Effect of mineral supplementation on post partum ovarian activity in Nili-Ravi buffaloes (bubalus bubalis)

We investigated the effect of mineral supplementation on ovarian activity of post partum buffaloes in different season. ten buffaloes were divided in two groups of five buffaloes each. the mineral supplemented group (msg),was offered minerals 10% more than nrc recommended ca,p,zn and mn levels. the non-mineral supplemented group (nms) was kept as control. progesterone (p4),oestradiol (e2),ca,p,zn and mn were analyzed in blood serum of the buffaloes. the first post partum rise in p4 in nms and msg was observed on day 91.0±29.7 and 54.8±16.0 (p>0.05),respectively. the first post partum rise in e2 in nms and msg was on day 24.0±4.43 and 30.6±6.33 (p>0.05),respectively. post partum ovarian activity resumed in 80% (n=4) in both groups. the ovarian - activity lasted for 86.0±23.8 and 132.0±23.6 days and then the animals underwent anoestrus period for 174.0±18.3 and 111.0±38.6 days (p>0.05) in msg and nms,respectively. blood mineral levels did not differ except for zn,which was higher (p<0.05) in msg in 2 out of 12 samples. in conclusion,mineral supplementation did not affect the post partum ovarian activity in buffaloes,in different seasons. copyright 2010 zoological society of pakistan.