Influence of dietary cation-anionic difference on hemato-biochemical profile, mineral metabolism, post-partum reproductive and productive performance of Hariana cows

Eighteen multiparous periparturient Hariana cows (Bos indicus) (3–4 parity) in last month of their pregnancy were blocked into three groups (n=6) and fed for 30 days pre-partum to 30 days post-partum. The objective was to determine the effects of manipulating dietary cations and anions on hemato-biochemical profile, mineral metabolism and performance of cows. Nutrient requirements of cows were met by feeding concentrate and roughage. Varying levels of salt supplementation were used to formulate mineral mixture having DCAD of+11, +21 and +31 meq (Na+K-Cl+S)/100 g of feed. Feeding DCAD of+11, +21 and +31 meq/100 g of DM did not have any effect (P>0.05) on feed intake and body weight change during periparturient period. Blood calcium level was higher for the lowest DCAD (+11 meq/100 g of DM), suggesting that low DACD helps in mobilization of stored Ca in periparturient cows. The pH of blood and urine increased curvilinearly with increasing DCAD and found maximum in +31 meq/100 g of DM DCAD fed group. Feeding of three different DCAD diets did not (P>0.05) have any adverse effect on reproductive performance but milk yield was significantly higher (P<0.05) in +21 meq/100 g of DM fed cows. Feeding of+21 meq/100 g of DM DCAD diets provided sufficient buffer and mineral balance during experimental period. Results suggest that feeding of low DCAD diet during advanced pregnancy helps to maintain blood Ca homeostasis and prevent chances of milk fever. However, feeding of high DCAD diet increase blood and urinary pH and leads to metabolic alkalosis during periparturient period.