Effect of Feed Restriction on Physio-Biochemical Changes, Milk Yield and Expression Profile of Leptin in Crossbred Cow

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of dietary feed restriction on physio-biochemical, milk yield, hormonal and leptin mRNA expression in crossbred cows. Fourteen lactating crossbred cows of uniform age were divided into two groups viz. Group I (n=7; optimal) and Group II (n=7; sub-optimal, 70% intake of the optimal group i.e., 30% feed restriction than the optimal group). The study was conducted for the period of 42 days. Blood and milk samples were collected at the interval of 7 days and individual milk production was recorded daily. There was a significant (p˂0.05) reduction in body weight, body condition score and physiological responses like rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate in GII cows. Glucose, albumin, creatinine, total protein and cholesterol were significantly (p˂0.05) affected. Tri iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and leptin concentration were found to be decreased (p˂0.05), however, cortisol concentration was increased (p˂0.05) in GII cows. In addition, milk yield was decreased (p˂0.05) and also leptin gene expression was decreased significantly (p˂0.05) in GII cows. The present findings indicates that 30% feed restriction adversely affect the physio-biochemical responses, hormonal profile, milk yield and leptin mRNA expression of crossbred cows.