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RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Effect of capsaicin supplementation on lactational and reproductive performance of Holstein cows during summer

A. Abulaiti https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1898-7945 A B , Z. Ahmed A , Z. Naseer C , H. S. El-Qaliouby A D , M. F. Iqbal C , G. H. Hua A E and L. G. Yang A E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People’s Republic of China.

B National Center for International Research on Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, People’s Republic of China.

C Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan.

D Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt.

E Corresponding authors. Email: yangliguo2006@qq.com; huaguohua09@gmail.com

Animal Production Science 61(13) 1321-1328 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN20439
Submitted: 28 July 2020  Accepted: 10 March 2021   Published: 29 June 2021

Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2021 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract

Context: Summer ambient temperature and humidity are major factors negatively influencing the physiology and the productive and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. Various management and breeding approaches may be useful for maintaining productivity in dairy cows during summer to minimise these effects.

Aims: The experiment was designed to test a natural phytochemical supplementation of capsaicin (CPS), followed by a specific oestrus synchronisation protocol as a means to maintain productivity and reproductive performance of Chinese Holstein cows during summer in Hubei province, China.

Methods: Lactating Chinese Holstein cows (n = 109) were randomly divided into four groups and supplemented with 0 (control, n = 27), 20 (CPS-20, n = 26), 40 (CPS-40, n = 28) and 60 (CPS-60, n = 28) mg of capsaicin (CPS) per kg of total mixed ration respectively for continuous 30 days initiated on 10 July 2018. Milk production and composition were measured over 45 days from the start of CPS supplementation. After CPS supplementation, all cows were synchronised through a modified Ovsynch oestrus synchronisation protocol, and reproductive variables were recorded. Metabolic parameters were measured on the days before CPS supplementation, artificial insemination (AI) and 50 days post-AI.

Key results: Highest (P < 0.05) milk production were found in the CPS-40 group, and highest total solids and milk fat in the CPS-20 and CPS-40 groups. Milk urea nitrogen and milk fat were generally increased in CPS supplemented cows compared with the control group. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in oestrus response, ovulatory follicle size, ovulation rate and pregnancy rates were observed in the CPS-40 group compared with other groups. Glucose, lipoprotein esterase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased (P < 0.05) in CPS-40 and CPS-60 supplemented groups at the time of AI and 50 days post-AI.

Conclusions: CPS supplementation has the capacity to maintain milk yield, milk composition and serum metabolites in Chinese Holstein dairy cows during summer. The synergistic effect of CPS and the modified oestrus synchronisation protocol also improved reproductive variables of the cows.

Implications: Adoption of CPS as a supplement along with oestrus synchronisation could be a useful and economical strategy for dairy herd keepers to improve herd performance during summer.

Keywords: capsaicin, oestrus synchronisation, summer season, Holstein cows.


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