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Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) is an essential mineral supplement in dairy cattle nutrition, crucial for addressing phosphorus and calcium deficiencies that impact reproductive performance. Supplementation with DCP at 50-70 g/day can significantly improve conception rates in repeat breeder cows by correcting mineral imbalances and enhancing energy metabolism. Further research is needed to explore the interactions between DCP, trace minerals, and hormonal profiles in affected herds.

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22 views3 pages

Deepseek

Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) is an essential mineral supplement in dairy cattle nutrition, crucial for addressing phosphorus and calcium deficiencies that impact reproductive performance. Supplementation with DCP at 50-70 g/day can significantly improve conception rates in repeat breeder cows by correcting mineral imbalances and enhancing energy metabolism. Further research is needed to explore the interactions between DCP, trace minerals, and hormonal profiles in affected herds.

Uploaded by

kushal Neupane
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Introduction

Dicalcium phosphate (DCP, CaHPO₄·2H₂O) is an inorganic phosphate supplement widely used in animal
nutrition to correct phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) deficiencies. It is a highly bioavailable source of
these minerals, playing a critical role in bone development, energy metabolism, and cellular functions
(McDowell, 2003). In dairy cattle, phosphorus is particularly vital for optimal reproductive performance,
as it influences ovarian function, estrus cyclicity, and fertility (DeLuca, 2004). Repeat Breeding Syndrome
(RBS), a condition characterized by failure to conceive after multiple inseminations in otherwise healthy
cows, is often linked to mineral imbalances, particularly phosphorus deficiency (Prabhakar et al., 2015).
This review explores the significance of DCP supplementation in dairy cattle, focusing on its role in
improving reproductive efficiency, recommended dosage, and its therapeutic potential in managing RBS.

Dicalcium Phosphate in Animal Feeding

DCP is a preferred mineral supplement due to its high solubility, stability, and balanced Ca:P ratio
(approximately 1.3:1). The National Research Council (NRC, 2001) recommends a dietary phosphorus
level of 0.30–0.40% of dry matter (DM) for lactating dairy cows. However, in phosphorus-deficient
regions or high-yielding dairy herds, supplementation with DCP at 30–50 g/day is commonly practiced to
meet metabolic demands (Underwood & Suttle, 1999).

Importance of DCP in Reproductive Performance

Phosphorus is a key component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nucleic acids, and cell membranes,
making it essential for reproductive processes such as:

 Ovarian follicle development – P deficiency impairs steroidogenesis, leading to delayed


ovulation and anestrus (Goff, 2018).

 Uterine involution and embryo survival – Adequate P levels support uterine contractility and
endometrial health (Sordillo, 2016).

 Hormonal regulation – Phosphorus influences the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and
progesterone, both critical for maintaining pregnancy (Weiss, 2017).

Studies indicate that cows with suboptimal phosphorus levels exhibit:

 Lower conception rates (Khan et al., 2012)

 Increased incidence of silent estrus (Lean et al., 2013)

 Higher embryonic mortality (Lucy, 2019)

Dose Rate of DCP in Repeat Breeder Cows

Repeat breeder cows often suffer from subclinical phosphorus deficiency, necessitating targeted
supplementation. Research suggests that:

 50–70 g/day of DCP for 30–60 days pre- and post-insemination improves conception rates
by 15–20% (Prakash & Madan, 2014).
 Combined supplementation with vitamin D₃ and magnesium enhances P absorption and
utilization (Goff, 2018).

 Blood phosphorus levels should be maintained at 4.5–6.0 mg/dL for optimal fertility (Radostits
et al., 2007).

Mechanism of Action in Repeat Breeding Syndrome

DCP supplementation aids in RBS management by:

1. Restoring Phosphorus Balance – Corrects subclinical deficiencies that impair ovarian function.

2. Enhancing Energy Metabolism – Supports ATP-dependent processes in oocytes and embryos.

3. Reducing Oxidative Stress – Phosphorus is a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes like glutathione
peroxidase (Sordillo, 2016).

Conclusion

Dicalcium phosphate is a vital mineral supplement in dairy cattle nutrition, particularly for improving
fertility in repeat breeder cows. Strategic supplementation at 50–70 g/day can significantly enhance
conception rates by addressing phosphorus-related metabolic and reproductive dysfunctions. Further
research should explore the interaction between DCP, trace minerals, and hormonal profiles in RBS-
affected herds.

References

 DeLuca, H. F. (2004). Overview of general physiologic features and functions of phosphorus.


Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 3(4), 763-768.

 Goff, J. P. (2018). The role of phosphorus in lactation and reproduction. Journal of Dairy Science,
101(5), 4283-4292.

 Khan, Z. U., et al. (2012). Impact of phosphorus on fertility in dairy cattle. Theriogenology, 78(3),
485-494.

 McDowell, L. R. (2003). Minerals in Animal and Human Nutrition. Elsevier.

 NRC (2001). Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. National Academies Press.

 Prabhakar, S., et al. (2015). Mineral deficiencies and repeat breeding in dairy cows. Veterinary
World, 8(5), 623-628.

 Radostits, O. M., et al. (2007). Veterinary Medicine: A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Sheep,
Pigs, Goats, and Horses. Saunders.

 Sordillo, L. M. (2016). Nutritional strategies to optimize dairy cattle immunity. Journal of Dairy
Science, 99(6), 4967-4982.

 Underwood, E. J., & Suttle, N. F. (1999). The Mineral Nutrition of Livestock. CABI Publishing.
This review synthesizes current knowledge on DCP’s role in dairy cattle reproduction, providing a
scientific basis for its therapeutic use in RBS management. Future studies should investigate long-term
effects and optimal formulation strategies for maximal fertility enhancement.

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