Influence of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) supplementation during different stage of lactation on estrus behavior and reproductive performance in Karan Fries crossbred cows

S Kumar, R K Mehla, A K Gupta* and R K Meena

Division of Livestock Production and management
* Artificial Breeding Complex
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana-132001 India
sashima1980@gmail.com   ;   santoshndri@rediffmail.co.in   ;   rkmeena98@gmail.com

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) supplementation during different stages of lactation on estrus behavior and reproductive performance in Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian crossbred) cows. A total of twenty animals were classified in four groups of five each viz., C- (Control), PREPOS- prepartum (i.e. 50 to 60 days dry period) continued postpartum period (up to 90 days postpartum), PRE- only during prepartum period (i.e. 50 to 60 days dry period) and POS- only during postpartum period (up to 90 days of postpartum). During prepartum, the cows in groups PREPOS and PRE were supplemented with Asparagus racemosus root powder @100mg per kg live body weight and during postpartum period, the cows in groups PREPOS and POS were supplemented with Asparagus racemosus @200mg per kg live body weight.

Asparagus racemosus supplementation during both prepartum continued to postpartum (PREPOS) resulted in significant (P= 0.020) reduction in first postpartum estrus interval, service period (day) and services per conception, and rate of uterine involution in comparison to the control group. Supplementation of Asparagus racemosus in group PREPOS also increased significantly blood glucose (P<0.05), plasma total protein (P<0.05) and reduced plasma urea concentration (P<0.05). Supplementation of Asparagus racemosus significantly (P<0.05) improved plasma total protein in group PRE and reduced plasma urea concentration in group POS.

Therefore, from the results, it can be concluded that Asparagus racemosus supplementation is beneficial, and it could serve as potential management tool to improve reproductive performance in crossbred dairy cows.

Keywords: blood metabolites, postpartum, prepartum, service period

Introduction

There are many physiological, psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence the intensity of estrus expression in cattle. Fertility of dairy cows is of growing concern. Reproductive indices that are used to assess reproductive management show a negative trend during the past decade despite increased knowledge and professional attention. Poor detection of estrus is the major contributor to low fertility (Reimers et al 1985). Until recently, it was generally believed that poor detection of estrus was caused by the lack of commitment of the farmer (Alexander et al 1984). However, recent reports (Dransfield et al 1998; Stevenson et al 1998; van Vliet and van Eerdenburg 1996) showed that cow related factors contribute largely to the low detection rates. In recent years, there has been growing interest in improving reproductive performance by feeding nutritional supplements to dairy cows.

Production and reproduction disorders and veterinary costs are more associated with postpartum period. Supplementation of anti-oxidant and immunomodulator agent during transition period has been reported to be resulting early onset of postpartum estrus and improved pregnancy rate (Khan 2008). So, this period needs extra attention to alleviate the stress and augment future production and reproduction. However, large-scale studies have focused on the use of hormones and other veterinary medicines for augmenting reproduction performance, which are considered economically not affordable to indian farmers. So, there arises the need for other substitutes (herbals), which are considered safe, cheap, locally available and at the same time improve production and reproduction performance of dairy animals. The ancient history of India is very rich in herbal medicine and one of the oldest surviving system of health care in the world. Ayurveda is a natural remedy and totally based on herbs. These herbs are being used since Pre-Vedic times because they are safe to use, cheap and easily available, have no side effect and no residual effect in milk (Krishna et al 2005).

Asparagus racemosus root is the most commonly used traditional medicine in human beings and its supplementation is recommended during last trimester of pregnancy to first trimester after birth to the mother to boost milk quality, immunity of both mother and fetus and to tone the reproductive  system and reproductive health. Besides, Asparagus racemosus have been scientifically validated as reproductive system tonic, immunomodulator, antioxidant, and anti-stress (Kumar et al 2008). Keeping in view these benefits, supplementation of Asparagus racemosus herb was selected as supportive management intervention to improve the reproductive performance in Karan Fries dairy cows.

