Effect of Herbal Feed Additive Supplementation Along with High Plane of Nutrition on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Post-Partum Tharparkar Cows

This study investigated the effects of a high plane of nutrition combined with a herbal feed additive on feed intake, antioxidant status, metabolic and hormonal profiles, immunity, and productive and reproductive performance in postpartum Tharparkar cows. Eighteen cows (30–60 days postpartum) were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (CON) fed green fodder, wheat straw, and concentrate mixture; T1, receiving a 10% higher concentrate mixture; and T2, receiving the T1 diet plus a herbal supplement containing Tinospora cordifolia , Withania somnifera , and Asparagus racemosus (2:1:1) at 150 mg/kg BW for 90 days. T1 and T2 cows had significantly higher dry and organic matter intake (P < 0.01). T2 cows exhibited reduced serum NEFA levels (P < 0.01), enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, CAT, SOD, TAOC), higher serum T3 and T4, lower cortisol and lipid peroxidation, and improved cell-mediated immunity. Both T1 and T2 groups had greater daily milk yield, 4% FCM and ECM (P < 0.01), while T2 showed higher DPPH activity in milk (P ≤ 0.001). Reproductively, T2 cows showed earlier estrus (P < 0.05), higher conception rates (P ≤ 0.001), and required fewer AIs. These findings suggest that integrating a herbal additive with enhanced nutrition can improve health and performance in postpartum indigenous cows.