Prepartum supplementation of Ascophyllum nodosum meal or ethylenediamine dihydroiodide: Effects on colostrum yield and growth and health of dairy calves

This study evaluated Ascophyllum nodosum supplementation in dairy cows during the weeks before calving and its impact on colostrum and calf outcomes.
Supplemented with a higher dose of A. nodosum (113 g/d), cows produced colostrum with higher fat content compared to synthetic iodine (EDDI at 151.3 mg/d). Calves from these cows showed greater birth weight and structural height (hip height), suggesting benefits to early skeletal development.
There were also indications of improved immunoglobulin absorption, supporting early immune function, with no negative effects on cow performance.