Material and methods 

The experiment was conducted on twenty Karan Fries cows including fifteen pregnant and five freshly calved, at National Dairy Research Institute herd. Based on Asparagus racemosus root powder supplementation the animals were classified into four groups with five animals in each group. The groups which having similar most probable producing ability, parity, gestation period and body weight were as PREPOS- prepartum 50 to 60 days supplementation @100mg/kg body weight continued postpartum (90 days) @200mg/kg body weight, PRE- only prepartum supplementation @100mg/kg body weight_, POS- only Postpartum (90 days) supplementation @200mg/kg body weight and C- control group. The root powder of Asparagus racemosus was supplemented with concentrate once at morning in a day. All animals were fed as per NRC (1989) during dry and lactation period. During prepartum period cows were fed jowar (Shorgum bicolor) and concentrate based total mixed ration with minimum 3.5 kg concentrate per day per cow. Depending upon the requirement of cows during lactation period all animals were fed with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), oat (Avena sativa) and wheat straw as a roughage and concentrate. During lactation period ratio of concentrate and roughage in the total mixed ration was 55:45.

The offered feed samples were analyzed for proximate principles and fiber content (NDF, ADF) as per AOAC (1995) and Van Soest et al (1991), respectively. The Asparagus racemosus samples were also analyzed for total phenolic and tannin content as per Makkar (2003). Cows were kept under similar housing system during entire period of experiment. After parturition, onset of estrus was observed during morning, noon and evening. During estrus period the signs of estrus were recorded and scored as per van Eerdenburg et al (1996). The reproduction parameters such as service period (days), number of services per conception and reproductive disorders were recorded from reproduction record. All experimental animals of control, group PREPOS and PRE were scored for uterine discharges and Uterine Involution on 7, 14, 21, 28 35 and 42 days postpartum as per Sheldon and Noakes (1998) for early diagnosis of uterine health. The blood samples were collected during postpartum period from the jugular vein of all experimental animals into heparinized (20 IU heparin/ ml blood) tubes at monthly interval during 90 days postpartum. Glucose in blood plasma (O-Toluidine method), protein (using kit, Erba Mannnheim GmbH) and urea (using urea kit, Span Diagnostic) were estimated to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus supplementation on blood metabolites.

Statistical analysis

Data were subjected to ‘t’ test and least squares technique (Harvey 1975). For group differences means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test (Snedecor and Cochran 1989).

Results and discussion 

Phyto-chemical composition

Phytochemical and proximate composition of offered Asparagus racemosus and feeds has been presented in table 1.

Prepartum body weight change

Asparagus racemosus treatment did not affect prepartum total body weight gain while per day change in body weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher in supplemented group during late gestation. Total body weight gain and per day body weight gains were 24.09 ± 5.52, 39.77 ± 6.24 & 36.16 ± 7.19 kg, and 0.403 ± 0.101, 0.628 ± 0.095 & 0.627 ± 0.164 kg, respectively in control, PREPOS and PRE. Results of present study are in line with previous study of Muralidhar et al (1993) who reported that mean weight in rats receiving herbal formulation of Asparagus racemosus root powder increased body weight significantly (P<0.05) than the control group during gestation period. Similarly, growth promoting effect of Asparagus racemosus during gestation period was also reported by Sharma et al (1986). 

Prepartum and postpartum dry matter intake

The average DM intake during -60 days prepartum in group PREPOS and PRE and during 90 days postpartum in all groups was similar. The respective values of DM intake during prepartum period in group C, PREPOS and PRE were   9.56 ± 0.26, 10.25 ± 0.29 and 9.89 ± 0.27 kg per day. After parturition DM intake in C, PREPOS, PRE and POS were 13.00 ± 0 .26, 13.19 ± 0.32, 12.79 ± 0.28 and 13.10 ± 0.24 kg/d, respectively.

Effect of Asparagus racemosus supplementation on blood metabolites

Blood glucose concentration

Blood glucose level was within normal range in all the groups. Average blood plasma glucose concentration in different group control, PREPOS, PRE and POS were 3.73, 4.11, 3.78 and 4.12mmol/dL, respectively (Table 2).

Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed for groups PREPOS and POS vs. control, while no significant difference was observed for control vs. group PRE and PREPOS vs. POS. The results further revealed that the animals of PREPOS were under less metabolic stress and glucose metabolism was normal, and hence less prone to metabolic disturbances. The results were similar to those of Muralidhar et al (1993) who reported that supplementation of Asparagus racemosus based herbal formulation during gestation period improved blood glucose level in rats.   The plasma glucose level in supplemented groups PREPOS and POS revealed the glucogenic properties of Asparagus racemosus in dairy cows. Many high producing cows in early lactation exhibit borderline ketosis (Emery et al 1964). High production imposes a severe metabolic drain that creates a negative energy balance resulting in excessive adipose lipolysis, which often leads to increased hepatic ketogenesis (Fronk et al 1980). The ketosis syndrome is manifested by blood changes that show lowered glucose, elevated NEFA owing to adipose lipolysis and elevated ketones (Bergman 1971). In current study, it was observed that blood glucose level was elevated by supplementing Asparagus racemosus either it was supplemented prepartum continued to postpartum or postpartum only. Fronk and Schultz (1979) and Behnam et al (2008) reported that elevated blood glucose level decreased blood ketones (BHBA).  The glucogenic property of Asparagus racemosus supplementation in dairy cows was also reported by Berhane (2000). The glucogenic property of Asparagus racemosus in cow might be due to presence of saponin. Saponin in Asparagus racemosus might have increased the propionate production, which has generally been considered the major substrate for glueoneogenesis (Wiltrout and Satter 1972), thereby resulting in improved blood glucose level. Alexander (2005) reported that saponin isolated from The glucogenic property of Asparagus adscendens roots aqueous extract which is similar to Asparagus racemosus, enhanced the production of propionate in growing sheep. Similarly, Hu et al (2006) and Abreu et al (2004) also reported that supplementation of saponin in the diet improved ruminal VFA profile, microbial efficiency and propionate significantly.

Plasma total protein concentration

Average value of total plasma protein (g/dL) during supplementation was within normal range. Monthly average plasma total protein value was significantly (P<0.05) higher in PREPOS than those of groups PRE, POS and control. Plasma total protein levels in groups PRE and POS compared to the control were also higher and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference observed between groups PRE and POS. The values of total plasma protein concentration in groups PREPOS, PRE and control cows at month zero of calving were observed maximum and then tended to decrease till the end of first month of lactation. As the results shown in table 2 revealed that supplementation of Asparagus racemosus during prepartum and continued postpartum had most significant effect on plasma total protein level than either only prepartum or postpartum supplementation, revealing the importance of stage and period of Asparagus racemosus supplementation. The low level of plasma total protein in control group was observed, which might reflect a more negative protein balance and availability of amino acids and their concentration. These results suggest that cows supplemented with Asparagus racemosus might have experienced improved rumen function or other physiological functions during transition period leading to increased plasma protein, depending upon stage of supplementation. Presently, scanty literature is available to explain the positive effect of Asparagus racemosus supplementation during prepartum continued to postpartum and only postpartum on the plasma protein level in dairy cattle. However, it could be attributed to saponin and tannin contents in Asparagus racemosus that might be modifying the rumen ecosystem. Alexander (2005) found that supplementation of saponin isolated from Asparagus adscendens roots aqueous extract which is similar to Asparagus racemosus, reduced the rumen ammonia-N concentration which the increased duodenal flow of microbial-nitrogen (Abreu et al 2004; Hess et al 2004), via their toxicity to rumen ciliate protozoa (Headon et al 1991) and formed complexes of protein (Sen et al 1998), thereby enhancing protection of protein from degradation in the rumen and increasing the availability of protein post-ruminally (Wallace et al 1994). Similarly beneficial effect of tannins at low level is increase in rumen undegradable protein thus making more feed protein available post-ruminally for production purposes and enhancing efficiency of microbial protein production. Those might be attributed to higher plasma protein level in supplemented groups. Results on postpartum Asparagus racemosus supplementation (POS) observed in the present study were similar to those of Berhane (2000) who reported that Asparagus racemosus supplementation did not improve plasma total protein level significantly (P<0.05).

Plasma urea concentration

Monthly overall average plasma urea concentration in different groups has been shown in table 2. The plasma urea level was maintained significantly at lower level in supplemented groups PREPOS and POS as compared to the group PRE and control throughout the experiment. Plasma Urea concentration is influenced by a wide variety of interrelated parameters including dietary protein intake and rumen degradability, dietary amino acid composition, protein intake relative to requirement, liver and kidney functions, muscle tissue breakdown during normal & diseased conditions and dietary carbohydrate amount & rumen degradability. Urea being the metabolite of nitrogen metabolism occurs naturally in blood. The possible reason of low level of plasma urea was presence of saponin in Asparagus racemosus and its anti-protozoal activity which led to reduced degradation of  protein and production of ammonia nitrogen in rumen thereby resulting in less absorption in blood plasma (Makkar and Becker 2000; Abreu et al 2004). However, some reports showed that there was no effect of saponin and saponin containing plant supplementation on the plasma urea in lactating cows (Wilson et al 1998; Benchaar et al 2008). Low plasma urea indicates the proper utilization and assimilation of ammonia in rumen and less breakdown of body tissue.

