Changes Occurring in Some Biochemical Markers of Fat Supplemented Dairy Cows during Transition Period under Tropical Conditions

Abstract

The transition period is the most critical period where cow’s metabolism shifts from the demands of pregnancy to those of lactation. This results in negative energy balance especially in early lactation. To meet this demand both long chain (α-linolenic acid) or short chain (butyric acid) fatty acid were supplemented to Karan Fries crossbred (Tharpakar x Holstein Frisian) dairy cows starting one month before parturition to one month after parturition. Various biochemical markers like NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids), BHBA (Betahydroxy butyrate), BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), TRG (triglycerides) and creatinine were estimated in plasma samples of both control and supplemented cows. Results revealed significant improvement in most biochemical markers of fat supplemented cows compared to the control cows. Plasma glucose increased significantly (P<0.05) and plasma total protein increased non-significantly, whereas plasma NEFA, BHBA, BUN, TRG and creatinine decreased in cows supplemented with α-linolenic acid compared to cows supplemented with either butyric acid or cows kept under control diet, indicating the cows in the former group were in positive balance compared to the other groups of cows. There was a marked improvement in reproductive performance like open days, service per conception and conception rate in cows supplemented with α-linolenic acid. Hence, supplementation of fat (high density energy) especially polyunsaturated fat acid (PUFA) like α-linolenic acid is safely recommended during transition period under tropical conditions as it has been proved to improve reproductive performances in addition to enhanced energy status in early lactation.