Treatment of rectal prolapse in children with cow milk injection sclerotherapy:30-year experience

AIM:To evaluate the role and our experience of injecti-on sclerotherapy with cow milk in the treatment of rectal prolapse in children. METHODS:In the last 30 years (1976-2006) we made 100 injections of sclerotherapy with cow milk in 86 chil-dren. In this study we included children who failed to respond to conservative treatment and we perform ope-rative treatment. RESULTS:In our study we included 86 children and in all of the patients we perform cow milk injection sclerot-herapy. In 95.3% (82 children) of patients sclerotherapy was successful. In 4 (4.7%) patients we had recurrent rectal prolapse where we performed operative treatment. Below 4 years we had 62 children (72%) and 24 older children (28%). In children who needed operative trea-tment we performed Thiersch operation and without any complications. CONCLUSION:Injection sclerotherapy with cow milk for treatment rectal prolapse in children is a simple and effective treatment for rectal prolapse with minimal com-plications.

Magnetic metal organic framework for pre-concentration of ampicillin from cow milk samples

The aim of this study is a present of a simple solvothermal synthesis approach to preparation of Cu-based magnetic metal organic framework(MMOF)and subsequently its application as sorbent for ultrasound assisted magnetic solid phase extraction(UAMSPE)of ampicillin(AMP)from cow milk samples prior to high performance liquid chromatography-Ultraviolet(HPLC-UV)determination.Characteristics of prepared MMOF were fully investigated by different techniques which showed the exclusive properties of proposed sorbent in terms of proper functionality,desirable magnetic property and also high specific surface area.Different influential factors on extraction recovery including sorbent dosage,ultrasonic time,washing solvent volume and eluent solvent volume were assessed using central composite design(CCD)based response surface methodology(RSM)as an operative and powerful optimization tool.This is the first report for determination of AMP using MMOF.The proposed method addressed some drawbacks of other methods and sorbents for determination of AMP.The presented method decreases the extraction time(4 min)and also enhances adsorption capacity(250 mg/g).Moreover,the magnetic property of presented sorbent(15 emu/g)accelerates the extraction process which does not need filtration,centrifuge and precipitation procedures.Under the optimized conditions,the proposed method is applicable for linear range of 1.0-5000.0 μg/L with detection limit of 0.29 μg/L,satisfactory recoveries(≥95.0%)and acceptable repeatability(RSD less than 4.0%).The present study indicates highly promising perspectives of MMOF for highly effective analysis of AMP in complicated matrices.

Fermented Goat Milk and Cow Milk Produced by Different Starters of Lactic Acid Bacteria： Quality Studies

Lactic acid bacteria （LAB） is widely used as culture starters in dairy fermentation. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of fermented goat milk and cow milk, as well as the viability of LAB in the same products. Fermentations were performed with pasteurized goat milk or cow milk added with skim milk （18% of solids） using three separately different starters; yoghurt starter （a combination of Streptococcus thermophilus FNCC-0040 and Lactobacillus bulgaricus FNCC-0041）, single starter of Lactobacillus acidophilus FNCC-0029 and Lactobacillus casei FNCC-0051. The parameters observed were pH, acidity, nutritional quality including protein, fat and lactose content and product＇s viscosity. Acidity, pH and viability of LAB were also monitored during storage at refrigerated temperature （4 ℃） for 28 days. Results show that the different LAB starters did not affect the pH, acidity, lactose and protein content. Differences on LAB starters affected fat content and viscosity. The highest score of viscosity （30.00 Pa.s ± 7.02 Pa.s） was observed on products fermented by yoghurt starters, followed by products obtained using starter of L. acidophilus （17.7 ±11.4） and L. casei （8.62 ±0.35）. Protein content, acidity, pH and viscosity were not significantly different between products obtained from goat milk and cow milk. Fat content in fermented goat milk was higher （5.03% ±0.62%） than in fermented cow milk （3.52% ±0.37%）, however, lactose content was higher in fermented cow milk （5.16% ±0.40%） than in fermented goat milk （4.53% ±0.35%）. Total LAB concentration in fermented cow milk during storage was 8.03± 0.52 logt0 cfu/mL, while in fermented goat milk was 7.81 loglo cfu/mL ± 0.67 loglo cfu/mL. There was a 10.83% decrease in LAB viability in fermented cow milk and 11.40% in fermented goat milk after 28 days of storage. In conclusion, quality of fermented milk is affected by the starters applied, raw milk source and storage period.

