The effect of Glycoline® on reproductive efficiency in high-producing dairy cows

Abstract

Objective. Determine the effect of Glycoline® on reproductive efficiency in high producing dairy cows. Materials and methods. 100 Holstein cows one month before delivery were selected. About 21 days before parturition they were put in a barn and were randomized in two groups: Glycoline® Group (GG, n=50), 300 g/day of Glycoline® for 21 days antepartum and 250 g/day of GlycoLine® over the following 21 days postpartum, and the Control Group (CG, n=50) with the same feed and silage ration as GG during the same period, but without the addition of Glycoline®. Events and reproductive variables of the cows were recorded for 202 days. The data were systematized, analyzed and statistically compared. Results. Comparisons were made between GG and CG respectively: Retained placenta (0.0 vs. 12.0%; p=0.027), downer cow syndrome (14.3 vs. 44.0%; p=0.002), uterine involution (64.6 vs. 36.4%; p=0.019 ), uterine infection (10.4% vs. 35.5%; p=0.006), no ovarian activity (6.3 vs. 25.6%; p=0.018), follicular cysts (0.0 vs. 18.2%, p = 0.002), luteal structures (25.0 vs. 9.3% ; p=0.058), mean estrus presentation (40.1% vs. 63.5%; p=0.033) inseminated females (79.6 vs. 68.0%; p=0.017), pregnancy rate at day 150 (57.1 vs. 46.0%; p=0.317 ) and intervals (days): calving to 1st estrus (39.8 vs. 63.2; p=0.006), calving to IA (62.4 vs. 87.5; p=0.006) calving to conception (81.7 vs. 93.6; p=0.006; p=0.103). Conclusions. Results suggest that dietary Glycoline® added in the transition period improves reproductive efficiency of high-producing dairy cows.