Effect of Nutrient Improvement and Mineral Premix Supplementation on Weight, Average Daily Gain, and Metabolite Profile of Repeat Breeder Cows

Abstract

Nutrient overload, deficiency, or imbalance are fundamental issues that frequently arises in breeder cows. Malnutrition in cattle can cause delayed puberty, an increased risk of pregnancy failure, and infertility. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrient improvement and mineral premix supplementation on body weight, average daily gain, and blood metabolite profile of repeat breeder cattle. Sixteen Simmental Cross cattle aged 4 to 5 years (calved at least once) with an average S/C of 5 and an average body weight of 400 kg were used. The feed provided was forage, Profeed® concentrate, High Quality Feed Supplement (HQFS) and mineral premix. This study was initiated by selecting repeat breeder cattle of smallholder farmers. The selected cattle were reared for three months in the research cage with a predetermined feed for each group. During the research period, four weighings were carried out to determine the body weight of the cattle. Blood samples were taken for testing of the blood metabolite profile; at the beginning and end of the study. The collected samples were then analyzed in the laboratory, and the resulting data was analyzed for variance using the independent-t-test and paired t-test. The results showed that the addition of 0.5% mineral premix had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on body weight gain. In the blood metabolite profile, the improvement in nutrition had a significant effect (P<0.05) on glucose levels (H-0 and H-71). It can be concluded that the supplementation of 0.5% mineral premix has no effect on body weight and blood metabolite profiles. Repeat breeder cattle on smallholder farmers have low glucose levels, so improving nutrition (quality and quantity) is a matter of concern to support pregnancy.