Figure 2.

Serum concentrations of cortisol (A) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) (B) in lactating ¾ Holstein × ¼ Gir dairy cows assigned to receive (SUPP; n = 18) or not (CON; n = 18) 30 g/cow daily (as-fed basis) of a supplement containing condensed tannins, essential oils, and pungent compounds (Actifor Pro; Delacon Biotechnik GmbH; Steyregg, Austria) from d 0 to 84 of the experiment. Values obtained on d –7 and 0 were averaged and included as covariate within each respective analysis; therefore, values reported are covariately adjusted least square means. Treatment × day interaction were detected (P ≤ 0.02). Treatment comparison within days; † P ≤ 0.10. * P ≤ 0.05, ** P < 0.01.