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Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 71 No. 1 181-186
© 1988 by American Dairy Science Association ®
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Effect of Beta-Carotene Supplementation on Reproductive Performance of Lactating Holstein Cows1

J. Y. Wang, F. G. Owen and L. L. Larson

Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908

ABSTRACT

Fifty-four lactating Holstein cows were assigned by parity and calving date to a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of a randomized block design to determine effects of ß-carotene supplementation and ration fiber content on reproduction. Because ration fiber treatments did not differ in their effects on reproductive performance, data for ß-carotene analyses were pooled over the three rations. From 3 to 98 d postpartum, cows were individually fed either 0 or 300 mg supplemental ß-carotene daily by adding it on top of their complete mixed ration.

By wk 3 postpartum, concentrations of ß-carotene in blood serum were higher in cows fed supplemental ß-carotene and remained higher throughout the experimental period. Feeding supplemental ß-carotene had no effect on the interval from the time of parturition to uterine involution, ovulation, first observed estrus, or conception. Feeding ß-carotene did not influence incidence of cystic follicles based on palpation, ovarian cyclicity based on blood progesterone patterns, peak progesterone concentrations, or first service conception rate. Cows fed supplemental ß-carotene required fewer treatments for clinical mastitis. Reproductive performance in lactating Holstein cows was not improved by feeding supplemental ß-carotene.

FOOTNOTES

1 Published as Paper Number 8305, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Research Division.






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Copyright © 1988 by the American Dairy Science Association ®.