and Goats) Int. J. Vet. Anim. Med. 2020;3:130.

Hashemzadeh-Cigari F., Khorvash M., Ghorbani G.R., Kadivar M., Riasi A., Zebeli Q. Effects of Supplementation with a Phytobiotics-Rich Herbal Mixture on Performance, Udder Health, and Metabolic Status of Holstein Cows with Various Levels of Milk Somatic Cell Counts. J. Dairy Sci. 2014;97:7487–7497. doi: 10.3168/jds.2014-7989. PubMed DOI

Farney J.K., Mamedova L.K., Coetzee J.F., Minton J.E., Hollis L.C., Bradford B.J. Sodium Salicylate Treatment in Early Lactation Increases Whole-Lactation Milk and Milk Fat Yield in Mature Dairy Cows. J. Dairy Sci. 2013;96:7709–7718. doi: 10.3168/jds.2013-7088. PubMed DOI

Carpenter A.J., Ylioja C.M., Vargas C.F., Mamedova L.K., Mendonça L.G., Coetzee J.F., Hollis L.C., Gehring R., Bradford B.J. Hot Topic: Early Postpartum Treatment of Commercial Dairy Cows with Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Increases Whole-Lactation Milk Yield. J. Dairy Sci. 2016;99:672–679. doi: 10.3168/jds.2015-10048. PubMed DOI

Wathes D.C., Cheng Z., Bourne N., Taylor V.J., Coffey M.P., Brotherstone S. Differences between Primiparous and Multiparous Dairy Cows in the Inter-Relationships between Metabolic Traits, Milk Yield and Body Condition Score in the Periparturient Period. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 2007;33:203–225. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2006.05.004. PubMed DOI

Zhang Y., Li X., Zhang H., Zhao Z., Peng Z., Wang Z., Liu G., Li X. Non-Esterified Fatty Acids Over-Activate the TLR2/4-NF-Κb Signaling Pathway to Increase Inflammatory Cytokine Synthesis in Neutrophils from Ketotic Cows. Cell. Physiol. Biochem. 2018;48:827–837. doi: 10.1159/000491913. PubMed DOI

Drackley J.K. Use of NEFA as a Tool to Monitor Energy Balance in Transition Dairy Cows. [(accessed on 16 August 2022)]. Available online: http://livestocktrail.illinois.edu/dairynet/paperDisplay.cfm?ContentID=330.

Schulz K., Frahm J., Kersten S., Meyer U., Reiche D., Sauerwein H., Dänicke S. Effects of Elevated Parameters of Subclinical Ketosis on the Immune System of Dairy Cows: In Vivo and In Vitro Results. Arch. Anim. Nutr. 2015;69:113–127. doi: 10.1080/1745039X.2015.1013666. PubMed DOI

Kováč G., Tóthová C., Nagy O., Seidel H., Konvičná J. Acute Phase Proteins and their Relation to Energy Metabolites in Dairy Cows during the Pre- and Postpartal Period. Acta Vet. Brno. 2009;78:441–447. doi: 10.2754/avb200978030441. DOI

Winkler A., Weber F., Ringseis R., Eder K., Dusel G. Determination of polyphenol and crude nutrient content and nutrient digestibility of dried and ensiled white and red grape pomace cultivars. Arch. Anim. Nutr. 2015;69:187–200. doi: 10.1080/1745039X.2015.1039751. PubMed DOI

Kaneene J.B., Miller R., Herdt T.H., Gardiner J.C. The Association of Serum Nonesterified Fatty Acids and Cholesterol, Management and Feeding Practices with Peripartum Disease in Dairy Cows. Prev. Vet. Med. 1997;31:59–72. doi: 10.1016/S0167-5877(96)01141-5. PubMed DOI

Mikulková K., Kadek R., Filípek J., Illek J. Evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant status, metabolic profile and milk production in cows with metritis. Ir. Vet. J. 2020;73:8. doi: 10.1186/s13620-020-00161-3. PubMed DOI PMC

SYNLAB . Biologie Clinique des Ruminants Guide d’interprétation. Synlab Heppignies; Fleurus, Belgium: 2017. p. 36.

Smith B.I., Risco C.A. Management of Periparturient Disorders in Dairy Cattle. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Food Anim. 2005;21:503–521. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2005.02.007. PubMed DOI

Wenz J.R., Moore D.A., Kasimanickam R. Factors Associated with the Rectal Temperature of Holstein Dairy Cows during the First 10 Days in Milk. J. Dairy Sci. 2011;94:1864–1872. doi: 10.3168/jds.2010-3924. PubMed DOI

Benzaquen M.E., Risco C.A., Archbald L.F., Melendez P., Thatcher M.-J., Thatcher W.W. Rectal Temperature, Calving-Related Factors, and the Incidence of Puerperal Metritis in Postpartum Dairy Cows. J. Dairy Sci. 2007;90:2804–2814. doi: 10.3168/jds.2006-482. PubMed DOI

Humblet M.-F., Guyot H., Boudry B., Mbayahi F., Hanzen C., Rollin F., Godeau J.-M. Relationship between Haptoglobin, Serum Amyloid A, and Clinical Status in a Survey of Dairy Herds during a 6-Month Period. Vet. Clin. Pathol. 2006;35:188–193. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-165X.2006.tb00112.x. PubMed DOI

Williams E.J., Fischer D.P., Noakes D.E., England G.C.W., Rycroft A., Dobson H., Sheldon I.M. The Relationship between Uterine Pathogen Growth Density and Ovarian Function in the Postpartum Dairy Cow. Theriogenology. 2007;68:549–559. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.04.056. PubMed DOI PMC

