Herbal formula alleviates heat stress by improving physiological and biochemical attributes and modulating the rumen microbiome in dairy cows.

ABSTRACT: Heat stress significantly impacts dairy cow productivity, health, and welfare. This study evaluated a self-developed herbal formula as a dietary intervention to mitigate heat stress. A total of 198 lactating cows were divided into two groups: a Control group receiving standard total mixed rations and a Herbs group supplemented with herbal formula for 60 days. Various parameters were assessed, including milk yield and composition, antioxidant capacity, immune responses, stress-related gene expression, and rumen microbial composition. Compared to the Control group, cows in the Herbs group showed improved feed intake, milk yield and quality, rumination frequency, and enhanced antioxidant activity and immune response. Rumen microbiome analysis revealed a reduced relative abundance of Proteobac

SUBMITTER: Wang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11925914 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature