Effects of supplementing rumen-protected arginine on performance of transition cows

Objectives were to determine the effects supplementing 30 g/d of metabolizable arginine as rumen-protected arginine (RPA) during the transition period on production performance in Holstein cows. Supplementing RPA from 250 d of gestation to 21 d postpartum improved yields of milk and milk components without affecting intake of dry matter, body weight, or body condition pre- or postpartum. Treatment stopped at 21 d postpartum, but several productive responses persisted until 84 d postpartum.