Effects of phytogenic feed additives on reproductive performance in cows

In this study, the potential reproductive effects of a commercial feed premix developed using natural microplant immunomodulation technology and produced from various plants to provide phytogenic support for cows in the postpartum period were investigated. Data on certain diseases observed during the postpartum period and reproductive parameters were collected from Holstein cows (parity 1–5) at a private dairy farm. The data were obtained by examining the herd management software and clinical records kept by the farm veterinarian. Two different datasets (Data A and Data B) were analyzed in the study. In Data A, a control group of 61 cows was identified, and an experimental group of 93 cows was supplemented with the YD COW phytobiotic premix. The two groups were compared in terms of the incidence of retained placenta (retentio secundinarum), metritis, hypocalcemia, and number of inseminations. The rate of retained placenta was significantly lower in the experimental group (13%; 12/93) compared to the control group (25%; 15/61). The incidence of uterine infections was 20% (12/61) in the control group and 14% (13/93) in the experimental group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of number of inseminations (Control: 2.25±1.52; Experimental: 2.11±1.26), pregnancy rate at first insemination (Control: 42.6%; Experimental: 39.8%), peak milk yield (Control: 45.59±8.00 kg; Experimental: 46.51±8.02 kg), and 305-day milk yield (Control: 10.454.38±1.704.66 kg; Experimental: 10.364.28±1.899.00 kg) (p>0.05). In Data B, only 128 Holstein cows receiving the phytobiotic premix were evaluated for their BHBA levels on days 7 and 14, ketosis, hypocalcemia, retained placenta, metritis, number of inseminations, and pregnancy rates. The rates of retained placenta, uterine infections, and subclinical ketosis were 11% (14/128), 13% (16/128), and 15% (19/128), respectively. The presence of a corpus luteum was observed in 28% (36/128) of cows on postpartum day 25. 45% (58/128) on day 40, and in 55% (71/128) on at least one of these two days. Among the cows that conceived after the first insemination, the average service period was 81.82 ± 10.5 days, while for those that required more than one insemination, it was 132.85 ± 26.4 days. The pregnancy rate at first insemination was 52.3% (67/128), and the number of inseminations per pregnancy was 1.67 ± 0.81. These parameters were found not to vary with the season. In conclusion, the phytogenic feed additive used did not cause any negative effects in cows. It may be useful in preventing retained placenta and ketosis. It is recommended to conduct further research using control and experimental groups to evaluate the premix's dosage, duration of application, effects on the ovaries, and impact on reproductive parameters.