Abstract: [Objective] To explore the effect of grape seed extract on lactation performance and milk quality of perinatal dairy cows. [Method] In this experiment, 60 perinatal Holstein cows with healthy body, similar parity, similar lactation cycle and expected date of delivery were divided into 4 groups of 15 cows each, and 3 replicates of 5 cows each were set up in each group. 0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% grape seed extract were added to the basic diet in the control group, experimental group I, group II and group III respectively. On the 42nd day of the formal experiment, the average daily milk production, average daily feed intake, feed-milk ratio, milk fat rate, milk protein rate, lactose rate and somatic cell count of Holstein cows in each group were statistically analyzed. [Result] Compared with the control group, the average daily feed intake and average daily milk production of the experimental groups I, II and III were significantly increased, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). The feed-to-milk ratio of groups I, II and III decreased significantly, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). The milk fat rate, milk protein rate and lactose rate in groups I, II and III increased significantly, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). The somatic cell counts in the milk of groups I, II and III were significantly reduced and the differences were significant (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Grape seed extract can significantly improve the lactation performance and milk quality of perinatal dairy cows. Adding 0.3% grape seed extract to the basic diet has the best effect.

Key words: grape seed extract, perinatal cows, lactation performance, milk quality