Effects of Area Specific Mineral Mixture (ASMM) Supplementation on Production and Reproductive Parameters of Crossbred and Desi Cows: A Field Study

Abstract

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of area specific mineral mixture (ASMM) on the production and reproductive performance of cows. 16 animals of both crossbred and desi cows each were evaluated for production and reproduction performances. In all treatment groups (n=8), ASMM was supplemented @ 50 g cow^-1 day^-1 and @ 30 g cow^-1 day^-1 to crossbred and desi cows respectively. The control groups (n=8) of each experiment were without ASMM supplementation. In case of productive performance, milk production and milk composition parameters were studied for a period of 90 days of lactation where as dissolution of common reproductive disorders were screened for reproductive performance. Average daily milk yield in the crossbred cows supplemented with ASMM on 90^th day and 120^th day were 7.72 ± 0.19 L cow^-1 and 7.52 ± 0.12 L cow^-1 in contrast to 5.96 ± 0.14 L cow^-1 and 5.63 ± 0.21 L cow^-1 in the control group. Similarly average daily milk yield in the desi cows supplemented with ASMM on 90^th day and 120^th day were 4.17 ± 0.09 L cow^-1 and 3.70 ± 0.08 L cow^-1 in contrast to 3.06 ± 0.03 L cow^-1 and 2.92 ± 0.04 L cow^-1 in the control group. No significant supplemental effects on the milk composition parameters in all the groups were found. First postpartum estrus and number of AI per conception were lesser but conception rates were higher in both crossbred and desi treatment groups compared to respective control groups. It can be concluded that continuous supplementation of area specific mineral mixture enhanced the productive and reproductive efficiency of both crossbred and desi cows.