Influence of dietary vanadium on body condition score and dry matter intake in Hariana heifers: A research article

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying levels of vanadium (V) supplementation on body condition score (BCS) and dry matter intake (DMI) in indigenous Hariana heifers. A total of 18 heifers, aged between 1 to 2 years, were randomly allotted into three groups- (Control, T1, and T2), based on body weight, with six animals per group. The Control group received a standard basal diet, while T1 and T2 were supplemented with 2.5 ppm and 5.0 ppm vanadium, respectively, in the form of sodium metavanadate, along with the basal diet. The feeding trial spanned 90 days, during which DMI, body weight, and BCS were recorded at fortnightly intervals. All animals were fed to meet nutritional requirements as per NRC (2001) guidelines. Results indicated a significant increase (p<0.05) in both daily DMI and DMI per 100 kg body weight in the T2 group compared to Control and T1. However, no significant differences in BCS were observed among the groups throughout the study period. These findings suggest that higher vanadium supplementation may enhance feed intake in Hariana heifers without affecting body condition.