Effect of β-carotene supplementation in dairy cows on concentrations in blood and colostrum, reproduction and udder health
Green forages have high concentrations of β-carotene, but these can be reduced during storage, from levels of 300 ppm to 10 ppm at the end of winter. β-carotene concentrations in cows are affected by the productive cycle, where plasma concentrations decrease during the dry period, reaching their lowest point around day 4 or 6 postpartum; causing reproductive problems due to the possible affectation of progesterone levels. This study was carried out between August 2014 and December 2015 in San Pedro de Poás (Costa Rica), in a semi-stabled dairy. The effect of different sources of β-carotene on its concentrations in colostrum and blood, progesterone concentration, reproductive parameters and somatic cells in milk was evaluated. Eighteen dry cows were used for this study, separated into 3 groups (Control, parenteral β-carotene (T1) and enteral β-carotene (T2)). Plasma concentrations of β-carotene were affected during the productive cycle, being the lowest level just after calving (p<0.015). Enteral administration of β-carotene was only able to produce significant changes in blood concentrations of progesterone and β-carotene during the first 120 days postpartum, without significantly affecting the reproductive parameters of the evaluated cows or somatic cell counts.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Universidad de Costa Rica
2022
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| Online Access: | https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/nutrianimal/article/view/50819 |
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