Changes in Hormonal Profile, Uterine Involution and Postpartum Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Cows Supplemented with Omega–3 Fatty Acid Rich Feed during Transition Period

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effects of fat (α-Linolenic acid) supplementation during transition period on postpartum reproductive performance in crossbred dairy cattle. It was hypothesized that feeding flaxseed, which is a source rich in omega-3 fatty acids (FA) would improve the postpartum reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cattle. Advanced pregnant crossbred cows (n = 24) were divided into two groups of 12 cows each. Cows in group 1 (control) were fed with standard ration plus 600g molasses/day/head based on National Research Council recommendation, while cows in group 2 (treatment) were fed with standard ration plus crushed flaxseed (Omega-3 FA source) 750 g/head/day from one month before the due date of parturition till one month after parturition. The parameters studied were uterine involution status, resumption of ovarian activity, progesterone concentration, conception rate, embryo mortality, plasma concentration of prostaglandin F metabolite (PGFM) and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Compared to cows only receiving standard ration, flaxseed supplemented cows showed lower (p<0.01) average mean (3.48 ± 0.179ng/ml) PGFM but higher average (3.48 ± 0.179 pg/ml), P4 and (46.695 ±1.491 pg/ml) IGF-1 concentration at across different Transition Period sampling dates. Earlier uterine involution and resumption of ovarian activity (p<0.05) was observed in flaxseed supplemented groups compared to control ones. Conception rate was also significantly (p<0.01) higher and embryo mortality was significantly (p<0.01) lower in supplemented cows compared with control cows. It could be inferred from the study that the postpartum reproductive performance of cattle can be improved through supplementation of α-linolenic acid during transition period.