Effect of Vitamin A on Estrous Intensity, Number of Follicles, Follicles Diameter and Pregnancy Rate in Beef Cows

Abstract

Moringa leaves are used as feed to increase the intensity of estrus. It is assumed that the positive effect on the Moringa leaves is due to the presence of vitamin A. This study aims to see the response of vitamin A as a supplement feed to the reproductive performance of beef cows including estrous intensity, number of follicles, follicle diameter, and pregnancy rate. The research was conducted in September-November 2022 in Lappariaja District, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi Province. 10 cows were used which were divided into 2 groups, each group consisting of 5 cows. Group 1 was the control group without vitamin A and group 2 was supplemented with vitamin A. The data on estrus intensity, number of follicles and pregnancy rate obtained were processed using the Chi-square analysis of 2x2 contingency tables. If the Chi-square test does not meet the requirements, the formula used is the Fisher exact test. While the data on the diameter of the follicles were analyzed by ANOVA test. The results of the research data showed that supplementation of vitamin A had a significant difference (P<0.05) on the intensity of estrous. Meanwhile, the results of the chi-square test on the number of follicles and pregnancy rates (P>0.05) showed that there was no significant difference. Likewise, the ANOVA test on follicle diameter between control cows and vitamin A treated cows did not have a significant difference. Although in this study it did not affect the number of follicles, follicle diameter and pregnancy rate. However, it has an economic effect of 20% on the pregnancy rate in the livestock industry scale.