Improving Milk Yield, Milk Quality, and Follicular Functionality Behavior in Dairy Cows from the Implementation of Microencapsulated Chili Pepper Supplements in Their Diets

Abstract

The present study evaluates the effect of including microencapsulated hot chili pepper (MHCP) in the diet of crossbred dairy cows on the volume and quality of milk and on ovarian morphofunctionality. Twenty-four crossbred females in their lactating period were used. The cows were divided into two experimental groups, a control (CT) and an MHCP -supplemented group (CP) given 1 g a day per animal of microencapsulated hot chili in concentrate for 42 days. Over seven weeks of daily milk production was measured, and sample milk was collected weekly for composition analysis. Animals were subject to an ovulation synchronization protocol on day 0 (D0), and an intravaginal progesterone (P4) implant, estradiol benzoate, and prostaglandin (PGF2α) were administered. On D8, the P4 implant was removed and PGF2α, equine chorionic gonadotropin, and estradiol cypionate were administered to the animals. The ovarian dynamics were evaluated in B mode and color Doppler. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the group X time interaction, the volume of milk produced, and the amount in kg/day of milk components. There was a higher percentage of vascularization in the preovulatory follicle in the CP group (p ≥ 0.10). The findings show that the inclusion of MHCP in the diet of dairy cows does influence their milk production and reproduction.