Effect of High Energy Diet Supplementation during Periparturient Period on Ovarian Steroids and Reproductive Performance in Vrindavani Cows

Abstract

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of high energy diet supplementation during periparturient period on ovarian steroids and reproductive performance in vrindavani cows. Postpartum vrindavani cows (n= 20) of second to fourth parity with lactation yield of > 10 L/day were divided in to two groups (n=10 cow/group). Group I (CON) cows were fed with basal diet to serve as control. Group II (TRT) cows were provided with 20% extra concentrates in the form of energy. 20% additional concentrate diet was supplemented from second week to eight week after calving. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval from 4 week before calving to8weeks after calving. Blood samples were collected to determine estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in the serum using RIA. Postpartum reproductive performance was assessed in terms occurrence of first postpartum estrus, calving to conception interval, conception rate and number of service per conception. Serum estradiol and progesterone concentration increased significantly(P<0.05) from 2 to 8 week postpartum in Group II as compared to Group I. Marked significant(P<0.05)improvement in the postpartum reproductive performance in terms of early occurrence of first postpartum estrus(67.0Vs 53.0), reduced calving to conception interval(85.87 Vs74.4), service per conception (1.62 Vs 1.2), days from calving to first AI(88.5 Vs 65.73), higher first AI conception rate(40 Vs 80%) and cumulative conception rate(88.52 Vs 65.73%) in group II as compared to group I. In conclusion, additional high energy diet supplemented group showed significant increased ovarian steroid hormonal concentrations and marked improvement in the reproductive performance in Vrindavani cows.