IMPACT OF DIETARY RESTRICTION ON FOLLICULAR WAVES IN CATTLE WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO ANOESTRUS

Abstract

Reproductive failure (anoestrus) is a one of the major problem in cattle production of Bangladeshdue to under feeding and unavailability of balanced ration. This study was conducted for a period from July 2009 to June 2010 to determine the nutritional impact on the follicular growth using blood hormone assays and the rate of anoestrus in cows following dietary restriction and to develop a feasible feeding technique concerning the available feed ingredients in local market. A uniform group of 2-3 years old 15 heifers were selected and were grouped randomly into three named T₁(60% feeding restriction), T₂(40% feeding restriction) and T₃ (standard feeding). Body condition score (BCS) and body weight were measured by standard method. Hormonal assays were analyzed to determine the impacts of restricted feeding on the ovarian follicular cycle using blood sera. The average BCS and body weight was decreased significantly (p<0.01) in the animals of T₁ and T₂ compared to control T_0. The average values of estrogen and progestrogen was decreased significantly (p<0.01) in restricted feeding heifers (T₁& T₂) than that of standard feeding heifers (T₃). About 50% heifers showed irregular estrus and 50% showed anoestrus signs in the animals of T₁ group. In addition, a total of 60% animals showed irregular estrus and 40% showed anoestrus condition in animals of T₂ group._. On the other hand, the animals of control group showed regular estrous cycle with good hormonal assays. Standard feeding could improve the cattle production efficiency by overcoming the reproductive failure using available feed ingredients.