The effects of calcium, phosphorus and zinc supplementation on reproductive performance of crossbred dairy cows in Tanzania

Abstract

The effects of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on reproductive performance of grazing dairy cows was studied. Forty-eight cows in their first to third parity were allocated to eight groups of 6 animals each, based on stage of lactation and milk yield. Groups 1 (control), 2 (Ca), 3 (P) and 4 (Zn) received, respectively, no mineral supplement, 10 g Ca, 8 g P and 400 mg Zn. The rest of the groups received a combination of Ca/P, Ca/Zn, P/Zn or Ca/P/Zn. Animals were drenched daily. Ovarian activity was determined by progesterone concentrations in milk. Prepartum body condition score (BCS) measured using scale 1-5 was 2.5-3.5. Reproductive problems were observed in all groups except that supplemented with Ca. Cows supplemented with Ca, P, Ca/P, Ca/Zn and Ca/P/Zn had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter interval (30 days) from calving to resumption of oestrus as compared to control (69 days). Intervals from calving to conception and between calvings did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05), but were shorter in Ca-supplemented cows. Furthermore, cows in groups 2 and 3 needed an average of 2 services per conception against 3 for cows in other groups. Hence, supplementation with Ca, P and Zn of deficient dairy cows appears to improve reproductive performance.

Influence of organic phosphorus on reproductive performance and metabolic profiles of anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics at the end of breeding season

“…Our results indicated improvement of ewes’ reproduction through the significant increase in numbers and sizes of ovarian follicles and size of corpora lutea in addition to reproductive performances parameters as days to 1st oestrus, number of services/conception, pregnancy rate and levels of estradiol and progesterone as well. Our results concerning the improvement of ewes’ reproduction and health are in agreement with studies in other species (Orden et al., ; Phiri et al., ). Decreased phosphorus concentration as a mineral supplement did not modify the reproductive parameters in beef cows (Costa, Ponsano, de Souza, & Malafaia, ) while others reported that phosphorus in mineral supplements was associated with good reproductive performance in ruminants (McDowell, Conrad, Ellis, & Loosli, ).…”

“…Current investigation showed a beneficial effect of phosphorous supplementation on reproductive performance in anoestrous Farafra ewes at late spring and early summer which is characterized by poor reproductive performance (Kleemann & Walker, ; Marai, El‐Darawany, Fadiel, & Abdel‐Hafez, ). Signs of phosphorus deficiency are characterized by delayed onset of puberty, failure of oestrus, silent oestrus or irregular, long period of inter lambing, and still born or weakly expelled offspring or even death of embryos due to lack of uterine muscle tone (Kumar, ; Phiri et al., ). In the present study, phosphorus groups had higher ewes showing oestrus and ovulation which support previous studies (Kleemann & Walker, ; Marai et al., ).…”

Lower methionine/cystine ratio in low‐protein diet improves animal reproductive performance by modulating methionine cycle

“…In another aspect, food or nutrient is a critical factor in regulating mammalian reproductive performance (Predavec, 2000). Amino acids (Mateo et al, 2007), vitamins (Kolodziej & Jacyno, 2005), and minerals (Phiri, Nkya, Pereka, Mgasa, & Larsen, 2007) are well established in animal nutrition for the enhancement of reproduction.…”

Role of Trace Minerals in Bolstering Reproductive Health in Heifers.

“…Supplementation of Se and Vitamin E have been shown to decrease the incidence of retained placenta, metritis and increased the rate of uterine involution [12]. Calcium and Phosphorus are essential to ensure proper reproductive health and productivity [13]. Phosphorus is commonly referred to as the "fertility" mineral [14].…”