Effect of a supplement rich in linolenic acid added to the diet of post partum dairy cows on ovarian follicle growth, and milk and plasma fatty acid compositions

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a linseed supplement on follicle growth, progesterone concentrations and milk and plasma fatty acids in dairy cows post partum. Sixteen Holstein cows were given a basal total mixed diet plus one of two supplements: control (C; extruded soybeans; n = 8) or linseed (L; extruded linseeds; n = 8). One month after calving oestrous cycles were synchronised (PRID). Follicle growth and milk progesterone concentrations were measured every 2 d over the induced oestrous cycle. Milk production characteristics were unaffected by treatment. The L cows lost significantly more BCS than the C cows (P < 0.01). Plasma insulin, glucose and urea were unaffected by the treatment. Plasma NEFA tended to be affected by the treatment (L > C, P = 0.08). The proportions of 18:3n-3 in milk and plasma were increased by L compared to C (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). There was an effect of dietary supplement on the numbers of small follicles (L < C, P < 0.05). Milk progesterone was unaffected by treatment. In conclusion, the increased supply of 18:3n-3 to the cows had only a modest effect on follicle populations and corpus luteum activity was unchanged.