Fluorescence-based PCR Detection of Goat Milk Powder Mixed with Cow Milk

[Objectives]To amplify and identify the specific gene fragments of cattle and sheep by real-time fluorescence-based PCR,and quickly and accurately identify the adulteration problem of goat milk powder according to the differences of mitochondrial genes among different species.[Methods]The specificity,limit of detection and repeatability test were carried out by isolating somatic cells,extracting template DNA and determining the reaction conditions of real-time fluorescence-based PCR.[Results]The real-time fluorescence-based PCR method could be used to identify the bovine and ovine-derived materials of milk powder with high specificity,high sensitivity and good repeatability,and the limit of detection of milk components in goat milk powder could reach 0.01%.[Conclusions]The real-time fluorescence-based PCR method can be used to quickly and accurately detect the milk components in goat milk powder,and provide some technical support for the adulteration detection of dairy industry.

Contents of Trace Metal Elements in Cow Milk Impacted by Different Feedstuffs

Feedstuff intake plays key role in impacting the yield and quality of milk. In this study, we discussed the contents of trace metal elements in cow milk impacted by different feedstuffs. We detected the contents of Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn in different feedstuffs and milk by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The determinations of Pb, Cd and As contents were by graphite furnace A_AS and Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn was by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that Pb, Cd, As and Cu presented in feedstuffs, but Pb, Cd and As were lowly detected in milk samples, and Cu was not detected in milk samples. The content of Mg in concentrates was lower than that in forages. However, the content of Mg in milk from concentrate feed was higher than that in forage feed. This suggested that the utilization of Mg in concentrate feed was higher than that in forage feed. The contents of Ca and Zn were opposite to Mg, and the utilization of Ca and Zn in forage feed was higher than that in concentrate feed. There was no obviously change law of Fe in different feedstuffs and milk samples. The relationship between the contents of trace metal elements in milk to feedstuffs would provide a theoretical basis for dairy farming. It would be useful for improving the milk yield and milk quality of dairy production.

Comparative Analysis of Hydrolytic Amino Acids in Human and Cow Milk of Different Lactation Periods

In this study,the hydrolytic amino acids of Chinese human and Holstein cow milk of different lactation periods were analyzed by the advanced isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation(iTRAQ)combined with the high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS)approach.The total contents of the hydrolytic amino acids in cow colostrum,cow mature milk,human colostrum and human mature milk were 5.00,4.38,2.12 and 2.48 g·L^(-1),respectively.Among these,the contents of the hydrolytic amino acids in cow milk were higher than those in human milk,indicating a decreasing trend with the prolongation of lactation.Additionally,principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to further screen the differentially expressed amino acids.These results enhanced the understanding of the hydrolytic amino acids in cow and human milk across different lactation periods,which could provide potential directions for newborn dairy powder and nutritious supplementary.