Reproductive performance was also better in AR supplemented groups than the control group with higher plasma urea level. Butler (1998) reported that plasma urea level was inversely related to uterine pH. Consequently increased plasma urea concentrations may interfere with the normal inductive actions of progesterone in the micro-environment of uterus and thereby causing sub optimal conditions for support of embryo development. Similarly in the present study services per conception and service period were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in control group (high plasma urea concentration) than the supplemented group PREPOS (low plasma urea concentration). The higher plasma urea concentration in the groups was similar to the values reported earlier which could be attributed to feeding of leguminous green fodder and winter season both (Dhali 2001). Asparagus racemosus supplementation is therefore, beneficial to reduce plasma urea concentration leading to improved reproduction. More extensive research is required along this line to establish the cause of decrease in plasma urea level in relation to supplementation of Asparagus racemosus in dairy animals.

Effect of Asparagus racemosus supplementation on reproductive performance

The reproductive performance parameters viz. first estrus behavior score, first postpartum estrus, service period (SP), services per conception (SPC) and conception rate were also analysed and the results are presented in Table 3.

First estrus behaviour score

The different signs of estrus according to Van Eerdenburg et al (1996) were recorded and scored among dairy cows at the time of first postpartum estrus to know the variation in their estrus behavior. The average values of estrus behavior score were 178 ± 13.68, 208 ± 11.02, 157 ± 28.3 and 203 ± 14.3 in control, groups PREPOS, PRE and POS, respectively. Average score was found maximum in PREPOS followed by POS and control, and minimum in prepartum supplemented group PRE; suggesting that weak estrus behavior may reduce the heat detection efficiency. There were no significant differences observed among the groups. It appeared that the effect of estrogenic properties of Asparagus racemosus with this dose level improved the estrus behavior score in supplemented groups PREPOS and POS but not up to the level of significance. The present findings were in conformity with those of Pandey et al (2005).

First postpartum estrus

Mean of first postpartum estrus (days to first postpartum) for control group was 55.59 ± 6.83 and the corresponding values for supplemented groups PREPOS, PRE and POS were 30.0 ± 6.83, 54.60 ± 6.83 and 49.00 ± 6.83, respectively. The first postpartum estrus days were significantly less in PREPOS than that of control group. The first postpartum estrus days were also reduced apparently in groups PRE and POS than control group. However, statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences among the control, groups PRE and POS. Earlier first postpartum estrus in supplemented groups could be due to estrogenic property of Asparagus racemosus which might have stimulated the ovarian function and uterine tonicity properties of Asparagus racemosus that could have helped in early uterine involution and consequently early initiation of estrus cycle in supplemented groups. The findings were in accordance with the earlier reports (Pandey et al 2005; Sebastian Pole 2006).  Morrow et al (1966) also stated that early uterine involution is directly related to early estrus cycle initiation.  The initiation of estrus cycle in supplemented PREPOS was earlier than other groups indicating the importance of stage of lactation and supplementation of Asparagus racemosus. It was found that initiation of estrus cycle in PREPOS was earlier by 25.59, 24.60 and 19 days from control, group PRE and POS, respectively. The resumption of estrus cycle after parturition depends on the nutritional status, body energy reserved and blood glucose level of the animal As blood glucose is the main source of energy for ovarian function (Rabiee et al 1997), and influences bovine thecal cell steroidogenesis in vitro (Stewart et al 1995) which may play a major role in achievement of postpartum ovulation. In the present study the results in supplemented groups PREPOS, PRE and POS indicated that body energy reserve, nutritional status (based on blood plasma protein) and   blood glucose levels were higher in these groups which could be attributed to earlier initiation of estrus cycle.  Similar results were also reported by Francisco et al (2003). The present findings were in agreement with those of Tomer (1995). Khajuria (1980) also reported that cows given herbal product containing Asparagus racemosus showed early onset of estrus.

