The benefits of Yerba Mate (Ilex Paraguanensis) in dairy rations on cows’ productive performances and their progeny
Summary
This project addresses a novel means to increase profitability, health and immune status of cows through a non hormonal/ non antibiotic natural feed supplement. This research proposal is based around the increasing demand for animal products that are green, clean and ethical. For the dairy cow producers, this means moving into new practices that do not involve chemical or hormonal treatments of animals, and practices that take into consideration the welfare of the animals. The use of herbs as additives in dairy nutrition as an alternative to chemical compounds is becoming a new goal in livestock production.
Supervisor(s)
Dr Pietro Celi, Dr Alex Chaves, Dr Yani Garcia, Professor Herman Raadsma
Research Location
Program Type
PHD
Synopsis
The use of alternative feedstuff like Yerba Mate, which displays beneficial effects on health by means of its antioxidant activity, in dairy nutrition represents a novel management tool that is green, clean, ethical and extremely easy to use. This project will develop and improve alternative nutrition and feeding systems for dairy cows. The supplementation of the diet with antioxidants has the potential to improve the profitability in dairy cows in a clean and ethical manner. This study will establish the influence of oxidative stress on the immune response and productive performances of dairy cows and their progeny. The objectives of this project are as follows:
- Evaluate oxidative and metabolic status, productive performances and immune response in dairy cows supplemented with yerba mate.
- Evaluate the effect of yerba mate supplementation on calves’ performances and immune status.
Additional Information
- The above opportunity also provides a framework to further develop more specific areas or research such as the impact of antioxidant supplementation on dairy cows productive performances; cows’ health; reproductive fitness; ruminant physiology; etc.
- Recently 2 PhD and 2 Honours students have completed their studies in related projects (oxidative stress biomarkers in high producing dairy cows in relation to energy balance and pregnancy outcome).
- We have a vast experience in ruminant (cattle, goats and sheep) nutrition, production and reproduction. Our Lab also provides facilities to carry out oxidative status and metabolic profile analysis.
- Recently we have acquired a top of the range brand new spectrophotometer to specifically measure oxidative stress biomarkers in biological samples (blood, plasma, cell cultures, tissue biopsies, exhaled breath condensate).
- Please send CV and a statement relating your skills/interests specific to this project to: Dr Pietro Celi pietroc@camden.usyd.edu.au
- Overseas applicants, please clearly indicate availability of funds and/or institutional support to cover international tuition fees at The University of Sydney.
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Keywords
Dairy cow; antioxidant; oxidative stress; nutrition; reproduction; immune system.
Opportunity ID
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 943
Other opportunities with Dr Pietro Celi
- Peri-conceptional nutritional stress: effects on dairy cows' reproductive performances and consequences for progeny performance
- Novel feeding systems to improve sheep health and production
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- Peri-conceptional nutritional stress: effects on dairy cows' reproductive performances and consequences for progeny performance