Effects of Beta-carotene Administration on Fertility in Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract

Background: Beta-(β-) carotene, is the precursor to vitamin A, in particular, has some potential benefits on reproduction. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of β-carotene administration on fertility following either prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) induced estrus or Ovsynch protocol in lactating dairy cows.Methods: Cows with at 47±3 postpartum days were divided into two groups: β-carotene group (βC, n=139) was treated with injectable β-carotene while untreated cows served as control (CON, n=227). In both groups, PGF was administered and heatmount detectors were applied at 54±3 days postpartum. Cows detected in estrus after PGF were inseminated. Cows that had not been detected in estrus were divided into two groups 7 days after PGF administration; βC-OVS (n=137) and CON-OVS (n=89). Ovsynch protocol was initiated 4 days after β-carotene administration.Result: The estrus detection rate was similar between the βC and CON groups (P = 0.19). Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) on d 31 was also similar between groups (P = 0.93). In the Ovsynch protocol, ovulation to the first GnRH and ovulatory follicle diameter at the time of insemination did not differ between groups. No difference was observed in P/AI at d 31 (P = 0.13). The results of this study indicated that β-carotene administration had no effect on fertility either PGF induced estrus or Ovsynch protocol in dairy cows.

Effect of supplementation of β-carotene on nutrient intake, digestibility, milk yield and composition lactating crossbred cows

“…β-carotene is the principal natural precursor of vitamin A in bovine and it is mainly provided by green grass and legume forages (FAO, 2001). It is generally known that a good concentration of β-carotene is closely correlated with cattle health and production performance (Bilen and Mecitoglu 2021). Supplemental β-carotene may enhance growth, production, rumen function and digestive function (Karadas et al 2005).…”

​Effect of Beta-carotene Supplementation on Plasma Carotene Content and Fertility of Lactating Crossbred Sahiwal Cows

“…Detection of post partum estrus is one of the most important factors affecting fertility in dairy cows. However, the rate of post partum estrus detection is below 50% in many commercial dairy farms (Unalan, 2016;Bilen and Mecitoglu, 2021). Fertility of lactating dairy cows has reportedly been decreased over the last decades and appears to be multifactorial including improper and deficient nutrition is one of the reasons behind this problem.…”