Service period

The least square means of service period (days) in control, groups PREPOS, PRE and POS were 151.01 ± 20.97, 93.4 ± 20.97, 100.4 ± 20.97 and 129.6 ± 20.97, respectively (Table 3). The statistical analysis indicated that the service period in group PREPOS was significantly less (P<0.05) than that of control group. The service period was also reduced in prepartum supplemented group PRE and postpartum supplemented group POS than control, but the results did not show significant differences. The service period (days) in supplemented PREPOS was significantly (P<0.05) reduced, which might be due to stage of lactation and initiation of supplementation of Asparagus racemosus. In the present study, supplementation of Asparagus racemosus in group PREPOS was initiated prepartum and continued to postpartum. It was observed that animals in this group had earlier initiation of estrus and consequently the service period was reduced significantly (P<0.05) when compared to control group. Service period in group PREPOS was reduced by 57.6, 7.0 and 36.2 days over control, group PRE and POS respectively.

The higher service period in control group might be attributed to higher RFM, metritis and endometritis (Table 4). 

Significantly (P<0.05) longer service period in cows which were affected with RFM, metritis, endometritis and other post parturient utero-vaginal disorders was reported earlier also by various workers (Sandals et al 1979; Satya pal 2003; and Balasundaram 2008). The findings in literature have shown that normal cows have two ovulations during the first 30 to 35 days after parturition, whereas cows with periparturient diseases had only one ovulation during this period (Morrow et al 1966; Marion and Gier 1968). The present results were also in agreement with those of Santos et al (2004), Huszenicza et al (2005) and Gunay and  Gunay (2008), who reported that cows suffering with first clinical mastitis prior to first postpartum AI and first clinical mastitis between first postpartum AI and pregnancy diagnosis had significantly extended (P<0.05) duration of days open. Average body weight gain was observed negative in control, and positive and significantly (P<0.05) higher in supplemented groups which showed a sign of positive energy balance. Energy balance had been shown in several studies to modulate plasma P₄ concentrations during early postpartum (Villa-Godoy et al 1988; Spicer et al 1990; Spicer et al 1993). Concentration of P₄ has been associated positively with fertility (Folman et al 1973) and pregnancy rates (Sklan et al 1991) and negatively with energy balance (Villa-Godoy et al 1988; Spicer et al 1990; Spicer et al 1993) and days open (Sklan et al 1991). In addition, a negative energy balance reduces the weight of corpus luteum (Apgar et al 1975) and decreases steroidogenic activity of luteal tissue (Villa-Godoy et al 1990).

Services per conception

The least square mean of number of services per conception in control, groups PREPOS, PRE and POS were 2.8 ± 0.57, 1.59 ± 0.57, 1.8 ± 0.57 and 2.0 ± 0.57, respectively (Table 3). The statistical analysis showed that number of services per conception were significantly (P<0.05) less for the group PREPOS than the control group. The improvement in number of services per conception in group PRE and POS was not evident compared to control group. The improvement in supplemented group PREPOS could be due to antioxytotic action of Asparagus racemosus compound present in Asparagus racemosus on uterus, which helps in conception (Gaitonde and Jetmalani 1969). Mitra et al (1999) also reported that Asparagus racemosus based herbal formulation did not possess oxytocin like activity which might be useful in condition associated with hypermotility of uterus as in threatened abortion, hence Asparagus racemosus supplementation enhances conception. Further, Kumar and Singh (2001) reported that administration of Asparagus racemosus based  herbal formulation increases the thyroxin stimulating hormone, follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which help in regular ovulation and improved conception rate significantly (P<0.05) in infertile women. Positive energy balance and better nutritional status as observed in the present study through analysis of different blood metabolites (Table 2) could be attributed for better reproductive performance. Improved reproductive performance in Asparagus racemosus supplemented groups could also be attributed to positive energy balance which helps in early ovulation and low plasma urea concentration. Canfield and Butler (1990) demonstrated a direct relationship between postpartum energy balance and first ovulation. It has been reported that cows which has normal and higher plasma total protein concentration ovulated earlier (P<0.05) as compared to lower plasma protein. Greater serum or plasma urea nitrogen concentration reduces LH binding to ovarian receptors, leading to decrease in serum progesterone concentration and pregnancy rates (Agarwal and Maurya 2002; Sharma et al 2006). Lower incidence of RFM and less time required for involution of uterus would also facilitate early and successful conception of the cow (Butler et al 1996; Agarwal and Maurya 2002). Frequent occurrence of metritis after RFM has been identified as the main reason for reduced fertility and conception rate of cows (Laven and Peters 1996; Grohn and Rajala-Schultz 2000; Drillich et al 2006). The findings were in accordance with the earlier reports of Santos et al (2004), Huszenicza et al (2005) and Gunay and Gunay (2008). The present result is in line with the report of Tillard et al (2008), who revealed that infertility is related to nutritional factors. The improvement in conception rate observed in present study is also in agreement with the findings of Berhane (2000), who fed Asparagus racemosus herbal feed supplement to dairy animals resulting in improved pregnancy rate (75%) compared with un-supplemented (50%) crossbred dairy cows. They concluded that the possible reason of better reproduction performance was higher minerals and trace elements content in feed supplement which are essential for normal physiological reproductive performance of animals. Tomer (1995) also stated that indigenous feed supplements such as fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) and chandrasoor (Lipidium sativum)  contains higher minerals and trace elements which leads to better reproductive performance in supplemented animals.

