Effect of prepartum injection of vitamin E and selenium on postpartum reproductive function of dairy cattle

A total of 198 cows were randomly assigned to treatment with a single intramuscular injection of 10 ml of a preparation containing vitamin E and selenium or placebo 3 wk before expected parturition. Incidence of retained fetal membranes was 3.0% for the treated group and 10.1% for the control group (P=0.06). Administration of MU-SE also increased the percentage of cows pregnant to the first service (41.2 vs 25.3%; P=0.02), reduced the number of services per conception (2.3 vs 2.8; P=0.03), and reduced the interval from calving to conception (121 vs 141 days; P=0.06). The effect of MU-SE on fertility was apparent in cows with and without retained fetal membranes. There was no effect of MU-SE on the interval from calving to the first estrus. In conclusion, prepartum supplementation with vitamin E and selenium can decrease the incidence of retained fetal membranes, increase pregnancy rates and, thereby, reduce the interval from calving to conception in lactating dairy cows.