animal production - CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University ...

Complete expulsion of placenta is essential for normal recovery of the cow/buffalo after parturition. The expulsion
of placenta usually occurs within 12 hours of calving. It is desirable to have opinion of the expert for proper treatment.
Post-partum care: A reddish brown lochial discharge is noticed from the vulva of the animal for about 7-10 days after
calving. If the discharge is purulent or foul smelling and continues for more than two weeks, it indicates genital infection that
would affect involution of the uterus and delay post-partum heat.
Service period: Normally, 30-50 days after parturition are required for the complete involution of the uterus. The first
estrus may occur as early as 12 to 15 days post-partum. But the service is recommended after the complete involution of
uterus. Cows should be inseminated around 60 days after calving in order to maintain optimum inter-calving period of one
year.
In exotic and crossbred cows, the epithelium over the caruncles of uterus is very hyperemic and some capillary
hemorrhage may occur resulting in postoestral bleeding. This is a normal physiological phenomena and the animal should
be checked before doing the insemination.
Artificial Insemination
The animal should invariably be examined to find out whether it is in proper heat or not.
Loading of Insemination Gun: The straw is dipped in warm (37 o C) water, taken out and wiped with a clean towel so that
there is no water sticking on the outside. It is held by the Labseal and given one or two jerks to bring air space towards the
labsealed end. The labsealed end of the straw is cut out at right angle using the sterile scissors. Straw should not be cut
obliguely lest the semen leaks into the sheath during insemination. Push back the piston of the A I gun and the straw is put
into it with the factory sealed end down. The sheath is slipped over the gun and plastic ring is fixed over the sheath. The
gun is now ready for use. Thawed semen should be inseminated within 30 minutes for getting good fertility.
Site of deposition of semen: The thawed semen is deposited in the mid cervix and frozen semen is deposited near the
internal os of the cervix or the body of the uterus. But, before doing so, the animal should be examined as to whether it is in
proper heat or not.
Special care in handling and thawing of frozen semen
After proper identification, the desired straw should be quickly removed using a forceps or a pair of twezzers.
While removing straw, the canister/goblet containing straws should never be raised above the frost line as the temerature
within the neck of the container is higher enough to damage the motility and fertility of the semen. Even brief exposure is
detrimental.
Frozen semen straws are thawed horizontally in a bread box or any other vessel, containing water at about 37 o C
for 15 to 30 seconds. Care should be taken to avoid excessive heating of semen.
Synchronization of heat
Synchronization of heat is done to regulate estrus of animals at a particular time. This practice helps in regulating
calving in a particular season for efficient marketing of milk, easy calf management and embryo transfer technology.
The corpus luteum on the ovary is made to regress by using prostaglandin (Lutalyse 5 ml or Estrumale 3 ml). The
best results can be obtained if the injection is given between 9 and 14 days after the heat or two injections of prostaglandin
11 days apart. Next estrus will occur 3 days after the last injection.
Nutrition
Nutrients required by the animals
The nutrients required by the animals can be broadly divided into four categories, viz. energy, protein, minerals
and vitamins. The fifth one i.e. water can in no way be overlooked.
Energy: It is the primary requirement of animals which is needed for all body functions and production. It is the first limiting
nutrient for milk production. Generally, all the animals eat to satisfy their energy requirements. Organic elements, such as
carbohydrates, proteins and fats are the main sources of energy in feeds. For dairy animals, carbohydrates meet about 80
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