Effect of Bypass Fat on Genital Status and Blood Biochemical Profiles in Pubertal Swamp Buffalo Heifers and Puerperal Swamp Buffalo Cows

Background: The interaction between nutrition and reproduction has long been known to have important implications for the reproductive performance in animal.The present study highlights the effect of by-pass fat supplementation on genital changes and blood biochemical profile in pubertal swamp buffalo heifers and puerperal swamp buffalo cows. Methods: 24 heifers of 2-2.5 years of age and 24 puerperal cows on the day of parturition, irrespective of parity were used as experimental animal. The analytical method was based on the treatment protocols of 3 groups in both heifers and cows (n=8 in each group) viz., treated with oral bypass fat alone (I), oral bypass fat, mineral mixtures and injectable phosphorus (II) and control (III) respectively. Genital status, metabolic hormone (leptin, Ghrelin and IGF-1), reproductive hormone (estrogen and progesterone) and mineral constituents (calcium, phosphorus, zinc and copper) were analyzed on day 0, day 15 and day 30 in heifers and day 15, day 30 and day 45 in cows respectively. Result: Feeding of bypass fat alone or bypass fat fortified with minerals and injectable phosphorus was not found to induce significant genital changes in heifers and cows. The serum leptin and IGF-1 levels were increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in heifers at day 30 in Group I and II. However, a significant rise (p less than 0.05) of leptin was recorded at day 45 in group I and II cows. IG1-1 level was recorded increased significantly only in cows treated with fortified bypass fat (Group II). With the progression of treatment the serum phosphorus level was increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in Group I and II cows. Serum estrogen levels were increased in both heifers and cows with progression of treatment in both Group I and II. However, serum progesterone levels were increased significantly only in heifers of Group I and II with progression of treatment.