Herbal Combo Therapy’ for Oestrus Induction in Postpartum Anoestrus Cows

Abstract

The research was aimed at studying the effect of a ‘Herbal combo therapy’ (HCT) on induction of oestrus and enhancement of fertility in postpartum anoestrus (PPA) in crossbred cows. Crossbred cows (n = 24) which were diagnosed for true anoestrus condition were utilized for the study. All the cows were dewormed and randomly divided into two groups (i) Control group (n = 10): No treatment schedule and (ii) Treatment group (n = 14): HCT involving a sequential administration of Raphanus sativus, Aloe vera, Moringa oleifera, Cissuss quadrangularisis and Murraya koenigii for a period of 20 days. The animals which expressed oestrus signs during the experimental period were inseminated and pregnancy was confirmed. Diameter of the largest follicle was documented on the initiation day of experiment and at the end of the experimental period or on the day of expression of induced oestrus. Perusal of the data revealed that 71.4 per cent of the PPA animals responded to the HCT by expressing oestrus signs within the experimental period as against 10.0 per cent in control group. The follicular diameter significantly increased in HCT group (11.8 + 2.4 mm) than the control group (9.6 + 0.8 mm). The overall conception rate among the PPA cows treated with HCT was much higher (57.1%) than the control group (10.0%). Steroidogenic activity, rich nutrient source and anti-inflammatory properties of HCT would have potentiated the follicular development and thereby induced oestrus and improved conception rate in anoestrus cows.