EFFECT OF PREPARTUM ADMINISTRATION OF SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E ON SUBSEQUENT POSTPARTUM PERFORMANCE IN FIRST CALF NILI -RAVI BUFFALO HEIFERS

The current study was accomplished to determine the effect of pre -calving administration of selenium and vitamin E on post-partum performance of Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers. Thirty Six pregnant Nili-Ravi buffalo heifers were divided in 3 groups (HSE-1, HSE-2 and HNSE). HSE-1 heifers were given single intra muscular injection of selenium (10 mg) and vitamin E (1400 mg) whereas; HSE-2 heifers were given single intramuscular injectio n of selenium (20 mg) and vitamin E (2800 mg) before 4 and 2 week of expected calving. HNSE heifers were given no treatment and served as control. 4 weeks prior to calving, serum selenium concentrations were not different (P≥ 0.05) among heifers of differe nt treatment groups. At the day of parturition, selenium concentrations were higher (P ≤0.05) in HSE-1 and HSE-2 heifers as compared to HNSE heifers. At 4 th week after parturition, the milk yield was not different (P ≥0.05) in HSE-1 & HSE-2 heifer as compared to HNSE heifers. At 8 th and 12 th week after parturition, the milk yield was higher (P ≤0.05) in treated groups in comparison with control group heifers. At 8 th week after parturition, milk somatic cells count was lower (P≤ 0.05) in HSE-2 heifers in comparison with HNSE heifers. At 12 th week after parturition, milk somatic cells count was lower in HSE-1 and HSE-2 as compared to HNSE, the difference being non-significant. The gestation length in all three groups of heifers was almost similar. Among all groups, incidence of sub-clinical mastitis was non-significant (χ 2 cal = 0.94). There was no incidence of retention of fetal membranes in animals of HSE -1 and HSE-2, while 16 % incidence was observed in HNSE heifers. Pre-partum administration of selenium and vitamin E enhanced the subsequent performance of buffalo heifers in terms of milk yield and decreased milk somatic cells count.