Reproduction is associated to the profitability of beef herds, which affects the level of productivity and is influenced by nutritional level. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of protein and energy supplementation, before and after parturition, on reproductive variables of Nellore primiparous cows extensively raised in the Brazilian tropical savannah. Eighty pregnant heifers with parturition estimated for a 45 d period during the dry season were randomly divided into four treatments: Control, received a mineral salt and urea mixture pre and postpartum; PRE, protein-energy mixture from the 210th gestational day until parturition; POS, protein-energy mixture from parturition until 90 d afterwards; PREPOS, protein/energy mixture from the 210th gestational day until the 90th day after parturition. Number of days to complete uterine involution (UI) was 37.0 (Control); 31.3 (PRE); 33.1 (POST) and 25.3 (PREPOST) with differences (P<0.05). Calving Interval (CI) was 370.4 (Control), 369.5 (PRE); 365.9 (POST) and 343.7 (PREPOST) days, with differences (P<0.05). Pregnancy rate (PR) was 64.7%; 76.5%; 65.0%; and 55.0%, respectively, for CONTROL PRE, POS, PREPOS, without difference (p>0.05). In conclusion, energy-protein supplementation of Nellore primiparous cows raised in extensive systems under tropical conditions, before and after parturition, reduces days to uterine involution and calving interval.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.