Effect of High Energy Diet with Additional Supplementation of Copper, Zinc, Selenium and Vit. E during the Transition Period on Ovarian Steroids and Reproductive Performance in the Crossbred Cows

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objective to study the effect of high energy diet supplemented with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and Vit E on ovarian steroids and reproductive performance during transition period in crossbred cattle. Periparturient crossbred cows (n= 20) between 2^nd to 4^th parity with lactation yield of >10 L/day were divided into two equal groups. Cows in Group I were given high energy diet in the form of 20% additional concentrate supplemented with Cu (15.7mg/kg DM), Zn (22 mg/kg DM) Se (0.3 mg/kg DM) and vit E (80 IU/kg DM). Whereas, Group II cows were fed basal diet kept as control. Blood samples were to determine estradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄) in the serum using RIA. Postpartum reproductive performance was assessed in terms of resumption of postpartum estrus, calving to conception interval, pregnancy rate and service per conception. Serum E₂ increased significantly from -1 to +8 weeks in Group I as compared to Group II. Further, serum P₄ level increased significantly from +1, +2 and +6 weeks in Group I in comparison with Group II. Marked improvement in the fertility was recorded in terms of resumption of postpartum estrus, reduced calving to conception interval, service per conception and higher pregnancy rate.