The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding a gluconeogenic precursor containing calcium propionate, propylene glycol, and glycerol on serum concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and milk yield in transition Holstein cows under Chilean conditions. The study was conducted in a commercial dairy farm located in central Chile. Cows were housed in a freestall system with headlocks, milked 3 times per day and fed a total mixed ration containing alfalfa hay, corn silage, and concentrate to meet or exceed the requirements proposed by the National Research Council (2001). At 21 d before expected parturition 40 multiparous cows were assigned at random to either a control or a treated group to achieve at least 15 cows per group at 30 DIM. The cows in the control group received the default periparturient TMR diet. Cows in the treatment group received 300 g of a supplement containing 70 g of calcium propionate, 95 g of propylene glycol and 330 g of glycerol top dressed on the TMR during morning feedings when cows were head-locked. This feeding protocol was continued into the postpartum period until 30 d in milk. Seventeen and 18 cows completed the protocol in the control and the treatment group, respectively. Blood samples were collected at calving for NEFA quantitation and later at 7, 14 and 21 d postpartum for BHBA determination. The average daily milk yield up to 60-d of lactation was significantly higher (2 kg per day) in the treated than the control group (P < 0.05). NEFA (mEq/L) at calving were higher in the control (0.75 ± 0.1) than the treated group (0.55 ± 0.1; P < 0.05). The concentration of serum BHBA at 14 d postpartum was lower in control (0.60 ± 0.11 mmol/L) than treated cows (0.98 ± 0.11 mmol/L; P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing the default diet with gluconeogenic precursors during the pre- and postpartum period improved milk yield during the first 60 d of lactation and maintained a moderated metabolic energy status in Chilean dairy cattle.