Effect of mineral supplementation on incidence of reproduction disturbances and fertility parameters in Polish Holstein-Friesian cows

Abstract

The research was undertaken to determine the effect of the mineral mixture Bovifosfomag®, recipe-adapted to the biogeochemical conditions prevailing in the region of animal residence, on cow fertility and productivity. A two-year study was conducted with 96 multiparous Polish Holstein-Friesian cows (Black-and-White variety) in four farms located in eastern Poland. Herds with an average of 24 cows, were divided into two groups, i.e. control and treatment. Control group cows received no mineral mixture. Animals from the treatment groups received the Bovifosfomag® mineral mixture. The composition of the mix took into account the geobiochemical conditions of farm location. Cows were routinely checked by the veterinarian for reproductive problems. Health records included abortion, endometritis, anoestrus and paresis puerperalis. Fertility measures were calculated using calving dates and insemination dates and included: first service pregnancy rate, gestation interval, calving interval, insemination index and fertility status. The analysis of fertility indices and clinical diseases of the reproductive system showed that there was a significant decrease in fertility of the studied animals. Mineral nutrition is given a special role in cow fertility. It was found that it is possible to affect the improvement in mineral supply of cows by including a mineral additive in the form of Bovifosfomag® mixture in the dietary dose. A positive effect of the mineral mixture on the reproductive indices and a decrease in the incidence of clinical forms of reproductive diseases was found. This indicates the advisability of the mineral mixture of the proposed component composition used in the experiment.