Hygienic Production Practices and Microbial Quality of Cow Milk in Cheha District of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The aim of the study was to assess hygienic production practices and to evaluate microbial quality of raw cows’ milk in Cheha district of Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. The study was conducted by interviewing 180 smallholder milk producers from two agro-ecologies (highland and midland) and by collecting 40 milk samples from milk producers, small shops, cafes and consumers for microbial quality analysis. The result indicated that majority of the respondents (96.7%) did not have cow barn and milking area, 57.3% of them clean their barn once and more than once a week. Moreover, milking without hand washing, absence of udder washing, failure to use towel to clean the udder, and use of plastic pail as milking equipment were practiced by 33.9%, 52.2%, 74.4% and 95.6% of the respondents, respectively. Furthermore, higher number of respondents (69.4%) used river water without proper treatment as a major source of water for cleaning purpose and majority of them fail to regularly clean utensils with detergents. Concerning microbial quality, overall mean total bacterial counts (TBC), Coliform counts (CC) and pH values of milk from current finding were 5.675 ± 0.016, 4.414 ± 0.017 log10 cfu/ml, and 5.963 ± 0.081, respectively. In general, overall quality of milk produced as well as marketed in the study area was poor. These were justified from poor hygienic practices and high values of TBC and CC that were significantly higher than the acceptable limits set by Ethiopian Standards for unpasteurized milk. Therefore, adequate sanitary and control measures should be taken at all stages from production to consumer level to produce and supply wholesome milk.

Cow milkα_(s1)-casein induces allergic responses in a mouse model of atopy

α_(s1)-Casein is a potential allergen to induce hypersensitivity in cow milk.We had identifiedα_(s1)-casein and its epitopes in previous studies.The present study aimed to evaluate the allergic mechanism ofα_(s1)-casein in a BALB/c mouse model.The levels of specific IgE,mast cell proteinase,histamine and cytokines in sensitized mice were determined,and the clinical and pathological observation were evaluated.Results showed that the levels of specific IgE,mast cell proteinase,histamine,IL-4,IL-5,IL-10 increased significantly with a dose-dependent trend.The local alveolar septum collapsed or thickened,and lymphatic foci were produced in the spleen and thymus,and the inflammatory cells infiltrated in small intestinal mucosa mesenchyme.In conclusion,the levels of specific IgE,mast cell proteinase,histamine,IL-4,IL-5,IL-10 and some inflammatory factors could possibly serve as allergic biomarkers ofα_(s1)-casein,however,additional studies on signal transduction and gene expression are necessary in future.

Commercialization of Cow Milk Production in West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Livestock plays a vital role in the livelihood of many people in Ethiopia. However, a number of challenges hindered the development of the dairy sector along with its commercialization. Advancing commercialization of the rural generations was a foundation of the advancement and poverty reduction policies of Ethiopia. Cross-sectional data from 385 randomly selected households in Eastern Ethiopia were used in this study to assess the commercialization of cow milk producers. Descriptive statistics and the two limit Tobit econometric models were used to analyze the data. The average commercialization index was 0.434, indicating that each household sold 43.4 percent of the milk produced during the survey period. Ownership of improved breed cow, cooperative participation, access to market information, and quantity of milk produce influenced milk commercialization positively, but household size and distance to the nearest market influenced it negatively. The study suggests strengthening policies to improve rural family planning, strengthening farmer cooperatives to reinforce knowledge sharing among farmers for enhancing farmer resource endowment, and promoting improved breed varieties. The commercialization of milk producers will also expand as a result of policies that try to lower the transaction costs of accessing markets, improve the capacity of rural institutions, and encourage value addition and market links among various market players.

Comparison of horse and cow milk on sleep disorders in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:a double-blind randomized clinical trial study

Approximately 25%–50%of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have sleep problems.The aim of this study is to compare the effect of horse milk with conventionally-fed cow’s milk on sleep disorders in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.In this randomized double-blind crossover study,30 patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were randomly selected and divided into two groups.All patients underwent a 45-day period of horse milk consumption and a 45-day period of cow milk consumption and they continued their drug treatment.A one-week interval between two periods of milk consumption was considered as the washout period.The severity of sleep disorder in the studied patients was determined based on the short form of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire(CSHQ).Twenty-two(73.3%)male and eight(26.7%)female patients were included in this study.The mean age of the patients was 8.9 years.Our results showed that horse milk consumption improved the CSHQ score.For the group of patients consuming horse milk prior to cow milk,reductions of total CSHQ(P-value=0.001)and subscale 1(P-value<0.001)scores were significant.For the group of patients consuming cow milk first,in addition to the total CSHQ(P-value<0.001),subscale 3(P-value=0.001)and 4(P-value=0.009)dropped significantly.On the other hand,the results indicated that cow milk consumption increased the CSHQ score.Specifically,for the group of patients consuming horse milk first,the total CSHQ(P-value=0.001),subscale 3(P-value=0.016),and subscale 4(P-value=0.010)increased significantly.The mean values of the first,second,third,and fourth subscales of CSHQ before and after the washout period were not significantly different between the two groups.According to the study,consuming horse milk was significantly better than cow milk in improving the total score of CSHQ in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

