Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society, cilt.75, sa.3, ss.7833-7844, 2024 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study aimed to validate the effect of oregano aromatic water (OAW) on blood parameters, oxidative stress, and the production and composition of milk when used as a feed additive. Thirty lactating Holstein cows (average 570 kg), with an average of 74 days in milk and a lactation number of 2.44, were randomly divided into three groups for a 60-day period. These groups included: (G1) control ration, (G2) control ration + OAW (10 mg/kg of DM), (G3) control ration + OAW (20 mg/kg of DM). Milk production (MP) was unaffected by OAW doses (P>0.05). The supplementation of OAW did not affect the milk composition and somatic cell count (SCC) (P>0.05). OAW supplementation did not affect blood biochemical values except for ketone and glucose. The glucose value increased as the ketone level decreased with OAW supplementation (P<0.05). The hematological blood values were not found to be significantly affected. OAW significantly decreased the Total Oxidant Capacity (TOC) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) while increasing the Total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The findings of the current study indicated that OAW can be used as a feed additive to improve cow health and milk production.