CONCEPTION RATE IN RELATION TO MICRONUTRIENTS STATUS IN EMBRYO RECIPIENT COWS

Abstract

Minerals play an important role in regulation of reproduction and production of domestic animals. Micro
minerals act as cofactors, activators of enzymes or stabilizer of secondary mole·cular structures. These trace
elements also help in maintaining optimum fertility in farm animals and any deficiency of these micronatrients
interfere with normal reproduction resulting into reproduction failures. The present study was conducted to evaluate
the effect of micronutrients on conception rate in embryo recipient cows. Estimation of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Co
were carried out in 36 embryo recipient cows by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results indicated that
' serum level of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Co were significantly higher in pregnant cows than non-pregnant cows on day
of embryo transfer, day - 7 and day - 14 post embryo transfer. The study indicated that the micronutrient status of
the animals must be assessed before selecting _the recipient.