2DGE-coomassie brilliant blue staining used to differentiate pasteurized milk from reconstituted milk

Differentiating pasteurized milk and reconsti-tuted milk by scientific approach was necessary to defend consumer from economic fraud of wrong labeling. In this paper 2DGE (2 Dimen-sional Gel Electrophoresis)-coomassie brilliant blue staining method was employed and sig-nificant color intensity changing was observed among raw milk, pasteurized milk, UHT milk and reconstituted milk. For example, the intensity of 10 protein spots including casein and lac-toglobulin reduced more than two folds from pasteurized milk to reconstituted milk. However, DIGE (Differential Gel Electrophoresis) assay showed that the majority protein remained simi-lar level from pasteurized milk to reconstituted milk. Therefore the color fading of coomassie brilliant blue stained 2D gels may be due to other biochemical reaction, such as Maillard reaction, instead of protein degradation. Stability of 2DGE pattern was confirmed by running six gels of the same sample in parallel and software analysis showed that all proteins were at similar level. Two commercialized pasteurized milk samples and one reconstituted milk sample were tested by 2DGE-coomassie blue staining method and re-constituted milk could be easily identified.

Bacillus subtilis Co-transfected with a Lysine-rich and a Methionine-rich Protein Gene and Its Effect on Cow Milk Production

The probiotic Bacillus subtilis （B. subtilis） was widely applied in animal production as feed additive. Lysine （Lys） and methionine （Met） were the two most important limiting amino acids in livestock animal feed. Raising Lys and Met contents in B. subtilis would provide better effects for animal production and save Lys and Met supplements. We still didn＇t know whether Lys- rich and Met-rich protein genes from plants could be transfected into B. subtilis and expressed at a high level so as to improve animal production, such as milk production as an additional diet. The Lys-rich protein gene （Cflr） and Met-rich 10 ku-δ Zein were cloned from pepper anther and maize endosperm, respectively. Then they were constructed into plasmids individually and successfully cotransfected into B. subtilis. Upon IPTG induction, mRNAs and protein expressions could be observed. Lys and Met contents in the fermentation broth were raised by 65.92% and 46.39%, respectively. After feeding 200 g and 400 g· cow^-1· d^-1, transgenic B. subtilis fermentation broth, the milk yield, milk protein and milk fat contents all significantly increased. The Lys-rich protein gene （Cflr） and Met-rich 10 ku-δ Zein were successfully transfected into B. subtilis. Contents of Lys and Met in the transgenic B. subalis obviously raised and the fermentation broth of the transgenic bacteria could effectively improve milk yield and quality.

