Effect of feedinghigh energy diet on the plasma biochemical profile and reproductive performance of lactating cross bred cows

A study was conducted for 150 days to assess the effect of high energy diet on the performance of cross bred cows in early lactation. Crossbred cows were divided into 3 groups of 6 each. The cows in 2^ndand 3^rd groups were supplemented daily with 1 and 2 kg energy supplement (ground maize), respectively. Animal in all groups showed similar plasma biochemical profile viz., blood urea nitrogen, plasma calcium, plasma inorganic phosphorus, plasma magnesium, iron and plasma copper; whereas plasma glucose was high in both maize supplemented groups. The animals supplemented with 1 kg maize attained post-partum heat earlier. Though supplementation of ground maize at 1 and 2kgcow⁻¹ day⁻¹ did not affect plasma biochemical profile or reproductive performance significantly. Supplementation of ground maize at 1 kg day⁻¹ cow⁻¹ resulted in higher plasma glucose and reduced the days to first post-partum service.