Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International

Aims: This research was carried out to evaluate effect of supplementation of ZnSO₄ and Zn-Cu isoleucinate into Complete Feed Plus (CFP) on the growth in the last period of pregnancy and the post partum reproduction efficiency of Bali cows reared semi-intensively.

Study Design: The experiment employed twenty seven Bali cows at the last period of pregnancy. The animals were grouped into three treatment groups consisted of grazing on the nearby pasture without supplement (R0), and supplemented with either Gliricidia and Leucaena leaves (R1), or with concentrate supplement containing 150 mg ZnSO₄ kg^-1 PCF DM and 2% Zn-Cu isoleucinate kg-1 diet DM (R2). Data collected was then analyzed using analysis of variance and then Duncan’s multiple range test for further test by using SPSS package Release 19.

Results: Results showed that supplementation with concentrate containing 150 mg ZnSO₄.kg-1 DM PCF and 2% Zn-Cu isoleucinate.kg-1 DM diet increased significantly (P<0,01) the rumen propionate concentration, NH3-N concentration, plasma glucose, N and energy retention, daily gain of Bali cows in the last period of pregnancy, calf birth weight, estrous cycle and estrous post partum acceleration, and body weight of weaned calves. Average daily gain of Bali cows in the last period of pregnancy, calf birth weight, body weight of the weaned calves, estrous cycle and post-partum estrous were found on feed supplement treatment containing 150 mg ZnSO₄ kg-1 DM of PCF and 2% Zn-Cu isoleucinate kg-1 DM of diet.

Conclusion: Supplementing grazing Bali cows with concentrate containing 150 mg ZnSO₄.kg-1 DM PCF and 2% Zn-Cu isoleucinate.kg-1 DM diet improved calf’s birth weight and postpartum reproductive performance.