Effect of Supplementation of Antioxidant (Vitamin E), Trace Minerals (Selenium, Copper, Zinc) and Increased Energy Allowance on (certain) Serum Metabolites and Competence of Transition Crossbred Cows

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of antioxidant [vitamin E (vit E)] and trace minerals [selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn)], high energy diet supplementation and its effect on allometric and physio-biochemical parameters in crossbred cows during transition period. For this, advanced pregnant crossbred cows (n = 20) of 2 nd to 4 th parity and lactation potential of >10 L/day at 28 days prepartum were divided into two groups viz. control (CON) and treatment (TRT) consisting of 10 animals each. TRT group was supplemented with Vit E @ 80 IU/kg DMI + Se @ 0.3 mg/kg DMI+ Cu @ 15.7 mg/kg DMI + Zn @ 22 mg/kg DMI incorporated in wheat flour bolus from -4 to 8 week of calving and were provided with 20% additional concentrate from 2 to 8 week of calving to TRT group. CON group was given only basal diet without any supplementation. Physiological responses, body weight (B.wt) and body condition score (BCS) of each animal was recorded. Blood samples were collected on weekly interval from -4 to 8 week of calving. Glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol were estimated from serum using commercial kits. BCS and B.wt were maintained significantly better (p<0.05) in TRT than CON group. Physiological responses showed better adaptation in TRT as compare to CON group. Plasma cholesterol, triglyceride (p<0.05) and glucose (p<0.01) levels were also found significantly elevated in TRT versus CON group. Thus, Vit E, Se, Cu and Zn supplementation showed positive impact on overall health status and adaptability of the animals.

Enhancing Levels of Vitamins A, C, and E (Anti-oxidants) in Broiler-Feeds to Improve Their Feed Conversion Ratios and Reduce Cost of Production

“…There is need to protect our birds (broilers) from oxidative stress to enable them grow fast, perform well and yield huge profit within a short period of time thereby reducing cost of production. It is considered that the components of the feeding will have a modulating effect in the maintenance of this balance [11]. Inclusion of additional levels of antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, and E in broiler feeds as recommended by NRC, [12] is one of the ways to achieve this goal in broiler production.…”