Reproductive performance and viability of newborns in buffaloes treated antepartum with viteselen and/or ultra-corn

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of prepartum administration of Viteselen (VS) and Ultra-corn (UC) given at late gestation on IgG level, postpartum fertility, and viability of newborn calves. Forty five buffaloes were divided into 4 groups. First group served as control (n=9), while the others served as experimental groups (n=12/group). Second group received 30 ml of viteselen (1.7 mg sodium selenium and 150 mg vitamin E/ml). Third group was injected with ultra-corn (2 ml/100 Kg body weight). Fourth group was injected with viteselen and ultra-corn. The drugs were injected in 2 doses prior to anticipate date of parturition (60 days). The postpartum fertility was assessed. Colostrum from dams and serum from calves were collected to estimate the level of immunoglobulin (IgG). Body weight, growth rate and viability of calves were recorded. The periods required for fetal membrane expulsion and uterine involution were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in VS group when compared to UC or control groups. Concomitantly, injection of VS or UC significantly (P<0.05) reduced calving to first estrus interval and length of postpartum service period than control. The level of IgG was significantly higher (P<0.05) in both dam colostrum and newborn serum after administration of VS or VS+UC. Moreover, VS injection resulted in a significant (P<0.05) higher level of IgG in both dam colostrum (at parturition) and calves serum (at day-4 and -14 old) than the other groups. Only one case of abortion was received from VS+UC treated dams, while VS or UC treated dams delivered 100\% healthy calves. The calves from treated dams showed higher body weight, growth rate/day and better vitality than control group. Likewise, the best body weight and growth rate/day obtained from VS treated buffaloes. No mortality in the 1(st) month occurred between newborns from VS+UC treated buffaloes compared to other groups. In conclusion, prepartum administration of VS or VS+UC appear to be beneficial, promising and improve the postpartum reproductive performance and calf viability in Egyptian buffaloes, and additional work involving a larger number of animals is suggested.