Effect of Fat and Protein Along with Polyherbal Preparation on Reproductive Health of Periparturient Karan Fries Cows

Abstract

Background: The term “transition” comprises the various important physiological, metabolic and nutritional changes in the productive cycle of the cattle. It influences lactation, nutritional status, postpartum diseases and reproductive performance of the animal. It is, therefore, important to elaborate various nutritional strategies in this phase for optimizing productivity and minimizing health problems. A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the influence of fat and protein along with indigenous traditional knowledge-based polyherbal preparation supplementation on reproductive and immune parameters of periparturient crossbred cows. Methods: Twenty-seven pregnant Karan Fries cows, in their last trimester were selected and divided into 3 treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) consisting of nine animals each, based on most probable production ability (MPPA; 3002 kg) and body weight (423 kg). Cows of groups T1 (control), T2 and T3 were given TMRs having 13.1, 13.1, 16.1% crude protein (CP) and 9.82, 9.82, 10.8 MJ/kg metabolizable energy (ME) respectively, during pre-partum period. Whereas, during post-partum period, cows were offered TMRs containing 14.0, 16.8, 16.8% CP and 10.2, 11.0, 11.0 (MJ/kg) ME, respectively. T2 and T3 groups were also supplemented with polyherbal preparation post-partum. Result: The results revealed that cows in T2 and T3 group had lower incidence of retained placenta, cervicitis, metritis and better conception rate than cows of control group. Also, dietary treatments facilitated early involution of pre gravid uterine horn (P less than 0.05). Plasma total immunoglobulins (mg/ml) concentration was found to be significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in T3 group followed by T2 group. Hence, it was concluded that increasing energy and protein levels along with polyherbal mixture supplementation during transition period reduced periparturient stress and improved reproductive performance of dairy cows.