Effects of Selenium, Vitamins, and Ration Fiber on Placental Retention and Performance of Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
Holstein cows (120) were assigned to a randomized complete block design to determine effects of Se, vitamins and ration fiber on incidence of placental retention and other health and reproductive problems. The Se treatment (50 mg Se, 680 IU vitamin E) was administered as a single injection approximately 3-4 wk prepartum. The vitamin treatment (3 million IU vitamin A, 450,000 IU vitamin D3, 300 IU vitamin E) consisted of 2 injections, one administered at 3-4 wk prepartum and another at 2-3 wk postpartum. Fiber treatments were as follows: control, 15.7% crude fiber; beet pulp, 19.3% crude fiber; and soyhull, 19.0% crude fiber. Feeding of experimental rations was begun 1 day postpartum, and the ration effect on placental retention was examined only at subsequent parturition. The overall placental retention rate of 28% was not affected by either Se vitamin or combined treatments. Ration treatments did not affect the placental retention rate of 42% at subsequent parturition. Cows receiving the soyhull ration required fewer services per conception. Incidence of foot problems tended to be higher in the cows that received the combined Se and vitamin A, D, E treatments. Supplemental Se, vitamins A, D and E and ration fiber treatments did not reduce incidence of placental retention or improve most other health and reproductive measures.