Authors : R.J.A. Toca, E.S. Jimenez, S.F.M. Malacara, C.P. Rodriguez, D.C.E. Pinzon, S.F.O. Reveles and H.M.P. Gallegos
Abstract: To evaluate the body weight and Body Condition Score (BCS) and reproductive performance, 45 multiparous Holstein cows of 3.6±1.6 years of age, 2.2±1.2 calving, of 610.6±46.7 kg prepartum weight and of 3.5±0.37 BCS were used, allotted in: T1 (n = 15) where cows were supplemented orally with 500 mL day–1 of vegetable oil and T2 (n = 15) with 250 mL day–1, 15 days before calving and up to 30 days after calving and T3 (n = 15) control. The pp weightamong treatments was similar (p>0.05) in the periods evaluated, except at 60 d pp in T3. BCS was the same (p>0.05) among groups per periods; except in T3 at 15 d pp. Most weight loss and BCS happened until 45 days pp. The average P4 at 15 dpp, in all three treatments were <1 ng mL–1, then 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 ng mL–1 were recorded at 30, 45 and 60 dpp, respectively. Ovarian activity was not different among treatments (p> 0.05). 46% of cows presented levels >1 ng mL–1 of P4 15 d pp, at 30 d pp 57.7 and 69% at 45 and 60 d pp. The interval calving-first oestrus was different (p<0.05) in T3, 36.2±5 d vs 64.5±38 and 50.4±23.9 d for T1 and T2, respectively. Calving interval for T3 was different (p<0.05) from T1 and T2, 343.2±25.4 vs 385±71 and 393±60 d pp. Although, there was no difference in weight and BCS per treatment, a good calving interval was achieved; the energy supplementation can be done from 15-45 days postpartum in dairy cows.
R.J.A. Toca, E.S. Jimenez, S.F.M. Malacara, C.P. Rodriguez, D.C.E. Pinzon, S.F.O. Reveles and H.M.P. Gallegos, 2015. Weight, Body Condition and Calving Interval in Holstein Cows in Transition, Supplemented with Vegetable Oil. Agricultural Journal, 10: 24-26.