The influence of the addition of propylene glycol or monensin to diets of dairy cows during the transition period on milk production and milk composition was studied. Forty-two multiparous Holstein cows with an average milk production of 8,000 kg in the previous lactation were distributed in a complete randomized design and were divided into seven groups receiving either control diets or diets with 30ppm of monensin or 300ml of propylene glycol during the transition period. Milk production was recorded on days 10th and 20th post-partum and milk samples were taken on the same days to analyse milk components such as fat, protein, lactose, urea and somatic cells (10¹/ml). The addition of propylene glycol in the post-partum diet decreased milk production as well as total the fat and protein production on the sampling times (days 10th and 20th post-partum) (P<0.05). The adition of propylene glycol during pre- partum increased fat and lactose percentage on the sampling times (P<0.05). The use of monensin during pre and post-partum periods decreased the protein percentage.
milk yield; milk composition; protein; somatic cells; urea