Physicochemical Properties and Microbiological Quality of <i>ititu</i>(Traditionally Fermented Cow Milk) in Selected District of Borena Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to investigate the physicochemical properties and microbial quality of ititu produced in the Borana zone. A total number of 35 ititu samples, 30 traditionally made plus 5 laboratories made ititu, were analyzed for their physicochemical properties and microbiological quality. The overall average (±SD) values for pH, titratable acidity, total protein, fat, total solids, and ash were 3.59% ± 0.04%, 2.86% ± 0.18%, 7.26% ± 0.41%, 9.85% ± 0.73%, 21.23% ± 1.48%, and 0.84% ± 0.11%, respectively for traditionally made ititu. The result of all physicochemical parameters of traditional ititu was not significantly) different (P > 0.05) with laboratory-made ititu (control sample).The average (±SD) total bacteria count (TBC), coliform count (CC), yeast and mould count (YMC), Staphylococcus aureus count and Listeria monocytogenes count were 8.36 ± 1.29, 3.47 ± 0.51, 8.06 ± 1.28, 3.79 ± 0.91 and 3.15 ± 0.17 log10cfu/ml, respectively for traditional ititu. Whereas, the corresponding values for the laboratory-made ititu were 4.17 ± 0.55 log10cfu/ml, 0, 5.76 ± 0.57 log10cfu/ml, 0 and 0, respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed between traditional and laboratory-made ititu for coliform, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes count. The Prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms for S. aureus and L. monocytogenes were 33.33% and 6.67%, respectively for traditionally made ititu while not detected for laboratory-made ititu. The results indicated that the quality of traditional ititu was substandard and not safe for consumption. This in general, the production of ititu in the study area requires intervention such as awareness creation of keeping good hygienic quality and pasteurization (heating up to boiling) of milk to be used for ititu making in order to make it safe from the public health point of view.

Occurrence and Levels of Chlorinated Pesticides Residues in Cow Milk: A Human Health Risk Assessment

Background: The study determined the presence and concentration of persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in cow milk from Ekiti State University Agricultural farm in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The study was investigated in order to monitor consumer’s exposure to these chemicals pesticides. Methods: Qualitative identification and quantification evaluation of the extracted pesticides after clean-up on silica gel were done with a Gas Chromatography coupled with an Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Results: The results revealed the presence of 11 OCPs residues in the milk samples, with concentration range of 0.001 - 0.189 mg/l, while α-BHC, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulphate and methoxychlor were not detected. The analysis of variance revealed no significant variation in the levels of all the analysed pesticides except dieldrin. Conclusion: The hazard indices (HIs) were significantly lower than 1 with the range of 0.00063 - 0.107, indicating no potential health risk.

Study on the Effects of Chinese Herb Additive on Milk Yield and Anti-heat Stress Ability of Holstein Cow

[Objective] The research aimed to explore the effects of Chinese herb additive on milk yield and anti-heat stress ability of Holstein cow.[Method] 36 Holstein cows with similar birth order and milk yield were equally and randomly divided into 3 groups which were control group, Chinese medicine Ⅰ group and Chinese medicine Ⅱ group. In control group, cows were fed with basic feed, while in Chinese medicine Ⅰ group, cows were fed with basic feed containing 4% compound Chinese herb additive and in Chinese medicine Ⅱ group, cows were fed with basic feed containing 3% compound Chinese herb additive.All cows in the 3 groups were analyzed comparatively.[Result] Adding some compound Chinese herb additive into basic feed would increase milk yield and anti-heat stress ability of Holstein cow,besides,it also could decrease cow diseases such as cow mastitis.Chinese medicine Ⅰ would generate the highest economic benefit of practical production.[Conclusion] Adding Chinese herb additive into basic feed is an effective way for reliefing heat stress and increasing milk yield.

Effects of Herbal Feed Additive on Milk Production of Dairy Cows

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the herbal feed additive Zengrujianniusan on the milk production of dairy cows. [Method] Thirty-two black-white lactating cows were randomly divided into four groups, and were fed with forage supplemented with 0 （control group）, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% Zengrujianniusan for 60 d. During this period, the contents of fat, protein and non-fat solid in milk were measured every 20 d. [Result] The milk production of the cows whose forage was added with 0.2 %, 0.4 % and 0.6% Zengrujianniusan was 4.02%, 12.50%, 14.00% higher than that of the control （P〉0.05）. The herbal feed additive had no significant influence on the contents of fat, milk and non-fat solid in milk, but significantly reduced the number of somatic cells. [Conclusion] The study will provide reference for developing feed additives which is safe and non-toxic to cows and their milk.

