Researchers tested whether a natural plant extract called Macleaya cordata could help dairy cows stay healthier during the stressful period around giving birth. They gave 64 cows either the plant extract or a placebo for 70 days and measured various health markers in their blood. The cows that received the plant extract produced about 5 more kilograms of milk per day and showed signs of less inflammation and oxidative stress in their bodies. This suggests that this natural supplement might help dairy cows handle the physical demands of producing milk more effectively.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural plant extract (Macleaya cordata) could help dairy cows produce more milk and stay healthier during the challenging period around giving birth
  • Who participated: 64 dairy cows that were randomly split into two groups—one receiving the plant extract and one receiving a fake treatment (placebo) as a comparison
  • Key finding: Cows receiving the plant extract produced about 5 more kilograms of milk per day compared to the control group, and their blood showed lower levels of inflammation and cellular damage markers
  • What it means for you: If you work with dairy cattle, this suggests a natural supplement might improve milk production and animal health during a critical period. However, more research is needed to confirm these results work consistently across different farms and conditions

The Research Details

This was a controlled experiment where researchers divided 64 dairy cows into two equal groups. One group received a special oral bolus (a capsule placed in the mouth) that slowly released 1.5 grams of Macleaya cordata extract daily for 70 days, starting about 24 days before the cows were expected to give birth. The other group received a fake bolus to serve as a comparison. The researchers collected blood samples at three different times: 24 days before birth, and then 7 and 21 days after birth. They then tested the blood for various markers that indicate inflammation, cellular damage, energy levels, and liver health.

The transition period (the time around giving birth) is particularly stressful for dairy cows because their bodies must adapt to producing large amounts of milk while recovering from pregnancy. During this time, cows often experience increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which is like cellular damage from normal body processes. The researchers chose Macleaya cordata because it’s a plant known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that might help cows handle this stress better.

This type of study design—randomly assigning animals to treatment or control groups and measuring specific health markers—is considered a strong way to test whether a treatment actually works, because it reduces bias and allows for fair comparison between groups.

The transition period is one of the most challenging times for dairy cows, and many health problems occur during this time. If a natural supplement can help cows stay healthier and produce more milk during this critical period, it could improve both animal welfare and farm productivity. Understanding which supplements actually work requires careful scientific testing, which is what this study provided.

This study has several strengths: it used a randomized design (randomly assigning cows to groups), included a control group for fair comparison, measured multiple health markers rather than just one outcome, and collected blood samples at multiple time points. However, the study was conducted at what appears to be a single location, so results might vary on different farms. The sample size of 64 cows is moderate—larger studies might provide more reliable results. The researchers used objective measurements (blood tests) rather than subjective observations, which increases reliability.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that cows receiving the Macleaya cordata extract produced significantly more milk—about 51.3 kilograms per day compared to 46.5 kilograms per day in the control group on day 25 after birth. This is roughly a 10% increase in milk production, which would be meaningful for dairy farmers.

The researchers also found that cows receiving the supplement had lower levels of two specific markers of inflammation and cellular damage: 3-nitrotyrosine and interleukin-1. These are substances in the blood that indicate the body is experiencing stress and inflammation. Lower levels suggest the supplement helped reduce this stress.

Interestingly, cows receiving the supplement also had higher glucose (blood sugar) levels on day 7 after birth, which might indicate better energy availability for milk production. However, other energy-related markers like non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate showed no significant differences between groups.

The study measured several other health indicators that did not show significant differences between the two groups. These included body condition score (how thin or fat the cows were), non-esterified fatty acids (a marker of fat breakdown), and various liver function tests. This suggests that while the supplement helped with milk production and inflammation, it didn’t dramatically change other aspects of the cows’ health status during this period. The fact that liver function remained normal is reassuring, as it suggests the supplement was safe and didn’t harm this important organ.

Previous research has shown that Macleaya cordata has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in laboratory and some animal studies. This research is among the first to test whether these properties translate into real benefits for dairy cow health and productivity during the transition period. The findings align with the theory that reducing inflammation and oxidative stress during this critical period could improve milk production, though more studies are needed to confirm this pattern across different farms and cow breeds.

Several limitations should be considered when interpreting these results. First, the study appears to have been conducted at a single location, so the results might not apply to all dairy farms with different management practices or environmental conditions. Second, while 64 cows is a reasonable sample size, larger studies might provide more reliable results. Third, the study only followed cows for about three weeks after birth, so we don’t know if the benefits continue longer or if there are any long-term effects. Fourth, the researchers didn’t measure some other important health outcomes like disease rates or immune function directly. Finally, the study was published in 2025, so it’s very recent and hasn’t yet been confirmed by other independent research teams.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, Macleaya cordata extract appears to be a promising supplement for dairy cows during the transition period, with moderate confidence. The evidence suggests it may increase milk production by about 10% and reduce inflammation markers. However, because this is a single study, farmers should consider it as preliminary evidence rather than definitive proof. If you’re interested in trying this supplement, consult with a veterinarian to discuss whether it’s appropriate for your specific herd and management situation.

This research is most relevant to dairy farmers and veterinarians who manage dairy cattle. It may be of interest to animal nutritionists and researchers studying ways to improve dairy cow health. Pet owners or people interested in general nutrition should note that this research is specifically about cattle, not humans or other animals. While the plant extract has been studied for potential human health benefits in other research, this particular study only applies to dairy cows.

Based on the study results, the benefits appeared relatively quickly—the increased milk production was visible by day 25 after birth (about 3-4 weeks into the supplementation period). The reduction in inflammation markers was also evident within the first three weeks after birth. However, this study only followed cows for about 21 days after birth, so we don’t know if benefits continue, increase, or decrease over longer periods. Farmers would likely need to continue supplementation throughout the transition period (about 70 days total) to see sustained benefits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using this supplement on your farm, track daily milk production (in kilograms) for each cow receiving the supplement and compare it to cows not receiving it. Record this weekly to see if there’s a consistent 5-10% increase. Also note any health issues or veterinary treatments needed during the transition period.
  • For farmers: Implement the supplement protocol starting 24 days before expected calving dates, using controlled-release boluses that deliver 1.5g daily for 70 days. Monitor milk production closely during the first month after birth to assess effectiveness on your specific farm. For researchers: Use this as a baseline to design larger, multi-farm studies to confirm these preliminary findings.
  • Establish a baseline by tracking milk production and health metrics for your herd for 2-3 months before starting supplementation. Then implement the supplement for a full transition season (about 3 months) while continuing to track the same metrics. Compare the ‘before’ and ‘after’ periods to see if you observe similar improvements to those found in this study. Keep detailed records of any health issues, veterinary treatments, or other changes that occur during this time.

This research describes effects of a plant extract supplement in dairy cattle and should not be applied to humans or other animal species without additional research. While the study suggests potential benefits, it is a single research study and has not yet been independently confirmed by other research teams. Farmers considering using Macleaya cordata extract should consult with a veterinarian before implementation to ensure it’s appropriate for their specific herd, management system, and local regulations. This supplement should not replace standard veterinary care or proven management practices. Results may vary depending on farm conditions, cow genetics, diet, and other management factors. Always follow product instructions and consult with agricultural professionals before making changes to your herd’s nutrition or health management.