Plasma mineral profile in relation to pregnancy rate in repeat breeding cows

Abstract

Thirty eight crossbred cows were taken with the history of repeat breeding condition to study the plasma
mineral profile viz. copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) in relation to
pregnancy rate. The percentage of aninlals significantly deficient in plasma level of Cu, Co, Zn, Mg and Ca were
34.21%, 21.05%, 44.74%, 42.10% and 26.32%, respectively. All the animals were inseminated in the subsequent
estrus and pregnancy rate was confirmed by palpation per-rectum. The pregnancy was significantly lower in the
animals deficient in Cu (64.00% in normal cows' vs 7.70% in deficient cows) and Zn (57.00% in normal cows' vs
23.53% in deficient. cows). The present study clearly indicates that minerals viz. Cu, Co, Zn, Mg and Ca are
essential for optimum fertility; however, deficiency of Cu and Zn plays a significant role in reducing the
conception rate.