Meta-analysis – Effect of bypass fat supplementation on productivity, blood parameters and reproductive performance in ruminant

Abstract

Fat supplementation in cattle has shown variable results across studies. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of bypass fat supplementation compared to control on productivity, blood parameters, and reproduction in cattle. This meta-analysis evaluated data from studies examining reproductive performance (n=47), productivity (n=41), and blood parameters (n=65) in cattle receiving bypass fat supplementation. The methodological approach used included systematic literature research, selection criteria, data extraction, and comprehensive statistical analysis consisting of heterogeneity, effect size, publication bias, trimfill, and meta-regression tests using R Studio. The results of the meta-analysis showed significant effects of blood parameters, productivity, and reproductive parameters in response to bypass fat supplementation. Analysis of blood parameters showed changes in profile, decreased triglyceride and glucose concentrations, and significantly increased cholesterol levels. Production parameters showed variable responses, with significant increases in body condition scores, while body weight was unaffected. Reproductive parameters showed variable results, with significant increases in service per conception (S/C) and days open, while conception rates showed no significant changes. The study concluded that bypass fat supplementation effectively improves cattle performance through improving reproductive parameters, production, and blood profile.