Lecithin: a by-product of biodiesel production and a source of choline for dairy cows

The aim of the present study was to compare soy lecithins (L), a by-product of the biodiesel production process, with choline chloride microencapsulated with hydrogenated vegetable oils (C), to verify their effects on dry matter intake, milk yield, milk quality traits, milk choline and haematological profile of dairy cows. A total of 12 mid-lactating Holstein Friesian cows were assigned to one of two experimental groups and fed according to cross-over design (2 diets x 2 periods). Diets were isoenergetic, isofibrous and isonitrogenous and had the same content of choline. Dry matter intake, milk yield and the 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were not affected by the diet. The milk choline content and the milk quality did not differ between treatments, with the exception of milk fat (P<0.05) and urea (P<0.01), which resulted lower for the L-group. Milk fat, protein and choline yields remained unaffected. With regard to the haematological profile, all of the parameters fell within the physiological range of lactating dairy cows, and the only difference was represented by the lower urea level of the L fed cows (P<0.01), that could be explained by a better N metabolic efficiency. Results indicated that soy lecithins can be used as an available source of choline in midlactating dairy cows.