Impact of Supplementing Propylene Glycol and Calcium Propionate to Primiparous Buffalo Cows During the Late Gestation and Early Lactation Period on Reproductive Performance and Metabolic Parameters

Abstract

Eighteen primiparous Egyptian buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis) at late pregnancy (last 8 weeks of gestation) with an average live body weight of 500±25 kg and aged 35±5 months were used to assess the effect of supplementation propylene glycol (PG) and calcium propionate (CP) as a source of energy on some productive traits of Primiparous dams and some metabolic parameters related to fertility. Animals were divided into three similar groups (6/each) based on live body weight (LBW), body condition scores (BCS), expected calving date. The experimental animal in the 1st group control (C), were drenched 3 liters of saline solution (Nacl 0.9%) without any other supplementation, while in the 2nd group (PG) were drenched 300 ml of propylene glycol dissolved in 3 liters of a saline solution and in the 3rd group (CP), animals supplemented with 335g of calcium propionate dissolved in 3 liters of a saline solution. All treatments were administered through esophagus via esophagus feeder tube twice/weekly throughout the experimental period. Animals were fed individually allowances of concentrate feed mixture (CFM), berseem hay and rice straw which were adjusted according to the physiological and productive stage according to N.R.C (1988). Live body weight of Primiparous buffaloes and their calves at birth, Drop of fetal membranes (hour), First estrus post-partum (day), the interval from calving to first estrus were recorded. Number of service per conception, days open, calving interval and frequency distribution (%) were also calculated. Blood samples were collected from all buffalo cows for measuring non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose and Insulin concentration. Supplementation of (PG) and (CP) treatment revealed significant differences on live body weights, reproductive parameters as first estrus post partum, days open and number of service per conception and blood metabolites as NEFA, BUN and glucose concentration. In brief supplementation of (PG) and (CP) treatment during transition period to primiparous buffalo cows had a great impact on reproductive performance and some metabolic parameters related to fertility.