influence of a slow-release multi-trace element ruminal bolus on trace element status, number of ovarian follicles and pregnancy outcomes in synchronized Afshari ewes

Published data on the effects of ruminal bolus on the number of ovulatory follicles in ewes does not exist. The present study determined the effects of a ruminal bolus on trace element status, follicular dynamics and reproductive performance in ewes. Eighty Afshari cycling ewes were synchronized during breeding season using CIDR for 14 days and assigned to 4 groups [n=20]; group 1 received a single Ferrobloc bolus four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 2 received two boluses four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 3 received only 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal and group 4 [control] received no bolus and no eCG. Transrectal ultrasonography was done to monitor the ovarian follicles on the day of CIDR removal and a day later. Results showed that boluses increased the status of copper, selenium and iodine on mating day and days 90 to 100 of gestation. Ruminal bolus did not significantly increase the number of different classes of ovarian follicles in ewes fed a diet meeting all trace mineral requirements. All ewes eventually became pregnant with 1 or 2 boluses but the multiple births rate [80%] was higher [P<0.05] after 2 boluses compared to the other groups

Effects of supplementation with sodium caseinate of early lactation diet on performance, digestibility, microbial nitrogen flow, and nitrogen efficiency in Holstein cows

Performance, digestibility of nutrients, microbial nitrogen flow [MNF] and nitrogen efficiency [NE] in early lactating Holstein cows were investigated by diet supplementation with sodium caseinate [CN]

Multiparous lactating Holstein cows [n = 15] with an average body weight of 638 kg and 21 days in milk were assigned to a completely randomized design [five cows per treatment] and fed a basal diet with different CN levels [treatments 1, 2, and 3, contained 0, 50, and 100, g/d/head CN, respectively]. The study lasted 49 days [first 14 days for adaptation and the last 35 days for collection of data]

There were no statistical differences in dry matter intake, milk yield, milk lactose yield, and protein yield with CN supplementation

3.5% fat corrected milk yield was increased by CN supplementation [P<0.05] Digestibility of ADF was increased by CN supplementation [P<0.05]

The higher level of CN affected MNF was estimated by spot urine sampling technique [P<0.05]

Predicted N excretion through urine was affected [P<0.05]; however, there was no effect of CN supply on predicted N excretion through faeces. In conclusion, the results indicated that although supplementation with CN improved MNF, negligible effects on performance of the cows were observed. Furthermore, increased milk urea nitrogen [MUN] concentration and predicted urine N excretion revealed the lower NE in early lactating dairy cows supplemented with CN compared with control treatment?