Effect Effect of the Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids (Omega-3) on Postpartum Fertility and Energy Balance of Dairy Cows in Syria

الملخص

Twenty dairy cows, /3-7/ years old, were used to determine the effect of the PUFA -Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids- (Omega-3) injection during the postpartum period on reproduction performance and energy balance of dairy cows in Syria.

Cows were divided randomly into two groups (10 cows per group): First group (G1) injected IM /10/ ml of Omega-3 in /30/ and /45/ days postpartum period. Second group or control group (G2) no received any treatment of Omega-3 during the postpartum period.

Ovaries of cows were examined /20, 40, 60, and 80/ days from calving by transrectal ultrasonography to determine follicular development, estrus synchronization and pregnancy average. Blood samples were collected at /15, 30, 45 and 60/ days postpartum to determine serum concentrations of Glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, Cholesterol, Total Protein, and Progesterone.

We observed no significant differences (P>0.05) among treatments for serum concentrations of metabolites (Glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, Cholesterol and Total Protein), while we observed significant difference for serum concentration of progesterone hormone after /45/ days postpartum (P<0.05). The cows that were injected in the omega-3 treatments had larger ovulatory follicles compared with those of the control group. Treatment did differ significantly (P<0.05) in estrus synchronization, day to first service per pregnancy and fertility average.

In conclusion, omega-3 administration throughout the postpartum period had carryover reproductive postpartum benefits in Holstein dairy cows in Syria.