What does this research mean for the field?

Myrtus communis L. extract supplementation improves milk production and feed intake while reducing metabolic stress in dairy cows during the transition period. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the impact of Myrtus communis L. extract on dairy cows' production and health during the transition period.

February 19, 2026Open Access

Effects of Myrtus (Myrtus communis L.) Extract Supplementation in the Diet on Metabolic, Immune, and Performance Parameters of Dairy Cows During the Transition Period

UOUmit OzcinarAfyon Kocatepe University CUCangir UyarlarAfyon Kocatepe University MOMuhammet Emre OrmanAfyon Kocatepe University

Key Points

To assess the impact of Myrtus communis L. extract on dairy cows' production and health during the transition period.
Assigned forty Holstein cows to control and treatment groups (20 in each)
Supplemented treatment group with Myrtus extract at 1.5 mL/kg body weight daily
Monitored milk yield, feed intake, glucose levels, blood samples weekly
Evaluated reproductive performance and health status during the transition period
Treated cows increased milk production in early (44.56 vs. 40.72 kg/day) and mid-to-late lactation (42.57 vs. 37.19 kg/day)
Higher prepartum glucose levels were noted in the treatment group
Significantly lower NEFA and BHBA concentrations were observed in treated cows
Both cortisol and ALT levels were elevated around calving in treated cows
Treated cows showed fewer ovarian cysts despite similar reproductive metrics.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary Myrtus communis L. extract on the production performance, immune functions, and metabolic and health status of Holstein cows throughout the transition period. Forty cows were assigned to either a control group (n = 20) or a treatment group (n = 20) receiving Myrtus communis L. extract at 1.5 mL/kg body weight per day. Milk yield and feed intake were recorded daily, whereas blood samples were collected weekly. Reproductive performance and health status were monitored. Myrtus communis L. supplementation increased dry matter intake during prepartum and early and mid-lactation and elevated prepartum glucose levels. Treated cows produced more milk in early (44.56 vs. 40.72 kg/day) (p < 0.0001), and mid-to-late lactation (42.57 vs. 37.19 kg/day) (p < 0.0001). NEFA and BHBA concentrations were lower in the treatment group (p = 0.015 and 0.019, respectively), whereas cortisol and ALT were higher around calving (p < 0.001). Despite similar prepartum inflammatory profiles, treated cows demonstrated higher TNF-α concentrations at calving (p = 0.006). The days open and insemination number per pregnancy did not differ; however, the number of ovarian cysts were less in treated cows. Overall, Myrtus communis L. extract offered at a dose of 1.5 mL/kg body weight during the transition period improved feed intake, enhanced milk production, and reduced metabolic stress, suggesting its potential as a natural additive to support energy balance and reproductive performance in cows. However, it increased the blood cortisol and ALT concentrations, which requires further investigation.

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