SHORT COMMUNICATION
The influence of β-carotene supplementation on
post-partum disease and subsequent reproductive
performance of dairy cows in China
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1
College of Animal Science,Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University,
Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
2
DSM Nutritional Products,
Suite 6, 13 Princeton Street, Kenmore, Queensland, 4069, Australia
3
DSM Nutritional Products,
Bldg. 241/834, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
Publication date: 2007-09-17
Corresponding author
D. F. Sun
College of Animal Science,Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University,
Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, P.R. China
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2007;16(Suppl. 2):370-375
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The plasma β-carotene status of non lactating Holstein-Friesian cows in a commercial dairy was
found to be deficient (mean 1.2 μg /ml). Subsequently three experiments were conducted to evaluate
the influence of 300 and 500 mgβ-carotene supplementation per cow per day commencing 21 days
prior to expected calving date and continuing for 70 days after calving on reproductive performance
and periparturient health. There were considerable fluctuations in plasma β-carotene concentrations
in cows around the time of calving in both supplemented and unsupplemented animals. However
plasma concentrations tended to decrease as calving approached and where at their lowest 10 days
after calving. β-carotene supplements significantly decreased the incidence of retained placenta,
mastitis and reduced the days from calving to first heat.
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