Influence of the «Seleni-E-Melli TMR» Feed Additive on Milk Performance and Milk Quality Parameters of Dairy Holstein Cows

Relevance. A key factor in realizing the genetic potential of productivity in modern highyielding dairy cows is complete, balanced nutrition, especially under intensive milk production technologies. In recent decades, feed production and animal husbandry have faced the acute problem of deficiency of essential trace elements, particularly selenium, and fat-soluble vitamins such as tocopherol (vitamin E). The development of effective strategies for correcting the selenium‑tocopherol status of high‑producing Holstein cows is a pressing task. Objective. To evaluate the effect of the feed additive “Seleni‑E‑Melli TMR” applied during the peak lactation (milking‑off) period on milk productivity parameters.
Methods. The subjects of the study were Holstein cows and the feed additive “Seleni‑E‑Melli TMR”. Milk yield, mass fraction of fat (MFF) and protein (MFP), as well as milk fat and protein yields were studied. Milk productivity was assessed through monthly control milkings. MFF and MFP were determined in average milk samples from each cow monthly at the dairy laboratory of the Ural Breeding Center (Uralplemtsentr). Statistical processing involved calculation of mean values (M), standard deviation (σ), and standard error of the mean (m).
Results. It was found that the additive at a dose of 150 g/head/day increased milk yield by 254 kg (2.75%), while at a dose of 200 g/head/day — by 463 kg (5.0%) compared to the control (P ≤ 0.05). In the second experimental group, a significant increase in the mass fraction of fat in milk was observed compared to the control and the first experimental group (P ≤ 0.01). It was revealed that the high level of productivity in all experimental groups is accompanied by a decrease in the fat‑to‑protein ratio in cow milk to 1.04–1.07, indicating risks of acidosis in animals, which requires further research (e.g., rumen fluid analysis). The use of the feed additive «Seleni‑E‑Melli TMR» at a dose of 200 g/head/day reduces these risks.

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