Assessment of the allergenicity and antigenicity potential of enzymatically hydrolyzed cow milk

Cow milk allergy is a major cause of food hypersensitivity in infants and children.However,to the best of our knowledge,there has been minimal research on the antigenicity of cow milk(CM).As it is currently unknown if enzymatically hydrolyzed cow milk(HM)induces severe immunogenic responses,the potential allergenicity of HM was systematically evaluated in this work.HM effectively attenuated symptoms of weight loss and diarrhea,suppressed levels of mast cell tryptase,and relieved allergic inflammation of the intestine.Moreover,HM reduced the B220+cell count in mouse blood.In addition,in vitro studies demonstrated that gastrointestinal digestion of HM was not resistant to pepsin or trypsin.Thus,HM effectively alleviated allergic reactions and exhibited lower potential allergenicity.These results provide practical information for the future development of hypoallergenic CM products.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Milk production and composition and metabolic alterations in the mammary gland of heat-stressed lactating dairy cows

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of heat stress(HS) on the feed intake, milk production and composition and metabolic alterations in the mammary gland of dairy cows. Twenty Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments according to a completely randomized design. Half of the cows were allocated to the HS group in August(summer season), and the other half were assigned to the HS-free group in November(autumn season). HS reduced(P<0.01) dry matter intake(DMI), milk yield, milk protein and milk urea nitrogen(MUN) of cows compared with HSfree control, but increased(P<0.01) milk somatic cell counts(SCC). We determined the HS-induced metabolic alterations and the relevant mechanisms in dairy cows using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry combined with multivariate analyses. Thirty-four metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of HS in dairy cows. Ten of these metabolites, glucose, lactate, pyruvate, lactose, β-hydroxybutyrate, citric acid, α-ketoglutarate, urea, creatine, and orotic acid, had high sensitivity and specificity for HS diagnoses, and seven metabolites were also identified as potential biomarkers of HS in plasma, milk, and liver. These substances are involved in glycolysis, lactose, ketone, tricarboxylic acid(TCA), amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, indicating that HS mainly affects lactose, energy and nucleotide metabolism in the mammary gland of lactating dairy cows. This study suggested that HS might affect milk production and composition by affecting the feed intake and substance metabolisms in the mammary gland tissue of lactating dairy cows.

Effects of supplementation of green tea extract on the milk performance of peripartal dairy cows and the expression of stress response genes in the liver

Background: We hypothesised that supplementation of green tea extract(GTE) in dairy cows during the transition period can attenuate proinflammatory conditions and prevent endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress in the liver of these cows. Thirty Holstein cows with an average parity of 3.06(± 1.31, SD) were divided into a control group and a group that received a daily amount of 10 g of GTE from d 7 before the calving day and a daily amount of 20 g of GTE from the day of calving until d 7 of lactation.Results: Cows supplemented with GTE did not show differences in energy intake or milk yield in weeks 2–7 of lactation. However, these cows had a lower milk fat concentration and a lower energy corrected milk yield than the control cows and showed a trend of improved energy balance. The relative m RNA concentrations of proinflammatory genes, genes involved in the acute phase reaction and antioxidant genes in the liver in weeks 1, 4 and 7 of lactation were not different between the two groups of cows. The concentrations of α-tocopherol and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity in plasma were not different between the two groups. However, the group supplemented with GTE showed significant reductions of some genes of the unfolded protein response(UPR) in week 1 and a trend of lower liver triacylglycerol(TAG) concentrations in the liver compared to the control group.Conclusions: This study shows that supplementation of GTE in dairy cows lowers the fat concentration in the milk but overall has no effect on the expression of inflammatory genes and the antioxidative status in dairy cows during early lactation. The finding of reduced m RNA levels of genes involved in the UPR at week 1, however, supports other results showing that supplementation of polyphenols could prevent the development of ER stress in the liver of cows during early lactation. The finding of a tendency towards a reduced TAG concentration in the liver of cows supplemented with GTE might be due to an improved energy balance in these cows.