Effects of Botanical Blend of Turmeric, Capsicum, and Pepper Extracts on Colostrum and Milk Yield and Quality, Passive Transfer of Immunity, and Performance of Beef Cow-Calf Pairs

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a botanical supplement (a formulated proprietary blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin in a fat carrier; PHYT), fed pre- and post-calving, on colostrum and milk yield and the quality, passive transfer of immunity, and performance of cow-calf pairs. Twenty-three (BW = 532 ± 9.13 kg; age 36 mo) crossbred Angus cows were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) not supplemented (CON, n = 7); (2) supplemented with 250 mg/head/day (PHYT250, n = 8); or (3) supplemented with 500 mg/head/day (PHYT500, n = 8) of the botanical supplement. The cows were individually fed the supplement from 30 days (±6 days) pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Colostrum was collected on d 0 (pre-suckling), and d 1, d 2, and d 3 post-calving. The total milk from all quarters was collected 45 and 90 d post-calving and at weaning. Colostrum and milk volumes were recorded, and samples were analyzed for percentages of fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, other solids, and lactose. Colostrum samples were analyzed for concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM, and milk samples were analyzed for IgG concentration using radial immunodiffusion. Blood samples were collected from dams and calves, and serum was analyzed for concentrations of IgG (cows and calves) and IgA (calves). Cow and calf BW were measured periodically until weaning. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased fat in colostrum (CON = 3.29, PHIT250 = 4.23, and PHYT500 = 4.17 ± 0.77%; p = 0.05) and IgA in calf serum (96.91, 151.69, and 183.42 ± 29.78 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.04) and tended to linearly increase concentrations of fat in milk (CON = 3.84, PHYT250 = 4.05, and PHYT500 = 4.71 ± 1.04%; p = 0.07), IgG in calf serum (2082.31; 2196.29; and 2577.78 ± 213.08 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.09), and IgM in colostrum (CON = 179.04; PHYT250 = 170.79; PHYT500 = 218.30 ± 16.08 mg/dL; p = 0.09). A quadratic response was observed for calf ADG (p = 0.03), where CON (0.99 ± 0.03 kg/d) was less than PHYT250 (1.10 ± 0.03 kg/d), and intermediate values were observed for PHYT500 (1.01 ± 0.03 kg/d). In summary, supplementation with PHYT led to a linear increase in colostrum fat and IgA levels in calf serum. Additionally, supplementation tended to linearly elevate fat concentrations in milk, IgG levels in calf serum, and IgM levels in colostrum. Our results suggest that supplementing beef cows in late gestation and early lactation with 250 or 500 mg/head/d of PHYT improves colostrum quality and calf health and performance. Further investigation is needed to determine both the biological significance and the economic benefits of botanical additives in beef production.

Keywords: average daily gain; immunoglobulins; livestock production; oleoresins.

Figure 1

Effects of a botanical blend on immunoglobulin G (IgG, mg/dL) concentration in cow serum. CON, not supplemented; PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier. Treatments were applied 30 days pre-calving up to 60 days post-calving. Samples were collected 30 days pre-calving (d −30), at calving (d 0), or 60 d post-calving (d 60).

Figure 2

Effects of a botanical blend on immunoglobulin G (IgG, mg/dL) concentration in calf serum. Treatments were applied to dams—cows received treatments from 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier. Blood samples on d 0 were collected 24 h after birth to guarantee calves had ingested colostrum.

Figure 3

Effects of botanical blend on immunoglobulin G (IgG, mg/dL) concentration in calf serum 24 h after birth. Treatments were applied to dams—cows received treatments from 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier.

Figure 4

Effects of a botanical blend on immunoglobulin A (IgA, mg/dL) concentration in calf serum 24 h after birth. Treatments were applied to dams—Cows received treatments from 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier). ^a–b Means with different superscripts differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05).

Figure 5

Effects of a botanical blend on immunoglobulin G (IgG, mg/dL) concentration in colostrum and transition milk. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier. Treatments were applied 30 days pre-calving up to 60 days post-calving. Samples were collected on d 0 (birth), 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 6

Effects of a botanical blend on immunoglobulin A (IgA, mg/dL) concentration in colostrum. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier. Treatments were applied 30 days pre-calving up to 60 days post-calving. Samples were collected on d 0 (birth) and 1.

Figure 7

Effects of a botanical blend on immunoglobulin M (IgM, mg/dL) concentration in colostrum. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier. Treatments were applied 30 days pre-calving up to 60 days post-calving. Samples were collected on d 0 (birth).

Figure 8

Effects of a botanical blend on immunoglobulin G (IgG mg/dL) concentration in milk. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier. Treatments were applied 30 days pre-calving up to 60 days post-calving.

Figure 9

Effects of a botanical blend on cow body weight from 30 days pre-calving (d −30) up to weaning. Calving was considered d 0. Treatments were applied from 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier.

Figure 10

Effects of a botanical blend on calf body weight from birth (d 0) up to weaning. Treatments were applied to dams—cows received treatments from 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier.

Figure 11

Effects of a botanical blend on calf average daily gain. * Period 0 (P0): birth to d 28. Period 1 (P1): d 28 to d 42. Period 2 (P2): d 42 to d 56. Period 3 (P3): d 56 to d 63. Period 4 (P4): d 63 to weaning. Treatments were applied to dams—cows received treatments from 30 d pre-calving up to 60 d post-calving. CON, not supplemented (n = 7); PHYT250, supplemented with 250 mg/head/d (n = 8); PHYT500, supplemented with 500 mg/head/d (n = 8). Supplements were a formulated blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper extract in a fat carrier.