Reproductive Performance of Dairy Buffaloes Supplemented with Varying Levels of Vitamin E

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol level, total antioxidant level and reproductive performance in Murrah buffaloes was studied during periparturient period. Twenty-four advance pregnant buffaloes were randomly divided into four equal groups as $T_1$, $T_2$, $T_3$ and $T_4$ and were supplemented with 0, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 IU of ${\alpha}$-tocopheryl acetate (Merck) from 60 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum and 0, 500, 750 and 1,000 IU from 30 to 60 days postpartum, respectively. Blood samples were collected at -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, 0, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of parturition and were analyzed for plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and total antioxidant activity (TAA). The intake of DM, CP and TDN did not vary among different groups. Plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol and TAA around parturition (-7 to 15 day) in $T_3$ and $T_4$ were significantly higher than the control group. There was 17% reduction in retention of fetal membranes (RFM) and metritis in $T_4$ than control. The post partum estrus interval averaged 58.00, 55.33, 51.83 and 43.00 days in $T_1$, $T_2$, $T_3$ and $T_4$ respectively. There was significant reduction in days open in both $T_3$ and $T_4$ in comparison to $T_1$ group (127,130 Vs.146). All the vitamin E supplemented groups showed reduction in days open than their previous lactation performance. Supplementation of vitamin E at $1,500IU\;d^{-1}$ from 60 day prepartum to 30 day post partum to buffaloes exhibited beneficial effect on plasma ${\alpha}$-tocopherol level and TAA around parturition and continuation of its supplementation at $1,000IU\;d^{-1}$ from 30 to 60 days of lactation improved post partum reproductive performance of buffaloes.