Effect of maternal programming through polyherbal, multimineral, and multivitamin supplementation on behavioural and productive performance in transition murrah buffaloes

The transition period around calving is a vulnerable phase for dairy animals, often marked by negative energy balance (NEB), metabolic disorders, and suppressed milk production. This study evaluated the impact of targeted supplementation with a polyherbal-multimineral-multivitamin blend on the behavioural patterns, metabolic status, and postpartum performance of Murrah buffaloes. In this study, advanced pregnant Murrah buffaloes were screened on the basis of their blood β-hydroxybutyrate (mmol/L), non-esterified fatty acids (µmol/L) and glucose (mg/dl) levels to identify animals at risk of metabolic stress in pre-partum period. A total of 21 advanced pregnant buffaloes were divided into three groups: a healthy control (T0), a NEB-affected unsupplemented group (T₁ or positive control), and a NEB-affected supplemented group (T₂ or treatment). Supplementation in T₂ began 30 days before calving and continued until 15 days postpartum. Behavioural parameters such as feeding behaviour, drinking behaviour, rumination, and activity patterns were observed. The T₁ group showed significant declines in feeding and drinking behaviour, increased lying time, and significantly lesser standing time, indicating metabolic stress. However, improved behavioural parameters and significantly higher milk yield were observed in the T₂ group as compared to T₁, and exhibited behaviour similar to that of healthy buffaloes (T0). Supplemented animals also exhibited faster metabolic recovery postpartum and produced significantly higher milk than the other two groups. The results suggest that early and strategic nutritional intervention with polyherbal, vitamin, and mineral support can mitigate the adverse effects of NEB.