Effects of Calcium Supplementation on Blood Metabolites, Subclinical Mastitis and Reproductive Efficiency in Poor Performing Postpartum Dairy Cows
Effects of Calcium Supplementation on Blood Metabolites, Subclinical Mastitis and Reproductive Efficiency in Poor Performing Postpartum Dairy Cows
Shah Murad Khan1, Rifat Ullah Khan1*, Hamayun Khan1 and Sarzamin Khan2
ABSTRACT
Calcium supplementation is anticipated to positively impact reproductive performance, potentially enhancing fertility rates and outcomes. The current study aimed to assess the effects of varied calcium supplementation levels on milk yield, blood metabolites, udder health status, and reproductive performance. Cows (N=45) in F2 were categorized into three groups: Control (no calcium supplementation), low dietary calcium (50 g/day calcium bolus), and high dietary calcium (100 g/day calcium) over a 4-week period. Milk yield was recorded daily throughout the study. At the conclusion, blood metabolites (calcium, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, cortisol), somatic cell count, and reproductive performance parameters (progesterone, estrus interval, visual estrus, services per conception, and days open) were assessed. The findings indicated a linear (P<0.01) increase in calcium concentration in the treated groups compared to the control, demonstrating the impact of dietary calcium supplementation. Moreover, elevating the calcium dose from 50 to 100g led to a significant (P<0.01) increase in serum calcium concentration. Additionally, lactation performance was significantly (P<0.01) enhanced in both treatment groups compared to the control group, underscoring the positive influence of calcium supplementation on this aspect. Nevertheless, no statistical difference was observed between the low and high dietary calcium supplemented groups. Calcium supplementation exhibited a significant (P<0.01) linear decrease in somatic cell count compared to the control group. Glucose levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 and T2 groups than in the control; however, no significant (P>0.05) difference was found between the treated groups. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides showed no significant variation over time (P>0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in cortisol levels between the treated and control groups. The data analysis revealed a significantly higher (P<0.05) serum progesterone concentration in the treatment groups compared to the control. Similarly, the interestrus interval (IEI) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the control group compared to the treatment groups, shortening from 45 days to 24 days. However, no difference was observed between the treatment groups for the interestrus interval. The incidence of visual estrus mirrored the same pattern (P<0.01) as the IEI. Furthermore, the number of services required for conception significantly reduced in the treatment group. In conclusion, calcium supplementation is associated with elevated serum progesterone levels, indicative of improved fertility in highly productive postpartum dairy cows.
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