# Effects of Botanical Blend of Turmeric, Capsicum, and Pepper Extracts on Colostrum and Milk Yield and Quality, Passive Transfer of Immunity, and Performance of Beef Cow–Calf Pairs

## TL;DR

A botanical supplement containing turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper improved colostrum quality and calf health in beef cows, with the best results at a 250 mg dose.

## Contribution

This study is the first to show how a botanical blend affects colostrum and calf performance in beef cattle.

## Key findings

- Supplementing cows with the botanical blend increased colostrum fat and IgA in calf serum.
- Calf average daily gain was highest at the 250 mg dose, suggesting improved performance.
- The supplement also tended to increase milk fat and IgG levels in calves.

## Abstract

Previous studies on turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper have found immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory responses in piglets. However, the effects of this botanical blend on beef calf health remain unknown. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a botanical supplement pre- and post-calving in beef cows on colostrum and milk quality and the yield, passive transfer of immunity, and cow–calf performance. Three supplementation doses were tested: 0 (CON), 250 (PHYT250), and 500 mg/head/day (PHYT500) from d −30 pre-calving to d 60 post-calving. Supplementation with PHYT resulted in a linear increase in fat in colostrum and IgA in calf serum. Fat concentrations in milk, IgG in calf serum, and IgM in colostrum tended to linearly increase with PHYT. A quadratic response was observed for calf average daily gain (ADG), where CON was lower than PHYT250, and intermediate values were observed for PHYT500. Therefore, supplementing dams with a blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper improved colostrum quality and the passive transfer of immunity to offspring, and also positively impacted calf performance.

This study evaluated the effects of a botanical supplement (a formulated proprietary blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin in a fat carrier; PHYT), fed pre- and post-calving, on colostrum and milk yield and the quality, passive transfer of immunity, and performance of cow–calf pairs. Twenty-three (BW = 532 ± 9.13 kg; age 36 mo) crossbred Angus cows were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (1) not supplemented (CON, n = 7); (2) supplemented with 250 mg/head/day (PHYT250, n = 8); or (3) supplemented with 500 mg/head/day (PHYT500, n = 8) of the botanical supplement. The cows were individually fed the supplement from 30 days (±6 days) pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Colostrum was collected on d 0 (pre-suckling), and d 1, d 2, and d 3 post-calving. The total milk from all quarters was collected 45 and 90 d post-calving and at weaning. Colostrum and milk volumes were recorded, and samples were analyzed for percentages of fat, protein, milk urea nitrogen, other solids, and lactose. Colostrum samples were analyzed for concentrations of IgG, IgA, and IgM, and milk samples were analyzed for IgG concentration using radial immunodiffusion. Blood samples were collected from dams and calves, and serum was analyzed for concentrations of IgG (cows and calves) and IgA (calves). Cow and calf BW were measured periodically until weaning. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased fat in colostrum (CON = 3.29, PHIT250 = 4.23, and PHYT500 = 4.17 ± 0.77%; p = 0.05) and IgA in calf serum (96.91, 151.69, and 183.42 ± 29.78 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.04) and tended to linearly increase concentrations of fat in milk (CON = 3.84, PHYT250 = 4.05, and PHYT500 = 4.71 ± 1.04%; p = 0.07), IgG in calf serum (2082.31; 2196.29; and 2577.78 ± 213.08 mg/dL for CON, PHYT250, and PHYT500, respectively; p = 0.09), and IgM in colostrum (CON = 179.04; PHYT250 = 170.79; PHYT500 = 218.30 ± 16.08 mg/dL; p = 0.09). A quadratic response was observed for calf ADG (p = 0.03), where CON (0.99 ± 0.03 kg/d) was less than PHYT250 (1.10 ± 0.03 kg/d), and intermediate values were observed for PHYT500 (1.01 ± 0.03 kg/d). In summary, supplementation with PHYT led to a linear increase in colostrum fat and IgA levels in calf serum. Additionally, supplementation tended to linearly elevate fat concentrations in milk, IgG levels in calf serum, and IgM levels in colostrum. Our results suggest that supplementing beef cows in late gestation and early lactation with 250 or 500 mg/head/d of PHYT improves colostrum quality and calf health and performance. Further investigation is needed to determine both the biological significance and the economic benefits of botanical additives in beef production.