Vol. 11, Special Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Prasad Bhamare, David Kumar and Bhaskar Ganguly

Abstract:
High ambient temperature and humidity during summer season are common causes of thermal stress in dairy animals and exposure to heat-stress can result in decreased yield and poor, watery consistency of milk. Here, we report the results of a trial on the evaluation of efficacy of a polyherbal galactogogue at ameliorating summer-stress associated milk yield losses in dairy cows. 12 healthy lactating Gir cows in early to mid of first to third lactations were randomized to one of two groups. The first group was left unsupplemented while the second group received supplementation with a polyherbal galactogogue (Payapro™ bolus, M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) for seven days. Daily milk yield was recorded over a 30 days’ period of moderate heat stress (THI = 81.9). Protein and fat content of milk and serum cortisol levels were also measured at specific intervals. The polyherbal galactogogue-supplemented group T1 showed significant improvements in milk yield, protein and fat contents, and serum cortisol levels over the untreated control group T0. Based on these findings, the polyherbal galactogogue, Payapro bolus, at 4 boli once daily for 7 days, was found to be efficacious at improving yield, and protein and fat contents of milk in dairy cows under summer stress