Treating anoestrous and delayed pubertal Achai dairy cattle with Ferula jaeschkeana

Ethno-veterinary medicine in cattle reproduction

Abstract

Ferula Jaeschkeana is renowned for its application in human reproductive disorders and its estrogenic effects observed in laboratory animals. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive implications of Ferula Jaeschkeana (FJ) on animals exhibiting anestrus and delayed pubertal reproductive disorders. The experiment involved 24 Achai dairy cows divided into four groups based on different doses of Ferula Jaeschkeana i) FJ-0, serving as the control group; ii) FJ-30 receiving 30 g; iii) FJ-50 receiving 50 g; and iv) FJ-70 receiving 70 g of the product. The herb, prepared as a shade-dried powder, was administered orally to the animals as a bolus along with their regular feed. Consequently, 33.34% animals from the delayed pubertal heifer group and 75% from the anestrus multiparous animal group (54.16% of entire treated animals) displayed behavioral estrus manifestations such as restlessness, bellowing, and mounting. Physical changes, including vulvar swelling and mucus discharge, were observed in these animals. Additionally, a small percentage 8.33% of animals in the delayed pubertal heifer group and 58.33% of animals from the anestrus multiparous animal group attained pregnancy, as confirmed on day 90 post-breeding. Furthermore, a significant elevation in serum estradiol levels and a reduction in serum progesterone concentrations were noted in FJ-50 and FJ-70 groups compared to the control (FJ-0) and the FJ-30 group. Thus, it can be concluded from this study that administering 50 grams of Ferula Jaeschkeana herb roots or extract to anestrous and delayed pubertal Achai cows may induce hormonal alterations, promote behavioral estrus, and facilitate conception in this breed of cattle.