Amelioration of reproductive problems in crossbred cattle with high blood urea nitrogen levels by ragi (finger millet) supplementation- A field study

Abstract

High blood urea nitrogen levels have been considered as one of the important causes of infertility in cattle. A field study was conducted in crossbred cattle with reproductive problems in a Harohalli village, Devanahalli (TK)~ Bangalore (R) District, in which 21 crossbred cattle having high blood urea nitrogen (> 19 mg%) with reproductive problems were selected. Out of these, 11 were anoestrus (5 heifers and 6 cows) and the rest were repeat breeding animals. They were supplemented with additional energy in the form of 1-2 kg ragi (finger millet) per day for 2-3 months. Blood samples were collected on 0 day and every fifteen days till 3 months of the experiment. They were analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), total protein, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and progesterone. All the supplemented animals except one animal that was infested with worms responded positively and showed a significant fall in the BUN levels. But there was no significant difference in the glucose, cholesterol, NEFA, protein and mineral levels between the pretreatment and post treatment period. The plasma progesterone levels improved from below detectable levels at pretreatment period to > 1ng/ml at post treatment period in anoestrous animals. Following ragi supplementation, all the anoestrous animals started cycling within 15 to 60 days and later conceived. Of the 10 repeat breeding cattle (4 heifers and 6 cows), all animals (except one heifer which was infested with worms) conceived within 3 months and later calved. Results indicated that the energy and protein balance is very important and BUN levels are to be maintained below 19 mg% for maintenance of the fertility in cattle.