Influence of bypass fatty acid and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation on uterine involution, follicular development, and reproductive performance of Murrah buffaloes

Murrah buffaloes were used to evaluate the influence of bypass fatty acid and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation on post-partum reproductive performance. Increased energy demand during early stage of lactation and decreased feed intake causes negative energy balance (NEB) that affects the reproduction and health of animals. In the present study, 20 healthy freshly calved Murrah buffaloes were taken from Livestock Research Centre of National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and supplemented with bypass fatty acids and Tinospora cordifolia for a period of 90 days. Buffaloes were divided into 4 groups of five animals each, namely T1 (fatty acids), T2 (Tinospora), T3 (mix) and T0 (control) group on the basis of previous milk yield, parity and body weight. In T1 group, 150 g of bypass fatty acids; in T2 group, 150 g of Tinospora cordifolia stem powder and in T3 group, 150 g each of bypass fatty acids and Tinospora cordifolia stem powder was supplemented over and above the standard feeding schedule followed whereas no supplementation was provided to control (T0) group. Ultrasonographic (USG) monitoring of cervix and uterus revealed that the rate of involution of cervix and uterus was significantly higher in the treatment groups as compared to control group. Similarly, USG examination of ovaries showed that the size of follicles was significantly bigger in the supplemented groups. Buffaloes of supplemented groups had higher conception rate, and service period was significantly reduced in comparison to control group with early onset of post-partum first cyclicity. Based on these results, it can be concluded that combination of bypass fatty acids and Tinospora cordifolia supplementation improves the reproductive performance of lactating Murrah buffaloes.