Efficacy evaluation of a polyherbal antistressor premix at reducing summer stress-associated losses in dairy cows

Heat stress is a very common type of stress in dairy animals. Exposure to heat-stress can result in decreased yield and poor, watery consistency of milk. Here, the results of an efficacy trial of a polyherbal antistressor premix at reducing summer stress-associated milk yield losses in dairy cows are reported. 12 healthy lactating Gir cows in early to mid of first to third lactations were randomized to one of two groups. The first group was left unsupplemented while the second group received supplementation with a polyherbal anti-stressor (Stresomix™ premix, M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) for seven days. Daily milk yield was recorded over a 30 days’ period of moderate heat stress (THI = 81.9). Protein and fat content of milk and serum cortisol levels were also measured at specific intervals. The polyherbal antistressor-supplemented group T1 showed significant improvements in milk fat content, fat-corrected milk yield, and serum cortisol levels over the untreated control group T0, attesting the efficacy of the polyherbal antistressor supplement in heat-stressed dairy cows. Based on the results of the study, the polyherbal antistressor, Stresomix premix, at 1 Kg/tonne of feed for 7 days, was found efficacious for the reduction of stress and improvement of milk fat content in dairy cows under summer stress.