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Effects Of Encapsulated Niacin On Metabolism And Production Of Periparturient Holstein Cows (2009), Barry J. Bradford, Laman K. Mamedova

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Niacin (nicotinic acid) can suppress lipolysis, but responses to dietary niacin have been inconsistent in cattle. A widely used commercial feed additive, niacin is thought to reduce heat stress and decrease postpartum plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration. Raw niacin has poor stability in the rumen, however, and it is estimated that only 5% is bioavailable. Recently, an encapsulated niacin (EN) product with an estimated 40% bioavailability became commercially available, but its effects on health and metabolism in transition cows have not been tested previously. Twenty-two Holstein cows were used in a study beginning 21 days before expected calving; cows …