Effect of bypass fat supplementation on productive and reproductive performance in crossbred cows

Objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of supplementation of bypass fat on milk production and reproductive performance of crossbred cows. Nineteen multiparous crossbred cows (2–4 lactation) were divided in two groups on the basis of most probable production ability (MPPA). The animals in group 1 (nine cows, MPPA 3,441.32 kg, control group G1) were fed chaffed wheat straw, chopped green maize, and concentrate mixture as per requirements while the animals in group 2 (10 cows, MPPA 3,457.2 kg, treatment group G2) were fed the same ration supplemented with 2.5% bypass fat (on DMI basis). The cows of G2 were supplemented bypass fat 40 days prepartum to 90 days postpartum and carry over effect of supplementation on milk production and reproductive parameters was monitored up to 210 days of lactation. Average birth weights of the calves were 24.94 and 27.95 kg in G1 and G2, respectively. The calving per cent in G1 (88.88%) was lower than that of G2 (100%). The time taken for expulsion of fetal membranes was decreased (P < 0.05) by 5.4 h in G2 compared to G1. Days required for involution of uterus was less (P < 0.05) in G2 (35.40 days) than that of G1 (49.44 days). Less number of cases of retention of fetal membranes (RFM) and metritis were observed in G2 as compared to that of G1. The average milk yield (210 days) in G2 was higher (P < 0.05) than that of G1 (18.65 vs 17.57 kg/day). Similarly, the milk yield during the carry over period (90 days) was higher (P < 0.05) in G2 than that of G1 (14.81 vs 13.79 kg/day). The time required for onset of cyclicity was reduced (P < 0.05) by 6.5 days in G2 as compared to that of G1. The service period and AI per conception were also reduced (P < 0.05) in G2 while bypass fat feeding showed no effect on conception rate (P < 0.80). There were no differences between the two groups in plasma cholesterol, progesterone and insulin concentrations. Hence, it was concluded that bypass fat supplementation at 2.5% of DMI increased the milk production and reduced the time required for involution of uterus and commencement of cyclicity. AI per conception, incidences of metritis and RFM were also reduced on supplementing bypass fat.