Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) has anti-oxidative, immunomodulatory and lactogenic functions. Effect of supplementing shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) root powder in the ration of peri-parturient Hardhenu cattle was evaluated. Based on most probable milk producing ability, parity and body weight, sixteen advance pregnant Hardhenu cows were divided into non-supplemental control group (CON; n=8) and supplemental group (SRP; n=8) which was fed shatavari root powder (SRP) @ 100mg/kg body from 60 days pre-partum until parturition and 200mg/kg body weight from parturition to 90 days post-partum. Milk yield, milk fat and protein percentage was significantly (P<0.05) higher in SRP group compared to CON. Milk somatic cell count (x10⁵ cells/ml) and mean CMT score was significantly (P<0.05) lower in SRP group than CON. Percentage of teats infected with moderate (++) and serious (+++) sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) was comparatively less in SRP group than CON group (20.4 and 0.0% vs. 39.7 and 14.3%). Incidence of SCM during supplemental period was significantly (P<0.05) lower in SRP group while it was comparable (P>0.05) to CON group during residual period. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and total protein was significantly (P<0.05) higher while BUN was lower (P<0.05) in SRP group as compared to CON group. Milk yield was increased by 8.79% in SRP and the cost benefit ratio of supplementing shatavari was 1:2.59. It was concluded that shatavari supplementation in the diet of peri-parturient cows augments milk production, improves qualitative attributes of milk and reduces incidence of sub-clinical mastitis.