Feed supplementation prevents post-conception decline in milk progesterone concentrations associated with production stress in dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The onset of pregnancy may be associated with hormonal changes and decline in milk yield of buffaloes. To investigate this, forty lactating buffaloes from 1st to 23rd weeks post-conception were selected. The animals were assigned to three treatments: PRT, PRS, NPRT and three milk yielding groups HMY, 66 to 75 l/week, n = 12; MMY, 56 to 65 l/week, n = 16; LMY, 46 to 55 l/week, n = 12). Milk samples were collected on alternate weeks and analyzed with ultrasonic milk analyzer. EIA was used for milk progesterone concentrations. Group means were compared and correlation analysis was conducted. Progesterone concentrations increased in almost similar pattern with the advancing weeks post-conception. The high and low yielder showed greater progesterone concentrations in the supplemented than the animals on traditional ration (P < 0.001). Progesterone concentrations correlated positively with fat (%), negatively with milk yield, protein (%) and lactose (%). Decline in milk yield became drastic when progesterone concentrations rose above 6.44 ng/ml. The pregnant animals on traditional ration exhibited a sharper decline in milk yield with the increasing progesterone concentrations as compared to pregnant animals with supplemented ration. It is concluded that concentrates supplementation induced a raise in progesterone levels. Progesterone concentrations and milk yield showed an inverse relationship.

Factors affecting expression of estrus in dairy cows with high milk yields

“…According to the observations of former researchers, the decrease of milk yield in postconception dairy cows is related to hormonal changes (1, 3). Khan et al (21) reported that, as determined by the milk P4 profiles, when milk yields increase by 7%-17%, the incidence of persistent corpora lutea in such cows is more frequently observed (26,32). Nebel et al (28) reported that the time of estrus in lactating dairy cows was reduced by 8 hours.…”

Breeding, Management and Environmental Issues at Peri-Urban Dairy Farms

“…The decline in milk production of buffaloes after conception was investigated in a series of studies (Qureshi et al, 2007;Khan et al, 2009). The experimental buffaloes were selected in North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan.…”