Postpartum uterine health

Uterine involution score

Cervical and uterine involution were completed earlier (Table 5) in supplemented groups PREPOS (30.80 days) and PRE (35.00 days) than the control group (40.20 days).

The days required for complete uterine involution were lesser in group PREPOS, where Asparagus racemosus supplementation was initiated prepartum and continued to postpartum, than PRE where Asparagus racemosus was supplemented during prepartum only. However, there were no significant differences in days to completion of cervical and uterine involution among the groups.

Lower score of uterine and cervical involution (Table 5) in supplemented groups than control indicated that involutory changes took place at a faster pace than the control group. Lower percent of cows suffering from abnormal uterine changes in supplemented groups than control group (Table 6) also signifies the beneficial role of Asparagus racemosus supplementation.

Cows with abnormal uterine involutory changes particularly having foul smelling discharges or purulent discharge (puerperal metritis) and RFM cases were treated as soon as detected and were declared free of disease as per the score card after completion of uterine involution. The presence of mildly purulent uterine discharge in the first month postpartum reflects a successful immune response of the cow to pathogens. Uterine involution largely depends on the intrauterine contamination with pathogenic bacteria. However, presence of bacteria in the uterus of postpartum cows does not always indicate a disease condition. Asparagus racemosus is reported to be the best female reproductive system tonic and toner (Brown 1995) and primary changes in the uterine tissue are governed by ovarian hormones viz., estrogen and progesterone. Administration of estrogen is known to increase the wet weight of uterus significantly. Administration of Asparagus racemosus based herbal formulation increased wet and dry uterine weight with marked increased in estrogen but not progesterone level as compared to control rats (Mitra et al 1999). Elevated estrogen level stimulates and repair uterine endometrium tissue and depot uterine glycogen. It has been reported that decrease in the estradiol 17-beta/ 17-alpha ratio resulted in a reduced rate of release of prostaglandins from the uterus and a slower rate of uterine involution (Erb et al 1981). Besides, a higher concentration of biologically active estrogens may result in a faster rate of uterine involution due to increased PGF2 alpha release and vice-versa (Leslie 1983). The lower incidence of postpartum reproductive disorders observed in the present study might be a reason for early uterine involution in supplemented animals. The period required for complete uterine involution is strongly influenced by periparturient disorders. Normal uterine involution and resumption of cyclic ovarian activity progressed more slowly in cows with periparturient diseases, such as dystocia, RFM, endometritis and metritis than in cows with normal parturition. It was hypothesized that endometrial damage due to infection immediate after parturition reduced release of PGF2 alpha and consequently delayed involution (Morrow et al 1966).

Conclusions 

• Based on the above results, it can be concluded that Asparagus racemosus root powder supplementation during different stage of lactation improved the reproductive performance and nutritional status of dairy cows. Therefore, it is beneficial and could serve as potential management tool to improve reproductive performance in crossbred dairy cows.

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Received 25 November 2009; Accepted 5 January 2010; Published 1 May 2010

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