Abstract: The aim of this study to investigate the effects of beta-carotene and its compound additives on somatic cell count in milk,milk composition,milk yield,and reproductive performance of dairy cows.A total of 60 Chinese Holstein cows were selected.They were at the same parity and had close milk yield,body weight,and score of body condition.They were assigned randomly into four groups.The cows in the control group were fed with diet not supplemented any feed additive.The cows in the group I were fed with diet supplemented beta-carotene （600 mg/d for each cow）.The cows in the group II were fed with diet supplemented beta-carotene （600 mg/d for each cow） and vitamin E （1 000 IU/d for each cow）.The cows in the group III were fed with diet supplemented beta-carotene （600 mg/d for each cow）,vitamin E （1 000 IU/d for each cow） and zinc methionine （360 mg/d for each kg）.The trial period was 60 d,following a 10 d pre-trial period.The results showed that the diets supplemented beta-carotene and its compound additives increased milk yield,improved milk quality,and enhanced the reproductive performance of dairy cows.The beta-carotene compound additives containing vitamin E and/or zinc methionine greatly enhanced the reproductive performance of dairy cows.Therefore,in addition to nutritional regulation used to improve negative energy balance of dairy cows at perinatal stage or in early lactation period,supplementation of betacarotene and its compound additives that are closely related to reproduction and immunity can effectively enhance the reproductive performance,immunity and production performance of dairy cows.