Mineral nutrition and early embryonic mortality in the bovine animal

Authors

  • J. E. Manspeaker The Virginia-Maryland Regional, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
  • M. G. Robl The Virginia-Maryland Regional, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
  • G. H. Edwards The Virginia-Maryland Regional, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol0no24p154-1156

Keywords:

cows, Dietary minerals, Embryo mortality, Embryonic resorption, mineral supplements

Abstract

Amino acid chelated minerals reduced embryonic mortality in first-calf Holstein heifers. Each treated heifer received Metalosates® (chelated minerals formed with 2 or more amino acids and a metal producing a heterocyclic compound) 31.103 g daily for 30 days prepartum and 62.206 g daily postpartum until pregnancy was confirmed. Each heifer was examined rectally every 10-14 days postpartum for ovarian activity and uterine condition. Between 35 and 55 days confirmed embryonic mortalities (EM) were found in 20% of the control group, while none were found in the treated heifers. Diagnosis of confirmed EM was determined by oestrous cycle lengths and embryonic depressions in the uterine horns. Suspected cases of EM were seen in 30% of the treated heifers and 55% of the control group. Extended oestrous cycle lengths were the criteria in these suspected cases.

Cover image of the 24th Volume of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of the Kansas city skyline from the perspective of the Scout--a statue of a Sioux Indian on horseback surveying the landscape

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Published

1989-11-01

Issue

No. 24 (1989 November)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Mineral nutrition and early embryonic mortality in the bovine animal. (1989). The Bovine Practitioner, 24, 154-1156. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol0no24p154-1156

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