Vol. 12, Issue 5 (2023)

Author(s):
Santosh Kumar and RK Meena

Abstract:
Ante-natal care has long-term effects on offspring. Higher birth weight has an increased chance of survival, growth, maturity and lifetime productivity compared with those born below average birth weight. Fewer studies have been carried out on supplementation of Asparagus racemosus root powder in pregnant dairy cows and its effect on colostrum composition, calf birth weight and growth rate. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of antenatal supplementation of herbal feed supplement (Asparagus racemosus root powder-ARRP) on colostrum composition, birth weight and body weight gain of Karan Fries calves. Pregnant Karan Fries cows (n=15) were grouped into three groups (PPS, PS and Control) based on equal body weight, expected producing ability (EPA) and parity. PPS (pre to postpartum supplementation) group supplemented ARRP 60 days prepartum to continue postpartum during the colostrum period (control diet + prepartum @ 100 mg/ kg body weight) to continue postpartum (@ 200mg/kg live body weight), whereas PS (Prepartum Supplementation) group were supplemented 60 days prepartum to up to calving (control diet + prepartum @ 100 mg/ kg body weight). The results were compared with the Control group (control diet + no supplementation). All pregnant Karan Fries cows were managed under similar housing, feeding standards and climatic conditions. The results of the present study revealed that prepartum dry matter intake among the group was similar, however, per day change in body weight was higher (p<0.05) in the supplemented group. Cows' body weight loss and total body weight at parturition were positively higher (P>0.05) but, total, as well as per day BW loss during the colostrum period, was lower (P>0.05) in the supplemented group. Supplementation of ARRP has a positive significant (p<0.05) effect on colostrum total protein (%), total solids (%), total immunoglobulin and SCC. Ante-natal supplementation of ARRP did not affect weight at birth (Control-29.00±2.86, PPS-29.40±1.72 and PS- 26.72±0.88 kg) however, reported total, as well as daily weight gain, was higher by 36.84% & 30.52% in PPS and PS group calf in comparison of control respectively.