Effect of level of feeding on the performance of crossbred cows during pre- and post-partum periods

The study was undertaken to see the effect of elevated feeding during pre-partum or pre- as well as post-partum period on the productive and reproductive performance of crossbred cows. The experiment lasted for 60 d pre-partum to 120 d post-partum. Eighteen dry pregnant crossbred cows divided into three equal groups were fed either as per NRC feeding standard (C) or 20% above NRC during 60 d pre-partum (T-1) or fed 20% above NRC during both 60 d pre-partum to 120 d post-partum (T-2) period. During prepartum period body weight gain was significantly (pless than or equal to0.05) higher in T-1 and T-2 groups than that of control group. The animals fed at higher plane of nutrition (T-1 and T-2) took significantly lesser time for complete relaxation of pelvic muscles, act of calving and for expulsion of placenta than that of control group. Moreover, such cows delivered 2 to 3 kg heavier calves as compared to normal fed dams. During post-partum period, the average daily milk yield was significantly higher in T-2 group than that in T-1 and control groups. The peak yield was significantly higher in T-2 group, it took longer time to reach peak production but it was more persistent in this group as compared to T-1 and control groups. Average milk fat, solids-not-fat (SNF) and total solids were significantly higher in T-1 and T-2 groups as compared to control group. Body weight losses incurred during early lactation were not even compensated by end of 4th month of lactation in C and T-1 groups whereas the animals in T-2 group gained 2.0 kg. The 1st post-partum estrus and conception rate were better in high fed groups (T-1 and T-2) than that of control group. The returns over feed cost of milk production were higher in T-2 group followed by T-1 and control groups indicating the advantage of elevated feeding during pre- and post-partum periods.