Effect of Monensin Sodium Supplementation on Production Performance in Lactating Cattle
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Authors
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Raju Kushwaha
Veterinary University, Mathura
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Dhapse Sanket Rajkumar
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
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Vinod Kumar
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
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Muneendra Kumar
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
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Shalini Vaswani
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
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Avinash Kumar
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
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Ram Dev Yadav
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
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Mokshata Gupta
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
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Kajal Rajvanshi
Veterinary University (DUVASU), Mathura
Keywords:
Monensin, Ionophore, Sahiwal, Lactating, Milk productionAbstract
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of monensin sodium supplementation on nutrient utilization, metabolic response, blood biochemical profile, and production performance in lactating Sahiwal cattle. Eighteen Sahiwal cows of similar body weight and milk yield were randomly allocated into three dietary groups: Control (basal diet without monensin sodium: Ms0), Treatment-1 (basal diet with monensin sodium @ 150 mg/animal/day: MS150), and Treatment-2 (basal diet with monensin sodium @ 300 mg/animal/day: MS300). All animals were offered a uniform basal ration containing 60% concentrate and 40% wheat straw formulated to meet nutrient requirements. Daily dry matter intake and fortnightly body weight were recorded to assess changes in performance. Dry matter intake (kg/day and % BW) and metabolic body weight remained statistically similar among groups. Digestibility coefficients of Dry Matter (DM), Crude Fiber (CF), Ether Extract (EE), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) were comparable across treatments with no significant difference in treatment groups; however, organic matter and crude protein digestibility were significantly enhanced in both monensin sodium supplemented groups. Haematological parameters remained within normal physiological ranges and were not impacted by supplementation of different levels of monensin sodium. Among blood metabolites, glucose and total protein showed a marked significant improvement while β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) levels showed a significant decrease. Plasma minerals (Ca, P, Cu, Zn, Mn) remained unaffected with supplementation of monensin sodium. Milk yield improved significantly in cows receiving 300 mg/day monensin sodium (MS300), while composition parameters like milk fat, protein, lactose, and SNF remained unchanged with monensin sodium supplementation. It may be concluded that monensin sodium, at an optimal dose of 300 mg/animal/day (MS300), improves nutrient digestibility, enhances metabolic efficiency and increases milk yield without adverse effects on animal health.
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