A trial of sepia 200

Abstract

The effect of Sepia 200c on the reproductive performance of Friesian cross dairy cows was assessed in a controlled trial from September 1989 until August 1990. Overall reproductive performance was monitored monthly and pregnancy diagnosis and cyclical status was determined. The cows were randomly allocated to 4 groups, untreated controls, placebo controls, Sepia-treated 24 to 48 hours postpartum and Sepia-teated day 14 postpartum.

The trial was concluded in July 1990 when another treatment was employed to reduce declining herd reproductive status. Statistical analysis of the results was based on differences between the placebo control and the Sepia-treated, 24–48 hours postpartum, the pooled control groups and placebo control with Sepia day 14, and lastly the difference between the 2 Sepia-treated groups.

The highest rates of periparturient disease occurred in the Sepia-treated groups, the highest single incidence rate of periparturient disease risk (cysts) found in the cows in the Sepia 24 to 48 hours postpartum group. Sepia day 14 produced the largest percentage of cows seen in first oestrus (45%), the largest number of observed heats (60%) in the cows without periparturient disease risk factors or recurrent traits and the lowest total mean value days to oestrus post-treatment.

Sepia day 14 produced the largest percentage that held to first service, the lowest post-treatment period to first service, calving to conception interval, mean number of services and rectal examinations per conception, mean day calving interval and calving index. The results show that the effect of Sepia 200c administered to cows two weeks postpartum increased the numbers of cows observed in first oestrus, held to first service and lowered the calving to conception interval and calving index. The results of the Sepia day 14 postpartum group were also found to be compatible with the same group data reported in the previous study.

Keywords

Anoestrus - Periparturient disease - Sepia officinalis