Meta-analysis of the effects of sometribove zinc suspension on the production and health of lactating dairy cows

St-Pierre, N R and Milliken, G A and Bauman, D E and Collier, R J and Hogan, J S and Shearer, J K and Smith, K L and Thatcher, W W

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2014) 245:

DOI: 10.2460/javma.245.5.550

Abstract

Objective-To provide an updated evaluation of the efficacy and safety of sometribove zinc suspension (rbST-Zn), a form of recombinant bovine somatotropin, in lactating dairy cows. Design-Meta-analysis. Sample-26 studies published in peer-reviewed journals or reviewed by a regulatory agency. Procedures-To be included, a study had to involve the use of the rbST-Zn formulation available to US producers in accordance with the label instructions for treatment initiation (57 to 70 days postpartum), dose (500 mg, q 14 d), and route (SC). Results-For cows treated with rbST-Zn, mean milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, fat, and protein yields were increased by 4.00, 4.04, 0.144, and 0.137 kg/d (8.8, 8.89, 0.32, and 0.30 lb/d), respectively; however, the concentration of milk components did not change. Pregnancy proportion for the first 2 breeding cycles was increased by 5.4%, and pregnancy proportion for the duration of the trial was reduced by 5.5% for rbST-Zn-treated cows, compared with proportions for untreated cows. Mean body condition score (1 to 5 scale) was reduced by 0.06 points during the period of rbST-Zn use for treated cows. Administration of rbST-Zn had no effect on milk somatic cell count, the number of days to pregnancy, or inseminations per pregnancy; rates of fetal loss, twins, cystic ovaries, clinical lameness, lameness lesions, or traumatic lesions of the integumentary system; and odds of clinical mastitis or culling. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results indicated that rbST-Zn administration to dairy cows effectively increases milk production with no adverse effects on cow health and well-being.

Citation

St-Pierre, N. R., Milliken, G. A., Bauman, D. E., Collier, R. J., Hogan, J. S., Shearer, J. K., Smith, K. L., & Thatcher, W. W. (2014). Meta-analysis of the effects of sometribove zinc suspension on the production and health of lactating dairy cows. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 245(5). https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.245.5.550 Cattle, Dairy cattle, Milk production

Keywords

• Cattle
• Dairy cattle
• Milk production