Effects of calcium soaps of fatty acids on postpartum reproductive function in beef cows

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Abstract
Twelve multiparous Simmental cows (584 kg) were used to determine the influence of calcium soaps of fatty acids (CSFA) incorporated in a range supplement on postpartum reproductive characteristics. Cows were assigned randomly to receive a control [C; containing grain sorghum (GS) and soybean meal (SBM)] or CSFA-based (containing Megalac® [a source of CSFA], GS, and SBM) supplement. Supplements plus prairie hay were individually fed. Diets were isonitrogenous and met the NEm requirement for heavy-milking beef cows in early lactation. Supplement feeding and daily blood collection began at parturition. Calves were removed permanently from cows at 25 ± 2 d postpartum. Duration of first postpartum estrous cycles was determined by both visual observations and changes in concentrations of progesterone in serum. Concentrations of LH in serum (15-min intervals for 6 h) were determined 12 h before and 48 and 96 h after calf removal. Concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17β in serum were determined daily. Cows receiving CSFA had higher (P = .06) mean concentrations of LH than those receiving C (1.47 vs 1.12 ± .13 ng/ml). Concentrations of estradiol-17β were lower (P < .02) and serum progesterone were higher (P < .02) between d 6 and 8 of the induced cycle in CSFA-fed cows. Plasma cholesterol was greater (P < .01) in cows fed CSFA although plasma triglyceride concentrations were similar between treatments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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