Holistic Applications of Beta‐Carotene for Enhancing Reproductive Health in Cattle

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of different beta­ carotene administration methods on blood concentration dynamics and reproductive performance in dairy cows, and explore its potential as a holistic reproductive health therapy. the dynamics of beta­ carotene concentration in the bloodstream through different administration methods, assess its impact on reproductive performance in dairy cows, and explore its potential as a holistic therapy for reproductive health improvement. Materials and Methods: Seventy­ one dairy cows diagnosed with the absence of a corpus luteum (CL) were randomly assigned to three groups: intramuscular beta­ carotene administration, intrauterine application, and a control group without supplementation. All cows received 2.5 ml of GnRH on days 1 and 13. Blood samples were collected on day 6 to measure beta­ carotene levels, and ultrasound evaluations were performed on day 13 to check for CL presence. Reproductive performance metrics were analyzed statistically on day 28 to assess treatment efficacy. Results: Intramuscular beta­ carotene administration significantly increased blood levels, showing a peak rise of 53 % by day 6, followed by a gradual decline (p<0.05). In contrast, intrauterine administration led to minimal changes, with levels returning to baseline by day 28. The control group exhibited minor fluctuations. Regarding reproductive outcomes, corpus luteum formation was highest in the intramuscular group (72 %), followed by the intrauterine group (70.3 %), and lowest in the control group (10 %). Insemination success was greatest in the intramuscular group (88.88 %), followed by the intrauterine group (47.36 %), with no pregnancies in the control group. Intramuscular injection increased beta­ carotene levels by 53 % within five days, with a subsequent 4 % decline by day 13 and a 16 % reduction by day 28 (p<0.05). Intrauterine administration resulted in an 11 % decrease by day 6, a 7 % increase by day 13, and a return to baseline by day 28 (p<0.05). The control group experienced minor fluctuations, with increases of 4.5 % by day 13 and 6.57 % by day 28 (p<0.05). Regarding reproductive outcomes, 72 % of cows in the intramuscular group developed a CL by day 13, compared to 70.3 % in the intrauterine group and only 10 % in the control group. Insemination success was highest in the intramuscular group (88.88 %), followed by the intrauterine group (47.36 %), with no pregnancies in the control group. Conclusions: Intramuscular beta­ carotene supplementation effectively increased blood levels and improved reproductive outcomes, showing the highest synchronization and pregnancy rates. Intrauterine administration had minimal impact. These findings support intramuscular delivery as a valuable strategy to enhance reproductive health in dairy cows.