Effect of Biostimulation on Some Behavioral Aspects and Energy Balance of Sahiwal Cows during Peri-estrual Period

摘要

Background: Energy is the major nutrient needed for dairy cattle and its insufficient intake has a detrimental effect on their reproductive activity. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biostimulation on behaviour and energy balance of Sahiwal cows during peri-estrus through 2 types of bull contact. For this, 24 postpartum cows were divided into 3 similar groups (T-0, T-1 and T-2) of 8 cows each. In T-0, cows were not exposed to bull; in T-1 the cows were exposed to bull through a fence-line contact and in T-2, the cows were in direct bull contact for 12 hours daily. Result: In first post-partum estrus, the feeding time was non-significant among 3 groups but in second estrus, mean time spent on feeding was significantly (p<0.05) lower in T-0 than T-1 and T-2 groups. The mean rumination time on d-0 of first estrus was significantly (p<0.01) lower in T-1 and T-2 cows as compared to T-0 cows. Mean rumination time on d-0 in second estrus was significantly (p<0.05) lower in T-1 and T-2 than in T-0. Mean resting times in first estrus in T-1 and T-2 were significantly lower (p<0.05) than in T-0. Mean resting time in d-0 of second estrus was significantly (p<0.05) lower in T-1 and T-2 than the T-0. There was no significant difference in the mean dry matter intake and levels of BHBA and NEFA among 3 groups of cows. It was concluded that biostimulation of Sahiwal cows through direct or fence-line bull contact during peri-estrus period highly reduced their feeding, rumination and resting times without affecting their energy balance as compared to non-bull exposed cows.