The effect of beta carotene supplementation on the beta carotene and vitamin A levels of blood plasma and some fertility indices of dairy cows.

Seasonal variations in beta carotene intake and low levels of beta carotene and vitamin A in blood plasma were found in cows fed ration based mainly on maize silage. The supplementation of daily winter rations with 300 mg Rovimix-beta carotene per cow, beginning 14 days before parturition and 60 days after calving increased slighty the beta carotene and vitamin A concentrations of blood plasma and improved some fertility indices: the number of inseminations per cow was reduced and the percentage of conception rate was significantly higher. It may be assumed that beta carotene content in feeds and it's utilization rate generally reflected in beta carotene blood plasma level and in the improvement of fertility.