Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf Supplementation on Reproductive Performance of Lactating Sahiwal Cows

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf supplementation on reproductive performance of lactating Sahiwal cows. Twelve lactating Sahiwal cows were randomly allocated into two groups comprising a control group (T0) fed a basal diet and a treatment group (T1) supplemented with neem leaf at 200 mg/kg body weight/day for 90 days. Reproductive performance was assessed using first postpartum heat period, calving-to-conception interval, and conception rate. The mean first postpartum heat period was numerically lower in neem-supplemented cows (132.83 ± 19.81 days) than in control cows (157.20 ± 22.37 days). Similarly, the calving-to-conception interval was reduced from 166.00 ± 21.22 days in the control group to 114.67 ± 5.54 days in the neem-supplemented group. Conception rate remained comparable between the two groups (50.00%). However, the observed differences were statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). The numerical improvements in reproductive performance may be attributed to the antiparasitic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and protein-sparing effects of neem bioactive compounds, which potentially improve metabolic status and support reproductive recovery during the postpartum period. It was concluded that dietary neem leaf supplementation showed a favourable trend toward improved reproductive performance in Sahiwal cows, although further studies involving larger sample sizes and longer supplementation periods are required to confirm these effects.