Effects of vitamin E and minerals supplementation during peripartum period on performance of in Gir heifer

Abstract

The present study was conducted on twenty Gir heifers (60 days prepartum) which were randomly assigned
to two experimental groups with 10 animals each. Group 1 (C) was provided nutrients as per ICAR feeding
standard and group 2 (T) was provided nutrients as per ICAR feeding standard along with vitamin E (2000
IU from 60 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum and 1500 IU from 30 to 60 days postpartum) in the form
of vitamin E 50% powder, (Vet Chem) supplementation and 50 g of commercial mineral mixture (Agrimin,
Agrivet Farm Care Division). Body condition score (BCS) of treatment group animals were higher than
control group at the time of calving and at the end of experiment. The pre-partum and post-partum changes
in body weight (BW) were not apparent, but overall BW of treatment group (339.15±5.57) was higher
(p value) than control group (329.79±4.58). Milk yield was similar in two groups. Calves born to mineral
and vitamin E supplemented heifer had higher body weight than control group at the time of calving and
after 90 days. However, the difference between the two groups was statistically not significant. It can be
concluded that vitamin E and mineral supplementation during peri-partum period improved body condition
score of Gir heifers and growth of their calves.