Effects of Nutrition and Weaning on Yak Health and Reproduction
Author Information
Author(s): Shang Kaiyuan, Guan Jiuqiang, An Tianwu, Zhao Hongwen, Bai Qin, Li Huade, Sha Quan, Jiang Mingfeng, Zhang Xiangfei, Luo Xiaolin
Primary Institution: Sichuan Academy of Grassland Sciences, Chengdu, China
Hypothesis
Perinatal nutritional supplementation and early weaning will improve serum biochemistry, metabolomics, and reproductive performance in yaks.
Conclusion
Perinatal nutritional supplementation and early weaning significantly enhance the body condition, metabolic adaptation, and reproductive performance of yaks.
Supporting Evidence
- Yaks receiving nutritional supplementation gained significantly more weight than those on conventional grazing.
- Serum glucose and protein levels were higher in yaks with nutritional supplementation.
- Calving rates improved from 0% in conventional grazing to 83.3% with early weaning and supplementation.
Takeaway
Feeding yaks better during pregnancy and weaning their babies early helps them stay healthy and have more babies.
Methodology
Eighteen yaks were divided into three groups: conventional grazing, nutritional supplementation, and nutritional supplementation with early weaning, with various measurements taken over 90 days.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the specific grazing conditions and management practices in the study.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and specific environmental conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Participant Demographics
Eighteen healthy yaks in late pregnancy, aged 2-4 parity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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