Reproductive performance of dairy buffaloes supplemented with varying levels of vitamin E

Abstract

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on plasma α-tocopherol level, total antioxidant level and reproductive performance in Murrah buffaloes was studied during periparturient period. Twenty-four advance pregnant buffaloes were randomly divided into four equal groups as T1, T2, T3 and T4 and were supplemented with 0, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 IU of α-tocopheryl acetate (Merck) from 60 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum and 0, 500, 750 and 1,000 IU from 30 to 60 days postpartum, respectively. Blood samples were collected at -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, 0, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of parturition and were analyzed for plasma α-tocopherol and total antioxidant activity (TAA). The intake of DM, CP and TDN did not vary among different groups. Plasma α-tocopherol and TAA around parturition (-7 to 15 day) in T3 and T4 were significantly higher than the control group. There was 17% reduction in retention of fetal membranes (RFM) and metritis in T4 than control. The post partum estrus interval averaged 58.00, 55.33, 51.83 and 43.00 days in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. There was significant reduction in days open in both T3 and T4 in comparison to T 1 group (127,130 Vs. 146). All the vitamin E supplemented groups showed reduction in days open than their previous lactation performance. Supplementation of vitamin E at 1,500 IU d-1 from 60 day prepartum to 30 day post partum to buffaloes exhibited beneficial effect on plasma α-tocopherol level and TAA around parturition and continuation of its supplementation at 1,000 IU d-1 from 30 to 60 days of lactation improved post partum reproductive performance of buffaloes.