Authors : A. Heravi Moussavi , M. Danesh Mesgaran , A. Soleimani and T. Vafa
Abstract: The study was designed to test the effect of supplemental Fish Meal (FM) on first 60 days cumulative milk production, interval to postpartum inseminations, number of days open, follicular dynamic and complete blood counts in early lactating Holstein cows. From 21 days before predicted calving time to 35 day in milk (DIM), cows were fed diets containing none (control) or 3.5 and 1.95% fish meal during prepartum and postpartum periods. Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and provide similar amounts of NEL and NFC using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System. Ovarian follicular dynamics were monitored using a 7.5 MHz rectal transducer. The first 60 days cumulative milk production and 305 days adjusted milk yield were similar among the diets. Number of follicles, maximum diameter of 1st dominant follicle on day 10 and 14 postpartum, number of days until dominant follicle detection and number of days until detection of a follicle 10 mm were not different between the diets. The interval from calving to 1st, 2nd and 3rd inseminations and also number of days open were all similar among the dietary groups. Complete blood counts were similar in week preceding calving. Except than neutrophils (2374 and 4181�551, respectively) which tended to be significant (p = 0.06), other blood cells were not affected by diet. Results from this experiment demonstrate that dietary supplementation with fish meal from -21 to 35 day postpartum had no effect on milk yield, follicular dynamic and complete blood count.
A. Heravi Moussavi , M. Danesh Mesgaran , A. Soleimani and T. Vafa , 2008. Effect of Supplemental Fish Meal on Reproduction and Immunology Responses in Early Lactating Holstein Dairy Cows. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 520-525.