Huzzey J.M., Duffield T.F., LeBlanc S.J., Veira D.M., Weary D.M., von Keyserlingk M.A.G. Short Communication: Haptoglobin as an Early Indicator of Metritis. J. Dairy Sci. 2009;92:621–625. doi: 10.3168/jds.2008-1526. PubMed DOI

Kim I.-H., Na K.-J., Yang M.-P. Immune Responses during the Peripartum Period in Dairy Cows with Postpartum Endometritis. J. Reprod. Dev. 2005;51:757–764. doi: 10.1262/jrd.17036. PubMed DOI

Aguiar S.C., Zeoula L.M., Franco S.L., Peres L.P., Arcuri P.B., Forano E. Antimicrobial Activity of Brazilian Propolis Extracts against Rumen Bacteria In Vitro. World J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2013;29:1951–1959. doi: 10.1007/s11274-013-1361-x. PubMed DOI

Aguiar S.C., Cottica S.M., Boeing J.S., Samensari R.B., Santos G.T., Visentainer J.V., Zeoula L.M. Effect of Feeding Phenolic Compounds from Propolis Extracts to Dairy Cows on Milk Production, Milk Fatty Acid Composition, and the Antioxidant Capacity of Milk. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 2014;193:148–154. doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2014.04.006. DOI

Hori J.I., Zamboni D.S., Carrão D.B., Goldman G.H., Berretta A.A. The Inhibition of Inflammasome by Brazilian Propolis (EPP-AF) J. Evid. Based Complementary Altern. Med. 2013;2013:418508. doi: 10.1155/2013/418508. PubMed DOI PMC

Kelly P., Meade K.G., O’Farrelly C. Non-Canonical Inflammasome-Mediated IL-1β Production by Primary Endometrial Epithelial and Stromal Fibroblast Cells Is NLRP3 and Caspase-4 Dependent. Front. Immunol. 2019;10:102. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00102. PubMed DOI PMC

Machado J.L., Assunção A.K.M., da Silva M.C.P., Reis A.S.d., Costa G.C., Arruda D.d.S., Rocha B.A., Vaz M.M.d.O.L.L., Paes A.M.d.A., Guerra R.N.M., et al. Brazilian Green Propolis: Anti-Inflammatory Property by an Immunomodulatory Activity. J. Evid. Based Complementary Altern. Med. 2012;2012:157652. doi: 10.1155/2012/157652. PubMed DOI PMC

Nishikawa S., Kamiya M., Aoyama H., Yoshimura K., Miyata R., Kumazawa S., Tsuda T. Co-Administration of Curcumin and Artepillin C Induces Development of Brown-Like Adipocytes in Association with Local Norepinephrine Production by Alternatively Activated Macrophages in Mice. J. Nutr. Sci. Vitaminol. 2019;65:328–334. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.65.328. PubMed DOI

Wang J., Ghosh S.S., Ghosh S. Curcumin Improves Intestinal Barrier Function: Modulation of Intracellular Signaling, and Organization of Tight Junctions. Am. J. Physiol. Cell. Physiol. 2017;312:C438–C445. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00235.2016. PubMed DOI PMC

Masella R., Di Benedetto R., Varì R., Filesi C., Giovannini C. Novel Mechanisms of Natural Antioxidant Compounds in Biological Systems: Involvement of Glutathione and Glutathione-Related Enzymes. J. Nutr. Biochem. 2005;16:577–586. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2005.05.013. PubMed DOI

Gladine C., Rock E., Morand C., Bauchart D., Durand D. Bioavailability and Antioxidant Capacity of Plant Extracts Rich in Polyphenols, given as a Single Acute Dose, in Sheep Made Highly Susceptible to Lipoperoxidation. BJN. 2007;98:691–701. doi: 10.1017/S0007114507742666. PubMed DOI

Gobert M., Martin B., Ferlay A., Chilliard Y., Graulet B., Pradel P., Bauchart D., Durand D. Plant Polyphenols Associated with Vitamin E Can Reduce Plasma Lipoperoxidation in Dairy Cows given N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. J. Dairy Sci. 2009;92:6095–6104. doi: 10.3168/jds.2009-2087. PubMed DOI

Sjaunja O., Bævre L., Junkkarinen L., Pedersen J., Setälä J. A nordic proposal for an energy corrected milk (ECM) formula. In: Gaillon P., Chabert Y., editors. Performance Recording of Animals: State of the Art. 1st ed. PUDOC; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 1991. pp. 156–157.

Edmonson A.J., Lean I.J., Weaver L.D., Farver T., Webster G. A Body Condition Scoring Chart for Holstein Dairy Cows. J. Dairy Sci. 1989;72:68–78. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(89)79081-0. DOI

Illek J., Mikulková K., Danielová L., Kadek R., Geboliszová K., Staffa A., Gricová J. Laboratory Diagnostics in Large Animals: Practical Classes. 1st ed. University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno; Brno, Czech Republic: 2020. pp. 26–27.

Paglia D.E., Valentine W.N. Studies on the Quantitative and Qualitative Characterization of Erythrocyte Glutathione Peroxidase. J. Lab. Clin. Med. 1967;70:158–169. PubMed

Zemjanis R. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques in Animal Reproduction. 2nd ed. Williams and Wilson Co.; Baltimore, MD, USA: 1970. pp. 3–87.