Effect of B-carotene on Serum Progesterone Level in Dairy Heifers

Abstract

Twenty crossbred heifers in the age group of 2-3.5 years and body varying from 130 to  190 Kg were used in the study. All the· heifers 
were kept on a 8-carotene free basic ration consisting of concentrate, @ 3 Kg per heifer per day and paddy straw, adlibitum. Each heifer 
in the control group received a daily supplement of 60,000 1.U. vitamin A in their feed while in the experimental group each heifer was given 20,000 1.U: vitamin A plus 100 mg 8-Carotene daily. The heifers of the experimental group had 
a significantly higher level of 8-carotene than the control group throughout the period of the 
experiment. It was observed that, although not statistically significant, the blood progesterone level during oestrous cycle was apparantly higher in the heifers of the experimental group than 
that of the control group. But it was significantly 
higher during pregnancy in the heifers of the experimental group. Higher precentage (75%)-
of the experimental heifers had large sized corpus luteum.