Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation improves nutrient digestibility, milk yield, and reproductive performances in dairy cows during early lactation.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) supplementation on nutrient utilization, milk yield, and reproductive performance of early lactating Sahiwal cows. Control cows (GC) received a basal diet, while the treatment cows (GM) were supplemented with concentrate comprising 12% MOLM. Ovarian activity and uterine involution were monitored by trans-rectal ultrasonography on the 21st, 28th, 35th, and 42nd days postpartum. The result indicated that MOLM-supplemented cows required fewer days (P ≤ 0.05) to complete uterine involution. As lactation progresses, there was a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in the diameter of the cervix and uterine horns in GM than GC. There was a significant increase in the number of follicles on the 21st day and average milk yield in GM than GC. The incidence of endometritis and cystic ovarian disease was less in MOLM supplemented group. The use of MOLM in the diet reduced the total cost per cow per successful service. It is concluded that MOLM can be safely included at 12% in the diet of early lactating cows to modulate the reproductive performances of dairy cows. Dairy farmers can use moringa leaf meal to feed their dairy cows, which is cheaper and improves production and reproduction performance.

Potential use of Tinospora cordifolia as a herbal supplement in dairy animals: a review.

Supplementation is an integral part of modern dairy-feeding practices which mainly emphasise on higher production. Different supplements have been utilized by the farmers according to the need and action of supplements. Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is one such herbal supplement which can be utilized to feed dairy animals either alone or in combination with other supplements. TC is a herb found in tropical countries and having number of medicinal properties. Beneficial health effects of TC include immunostimulation, protection against inflammation and bacterial action, hepatoprotection, antioxidant and antineoplastic effects. Available studies on TC supplementation in dairy animals have shown a positive effect on health, body parameters and production performance. Supplementing TC is economically feasible, and it can be adopted by farmers as it helps in improving their net income. However, more research is needed in the field of dairy animals to explore the full potential of this herb. This review is written with the objective of highlighting the possibilities of using TC in dairy animal rations and promoting research in the concerned field to fill the gaps in knowledge. Thorough knowledge about TC and its effect in dairy animals can add a new concept to the supplementation process and developments of dairy rations.