Dr. Vishal Biradar
Key Account Manager
Vetogen Animal Health
Abstract
Repeat breeding in dairy cattle is a major reproductive issue which is defined as the inability to conceive after three or more inseminations despite normal estrus cycle. This condition adversely impacts dairy productivity and increases operational costs. It has multiple contributing factors, including nutritional deficiencies, hormonal issues and management practices. A feeding trial of twelve weeks was taken up to study the effect of supplementing MinoPlex Gold Advance—a chelated mineral formula containing high-bioavailability glycinate minerals on anestrum and repeat breeding in cattle. Eighteen Holstein Friesian (HF) crossbred cows of about 1-6 years of age with history of anestrum or repeat breeding were distributed into three groups of six each in a completely randomised design. The control group received regular feed with no supplementation and treatment groups, T1 & T2 received regular feed with chelated mineral supplementation of 50g each. The animals were observed for estrus expression, conception rates and general health over 90 days. Findings revealed that the supplemented groups showed significant improvements in reproductive health, supporting the potential of mineral supplementation in enhancing conception rates and reducing breeding costs.
Introduction
Repeat breeding is a multifactorial issue in dairy farming, impacting farm profitability, animal welfare and productivity. It is defined as the failure to conceive after multiple inseminations which leads to longer calving intervals, reduced milk yield and increased veterinary costs. These effects can be exacerbated by common issues in dairy production, such as nutritional deficiencies, which play a crucial role in reproductive physiology. Essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper are vital to hormonal balance, ovulation and embryo development, with deficiencies in these elements being directly linked to poor reproductive outcomes. In this study, MinoPlex Gold Advance, a glycinate-chelated mineral supplement, is tested for its effectiveness in addressing these deficiencies and improving reproductive performance in dairy cows. The chelation process enhances mineral absorption by reducing interference from other minerals and bypassing the formation of non-absorbable compounds. The supplement’s potential to improve conception rates in cows prone to repeat breeding could offer a viable management strategy to address this costly issue.
Causes of Repeat Breeding in Dairy Animals
1. Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals like zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese disrupt key reproductive processes. Calcium and phosphorus support follicular development and ovulation, while zinc and selenium play roles in immune function, reducing the likelihood of uterine infections.
2. Hormonal Imbalances: Luteal phase insufficiency, where the corpus luteum does not produce nough progesterone, and conditions like anovulation are common in repeat breeders. Such hormonal imbalances hinder the formation of a supportive environment for embryo development.
3. Infectious Diseases: Uterine infections, including endometritis and metritis, can cause inflammation, leading to scarring or other issues that prevent successful conception. Infections are often due to poor sanitation or suboptimal management practices during the post-calving period.
4. Genetic Predispositions: Genetic traits in certain breeds or specific family lines can make them more susceptible to reproductive issues, increasing the incidence of repeat breeding.
5. Management Practices: Inadequate heat detection, incorrect timing of artificial insemination, and stressful environments contribute to repeat breeding. Cows not inseminated at the optimal time are more likely to miss ovulation windows, leading to failed conception attempts.
Materials and Methods
Formulation of MinoPlex Gold Advance
MinoPlex Gold Advance is designed to meet the mineral needs of dairy cows with bioavailable glycinate forms of essential minerals. These chelated forms bypass common absorption inhibitors like phytates, promoting more efficient uptake. Each dose provides:
Macronutrients: Calcium (300 g), Phosphorus (150 g), Magnesium (6g), Potassium (100 mg)
Trace Elements: Zinc (12 g), Copper (1.5 g), Selenium (4 g organic form), Manganese (1.5 g), Cobalt (200 mg), Iron (1.25g)
Vitamins: A (750,000 IU), D (40,000 IU), E (450 mg), Nicotinamide (1200 mg)
Nutrient Function in Reproductive Health
Calcium – Supports follicular development and muscle contractions
Phosphorus – Essential for bone health and energy transfer in cells
Magnesium- Assists in nerve function and muscular activity
Manganese- Vital for hormone synthesis and ovulation
Iodine – Important for thyroid hormone function, affecting metabolism
Iron – Prevents anemia, supporting energy levels
Copper – Supports enzyme activity involved in reproductive function
Zinc – Important for immune function and hormone regulation
Cobalt – Needed for vitamin B12 synthesis, supporting energy metabolism
Potassium – Helps maintain electrolyte balance
Organic Selenium – Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress
Vitamin A – Essential for immune function and reproduction
Vitamin D – Supports calcium absorption and bone health
Vitamin E – Acts as an antioxidant, supporting cell health
Nicotinamide – Plays a role in energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress
Sulphur – Supports protein synthesis and enzyme function
Rapid Recovery from
Repeat Breeding: This occurs when animals fail to conceive after multiple services or inseminations. Causes could include reproductive tract infections, hormonal imbalances, or poor-quality semen.
Late Maturity: Refers to animals reaching reproductive age later than expected. This delay may be due to poor nutrition, genetics, or overall health management.
Anoestrus: A condition where females fail to exhibit estrous cycles. Common causes include poor nutrition, stress, hormonal imbalances, or even environmental factors.
Poor Build and Growth: Indicates stunted physical development and could stem from malnutrition, genetics, or inadequate husbandry practices.
Severe Mineral Deficiency: A lack of essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals, can impair growth, reproductive health, and overall immunity.
Study Design
Sample Population: Eighteen Holstein Friesian crossbred cows aged about 1-6 years with history of anestrus or repeat breeding.
Group Assignments: Divided into three groups — Control, T1, and T2. The control group received a standard diet, while groups T1 and T2 received standard diets supplemented with MinoPlex Gold Advance.
Supplementation: Animals in the experimental groups received 50 g of MinoPlex Gold Advance daily for 90 days
Monitoring Period: Cows were monitored for estrus expression, conception rates, milk yield, and health indicators over the treatment period.
Table 1: Grouping and Dosage of Experimental Animals
Data Collection
Estrus Detection: Observed through signs such as mounting behaviour, vulva swelling, clear mucus discharge, and restlessness.
Pregnancy Diagnosis: Rectal examinations were conducted at 60- and 90-days post-insemination to confirm conception.
Health Indicators: Milk yield and quality (fat, solids-not-fat content), body condition scores, and stress levels were recorded to assess overall health improvements.
Results and Discussion
Results indicate that cows receiving MinoPlex Gold Advance exhibited improved estrus expression, higher conception rates and enhanced milk quality compared to the control group. Key findings include:
• Estrus Expression: Both treatment groups (T1 and T2) showed a marked decrease in days to estrus onset with an average reduction of 15-20 days compared to control.
• Conception Rates: Pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the supplemented groups, with T1 and T2 showing a 40-50% increase in successful pregnancies over the control.
• Health Improvements: Cows in treatment groups demonstrated better body condition scores and reduced signs of stress. Milk quality, as measured by fat and SNF (Solids Not Fat), also improved by 10-15% compared to baseline levels.
Table 2: Timeline of Estrus Onset in Control and Treatment Groups
Table 3: Summary of Pregnancy Diagnoses for Control and Treatment Groups
Health and Productivity Outcomes across Groups
Conclusion
Mineral supplementation with MinoPlex Gold Advance effectively reduced repeat breeding in dairy cattle by addressing mineral deficiencies critical to reproductive health. High-bioavailability of glycinated minerals enhanced absorption, supporting estrus expression, conception rates and overall herd productivity. Implementing MinoPlex Gold Advance in dairy farming could provide a sustainable strategy to reduce reproductive challenges, improve milk quality and enhance profitability in dairy operations. Further research into optimal supplementation strategies could expand its application across different dairy systems and breeds.
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