Inclusion of Curcumin in the Diet of Prepartum Cows and Its Effects on Animal Health and Production

Abstract

Simple Summary The transition period is characterized by profound metabolic and immunological challenges that increase susceptibility to disease in dairy cows. This study evaluated whether prepartum curcumin supplementation could improve health and productive responses during this critical phase. Twenty Holstein cows received curcumin (152 mg/day), while another 20 received a diet without additives (control) during the 21-day prepartum period. Curcumin did not affect milk yield, milk composition, colostrum quality, metabolic biomarkers, or oxidative status. However, cows fed curcumin exhibited higher concentrations of globulin, IgA, immunoglobulin heavy chain, haptoglobin, and transferrin, along with lower levels of C-reactive protein and ceruloplasmin. Prepartum curcumin supplementation enhanced postpartum immune function, supporting its use as a nutritional immunomodulation strategy during the transition period.