1Division of Animal Nutrition, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Corresponding Author: Narayan Dutta, Division of Animal Nutrition, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, Uttar Pradesh, India, Email: dutta65@gmail.com
The exploratory trial explored the effects of a high plane of nutrition in combination with herbal feed additive on feed intake, metabolic and hormonal profiles, antioxidant potential, immunity and productive and reproductive efficiency in postpartum Tharparkar cows.
The experiment was carried out on eighteen cows (30-60 d post calving), randomly allocated to three groups: A control group (CON) fed fresh green fodder, wheat straw and concentrate feed; T1 receives a 10% higher concentrate feed and T2 receiving the T1 diet plus a herbal supplement.
The cows of T1 as well as T2 groups had substantially elevated DM and OM intake. The cows of T2 group exhibited reduced serum NEFA levels (99.39 vs. 103.80), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities including GPx, CAT, SOD and total antioxidant potential, higher serum T3 as well as T4, lower cortisol and LPO and enhanced delayed type immunity. Both T1 and T2 groups had more daily milk yield, 4% FCM and ECM, while T2 exhibited higher DPPH action in milk. The cows in T2 group showed earlier estrus, higher conception rates and required fewer artificial inseminations.
A. racemosus, Milk production, Reproduction, Tharparkar, T. cordifolia, W. somnifera
