Impact of Area Specific Micronutrient Supplementation in Peri-Parturient Malvi Cows on the Udder Health and Milk Production

Objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of area specific micronutrients on udder health, milk yield, and its quality in Malvi cows under field conditions. Eighteen healthy multiparous advanced pregnant Malvi cows, having similar body weights (317.95±5.93kg), parity (3 and 4), and feeding conditions were divided into 2 equal groups in which diet was supplemented with or without a micronutrient. This supplementation study was continued for 2 months during advanced pregnancy and thereafter for 2 months post-calving. Dry matter (DM) intake during the pre-and postpartum remained comparable (P>0.05) between two groups. Udder health, milk pH and somatic cell count improved (P<0.05) in the micronutrients supplemented group. The average milk yield was increased (P<0.05) by 16.42 % in supplemented group. There was no effect of micronutrient supplementation on milk chemical composition (Fat, TS (Total solid), SNF (Solid not fat), lactose and protein) in dairy cows. These findings suggest that supplementation of micronutrient in the ration of peri-parturient Malvi cows not only improved the udder health by reducing the occurrence of mastitis but also increased the milk yield without affecting milk quality.