Effect of feeding mineral supplement on the reproductive performance of anoestrous cows

Post partum anoestrous cows (50; 4–6 years aged) were selected in new alluvial zone of West Bengal (Ghatal Block) to study the effect of feeding different mineral supplements on health and reproductive performance. The animals randomly divided into five groups in a completely randomized design were offered diet either without mineral supplementation (c), with mineral supplement (M), with mineral supplement and Phytase @ 2.5% of the mineral supplement (MP), with mineral supplement, Phytase @ 2.5% of the mineral supplement and vitamin AD @ 49500 and 4500 IU/animal/d respectively (MPV) or with mineral and vitamin AD @ 49500 and 4500 IU/animal/d respectively (MV). The mineral supplement contained 18.5% Ca, 16.3% P, 1.29% Zn, 0.33% Cu and 1.13% Mn. Concentration of plasma aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), total protein and albumin was increased (P<0.01) when mineral supplement was used in diet. Addition of vitamin AD and or phytase with mineral supplement showed improvement of plasma proteins concentration than using mineral supplement only. Concentration of plasma cholesterol was higher in MV which is comparable to MPV and MP, but differed (P<0.01) from Cand M. Plasma Ca and P was higher (P<0.01) in MPV and MP compared to other. Concentration of plasma trace minerals was increased (P<0.04) when different forms of mineral supplement were fed compared to control. Plasma Cu and Zn were higher (P<0.01) in MP and MPV cows whereas Fe and Mn of M MP MPV and MV were comparable. Feeding of mineral supplement improved % of estrous and conception rate which was again improved when phytase and or vitamin AD was added with it The results indicated the usefulness of feeding phytase and/or vitamin AD with mineral supplement to improve health status plasma trace minerals % estrous and conception rate in post partum milch anoestrous cows.