Effect of composite neutraceutical regimens on mineral homeostasis in hypogalactic crossbred cows

Comparative efficacy of different composite neutraceutical feed supplementation regimens incorporating the area-specific mineral mixture ASMM, probiotics (live yeast culture) and galactopoietic-cum-therapeutic indigenous herbal preparations in maintenance of mineral homeostasis in hypogalactic cross-bred cows was evaluated. The herbal galactagogues included Chandrasur, garden cress (Lepidium sativum, Linn.), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and Methi (Trigonella foenum-graceum). Total 42 hypogalactic crossbred cows were randomly divided into seven equal groups, each comprising 6 animals: six treatment groups T₂ -T₇ (ASMM + probiotics + herbal galactagogues, singly or in combination), and the control group T₁ (ASMM + probiotics, without herbal galactagogues). Plasma total calcium concentration revealed a noteworthy increasing trend on day 30 which persisted on day 60 in all treatment groups. The apparent increases in circulatory titres of inorganic phosphate (Pi) because of treatments were statistically not significant. The Ca: Pi ratio showed significant (P <0.01) increase virtually in all treatments. Further, marked elevation in the plasma magnesium concentration was noteworthy. Micro-mineral profile revealed significant increases in the titre of zinc because of different treatments (P <0.05) at varying intervals (P < 0.01). However, the apparent increases in the concentrations of copper and cobalt were statistically not significant.