Mineral nutrition and early embryonic mortality in the bovine animal

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.