Abstract:

The aim of this trial was to discuss the effects of Mozart music, light music and original music on the lactation and antioxidant capacity of lactating cows.64 Holstein lactating cows with similar milk yield, age,parity and lactation period were enrolled and randomly divided into four groups (Mozart music, light music, original music and the control groups) with 16 cows in each group. Music was played 3 times at morning, afternoon, and evening per day in the three trial groups, with each time for 2 h, and no music played in the control group. From the beginning of trial period (0 day), milk yield per unit was measured and blood samples were collected for testing total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) every 20 d.The preliminary trial period was 7 d, and the trial period was 60 d. The results showed as followed:On the 20th day, comparing with the control group, the milk yield of cows in light music and Mozart music groups were both significantly higher (P <0.05); The serum activities of SOD in 3 trial groups were all significantly higher (P <0.05); The serum contents of MDA in light music and Mozart music groups were both significantly lower (P <0.05); And the activities of GSH-Px in light music and Mozart music groups were both significantly higher (P <0.05). During the trial period from 0 to 60 d, the serum amount of T-AOC in light music and Mozart music groups were both significantly higher than that in the control group (P <0.05). In conclusion, light music and Mozart music had the tendency of increasing the milk yield of cows. Original music had shown no obvious effects on the cows' milk performance.Light music,Mozart music and original music had the tendency of improving antioxidant capacity of dairy cows.

Key words: music; dairy cow; milk production; antioxidant capacity