Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part E (2025)

Author(s): Gurav Prachi, Mane Somnath, Kankhare Dhiraj and Bhalerao Sujit

Abstract: To evaluate effect of polyherbal mixture supplement on milk composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and reproductive performance. 14 indigenous cows selected each based on previous milk production records and divided into two groups of 7 animals: a control group (T₀) and a treatment group (T₁).The control group (T₀) was fed a standard ration (NRC, 2001), while the treatment group (T₁) received an additional 200 g of a polyherbal mixture (comprising 50 g each of shatavari, methi, and jeera; 25 g each of dalchini & tulsi, with 250 g jaggery) 21 days before and 60 days after calving. Additionally, the T₁ group received 150 g of polyherbal kadha (comprising ajwain, fennel, ginger, black cardamom, black seeds, turmeric, clove, black salt, and jaggery) from parturition to 7 days postpartum. There was a significant increase in milk fat and milk protein (p≤ 0.05) during the first and third fortnights. No cases of mastitis were observed in either the supplemented or control groups. A significant (p≤ 0.05) reduction in the open period and service period was observed in the supplemented group, indicating an improvement in reproductive efficiency. Therefore, supplementation of a poly-herbal mixture in the diet of indigenous cattle enhanced milk fat, protein content, Non-significant reduction in SCC count and postpartum reproductive performance.