HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ishak, M. A. Articles by Erickson, E. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ishak, M. A. Articles by Erickson, E. D.

Effects of Selenium, Vitamins, and Ration Fiber on Placental Retention and Performance of Dairy Cattle^1,2,

University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583

ABSTRACT

One hundred and twenty Holstein cows were assigned to a randomized complete block design to determine effects of selenium, vitamins, and ration fiber on incidence of placental retention and other health and reproductive problems. The selenium treatment (50 mg selenium, 680 IU vitamin E) was administered as a single injection approximately 3 to 4 wk prepartum. The vitamin treatment (3 million IU vitamin A, 450,000 IU vitamin D₃, 300 IU vitamin E) consisted of two injections, one administered at 3 to 4 wk prepartum and another at 2 to 3 wk postpartum. Fiber treatments were: control, 15.7% crude fiber; beet pulp, 19.3% crude fiber; and soyhull, 19.0% crude fiber. Feeding of experimental rations was begun 1 day postpartum, and the ration effect on placental retention was examined only at subsequent parturition. The overall placental retention rate of 28% was not affected by either selenium, vitamin, or combined treatments. Ration treatments did not affect the placental retention rate of 42% at subsequent parturition. Cows receiving the soyhull ration required fewer services per conception. Incidence of foot problems tended to be higher in the cows that received the combined selenium and vitamin A, D, E treatments. Supplemental selenium, vitamins A, D, and E, and ration fiber treatments did not reduce incidence of placental retention or improve most other health and reproductive measures.

¹ Published as Paper Number 6726, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Supported in part by Animal Health Funds (Section 1433, PL 95–113) and Hoffman-LaRoche Inc., Nutley, NJ. A contribution to the regional research project NC-113, Methods for Improvement of Fertility in Cows Postpartum.

³ Department of Animal Science.

⁴ Biometrics and Information Center.

⁵ Department of Veterinary Science.