The effects of long-chain fatty acids supplemented to rations during the transition and early lactation periods on reproductive performance in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

This study is based on the hypothesis that adding rumen bypass unsaturated fatty acids to rations during the transition and early lactation periods will reduce metabolic stress, milk fat synthesis, and milk fat concentration, increase the prevalence of estrus signs and fertilization rates and facilitate the implantation of the embryo. Thus, it was aimed to reveal the effects of calcium soap of long-chain fatty acids (CSFA) added to rations during the transition and early lactation periods in Simmental cattle with low estrus signs. Primiparous and multiparous Simmental cattle were used in the study. The animals were divided into two groups by random sampling, including 62 animals in the CSFA diet group and 44 animals in the basal ration (control; C) group. The modified Ovsynch protocol was used as the synchronization protocol. Pre-ovulatory follicle and uterine tension values were not significantly different between the CSFA and C groups (p>0.05). The rates of both the standing reflex and cervical mucus were greater in the CSFA group than in C (p<0.05). Conception rates on the 30th-35th and 60th-65th days were greater in the CSFA diet group than in C (p<0.05). Consequently, in this study, a positive correlation was identified between the appearance of estrus signs at the time of TAI application and conception outcomes. It was determined that supplementing 800 g/day CSFA to the rations of Simmental cattle with low rates of estrus signs in the transition and early lactation periods increased estrus signs and conception rates.