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

Abstract

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 (T0, T1 and T2) of 8 cows each. In T0, cows were not exposed to bull; in T1 the cows were exposed to bull through a fence-line contact and in T2, 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 less than 0.05) lower in T0 than T1 and T2 groups. The mean rumination time on d-0 of first estrus was significantly (p less than 0.01) lower in T1 and T2 cows as compared to T0 cows. Mean rumination time on d-0 in second estrus was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in T1 and T2 than in T0. Mean resting times in first estrus in T1 and T2 were significantly lower (p less than 0.05) than in T0. Mean resting time in d-0 of second estrus was significantly (p less than 0.05) lower in T1 and T2 than the T0. 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.