Effect on ocular mucosal coloration (FAMACHA score). A progressive and statistically significant improvement in ocular mucosal coloration was observed following supplementation with the polyherbal iron–mineral feed supplement. The mean FAMACHA score decreased from a baseline value of 3.44 ± 0.70 on Day 1 to 1.38 ± 0.48 by Day 14 (p<0.05), indicating a shift from mild anemia-associated coloration toward a non anemic ocular conjunctival appearance (Table 1). The FAMACHA system used is a field validated tool for ocular mucosal coloration (
Van Wyk et al., 2002;
Sunder et al., 2025).
Effect on milk yield
Mean daily milk yield increased significantly during and after the supplementation period compared to baseline values. Prior to supplementation, the cows produced an average of 5.69±1.03 L/day. This increased to 7.49±0.82 L/day during the supplementation phase and further increased to 9.63±1.81 L/day during the post supplementation period (p<0.001) (Table 2). The observed increase corresponded to an improvement of 1.80 L/day during supplementation and 3.94 L/day after supplementation.
Effect on milk quality parameters
Milk quality parameters demonstrated significant improvements following supplementation. Corrected Lactometer Reading (CLR) increased from a baseline value of 23.97±1.05 to 24.71±0.77 during supplementation and reached 25.37±1.05 in the post supplementation phase (p<0.001) (Table 2). Milk fat percentage increased significantly from 2.97±0.14 at baseline to 3.26±0.13 during supplementation and further to 3.44±0.14 after supplementation (p<0.001) (Table 2). Similarly, solids not fat (SNF) content increased from 7.71±0.21 at baseline to 8.09±0.21 during supplementation and 8.44±0.19 after supplementation (p<0.001) (Table 2). Improved milk quality parameters were recorded following supplementation (Table 2).
Effect on general well being indicators
Scores related to general well being parameters, including rumen motility, feed intake and activity level, showed consistent and statistically significant improvements during the supplementation period (p<0.001) (Table 3). Rumen motility improved from reduced or irregular contractions at baseline to near normal physiological patterns by Day 10. Feed intake scores progressed from reduced intake at baseline to near complete feed consumption by Day 10. Activity levels similarly transitioned from lethargic or dull behavior to alert and active behavior.
Hemoprotozoan challenges are a significant constraint to dairy productivity in tropical production systems and are frequently associated with reduced feed intake, impaired nutrient utilization and alterations in physiological status that collectively limit productive performance
(Salih et al., 2015; Tewari et al., 2014; Singh et al., 2007; Singh et al., 2009; Juyal et al., 2005; Guan et al., 2010; Narladkar, 2018;
Rashid, 2018;
Sathishkumar et al., 2025). Although therapeutic interventions remain the primary approach for managing clinical disease, nutritional supplementation may play a supportive role in maintaining animal performance and aiding physiological recovery during and following disease challenges
(Alves et al., 2016; Lopreiato et al., 2020; Hashemzadeh-Cigari et al., 2014;
Benchaar et al., 2007; Benchaar et al., 2008; Palmonari et al., 2021; Maurya et al., 2016).
In the present field study, supplementation with the polyherbal iron-mineral feed supplement was associated with an improvement in FAMACHA scores, a practical field-based indicator of ocular mucosal coloration (
Van Wyk et al., 2002;
Sunder et al., 2025). While improved mucosal color may be suggestive of a better physiological status, the absence of laboratory hematological measurements precludes direct conclusions regarding haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte status, or anemia correction. Therefore, the observed FAMACHA response should be interpreted as an improvement in a field indicator associated with animal condition rather than definitive evidence of enhanced hematological parameters. Potential contributors to this response include the trace mineral content of the supplement and the presence of bioactive phytochemicals.
Azadirachta indica leaves contain iron and other micronutrients that have been associated with support of normal hematological profiles in livestock and experimental models (
Iyare and Obaji, 2014;
Kashif and Ullah, 2013;
Ansari et al., 2004). Likewise,
Cichorium intybus has demonstrated antiparasitic and gastrointestinal modulatory properties that may contribute indirectly to nutrient availability and overall physiological resilience (
Peña-Espinoza et al., 2018).
The sustained increase in milk yield observed during and after supplementation is consistent with previous reports indicating that phytogenic feed additives can enhance feed acceptability, rumen microbial activity, digestive efficiency and nutrient utilization, ultimately supporting lactational performance
(Bhatt et al., 2009; Canada et al., 2018; Mendoza, 2020). Phytobiotics derived from
Zingiber officinale have been reported to stimulate appetite, improve palatability and favorably influence rumen fermentation characteristics
(Yadav et al., 2016; Mohammadi Gheisar et al., 2018;
Vyas et al., 2018). These reported effects are consistent with the improvements in rumen motility and feed-intake scores observed in the present study and may partly explain the associated increase in milk production.
The observed improvements in milk fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) percentages are also compatible with enhanced rumen fermentation and volatile fatty acid production. Increased acetate availability is closely linked to milk fat synthesis, whereas propionate contributes to gluconeogenesis and energy supply for lactose production and milk secretion
(Pinotti et al., 2003; Goselink et al., 2013; Grummer, 2012;
Hapsari et al., 2018). Although the present formulation does not provide choline, studies evaluating targeted nutritional interventions that support metabolic efficiency and liver function have similarly reported positive effects on milk production and composition
(Pinotti et al., 2010; Shahsavari et al., 2016). These findings collectively support the concept that nutritional supplementation can contribute to improved productive performance when physiological demands are elevated.
Importantly, the evaluated formulation was fed exclusively as a feed supplement mixed with daily feed or drinking water and was not intended or evaluated as a therapeutic agent. Accordingly, the outcomes are interpreted as improvements in production-related and physiological indicators associated with nutritional support, digestive function and metabolic efficiency rather than treatment of disease.
The present investigation was conducted under field conditions with a relatively small number of animals and without a concurrent untreated control group. Consequently, the observed improvements cannot be attributed exclusively to supplementation, as natural recovery, management practices and environmental factors may also have influenced the outcomes. In addition, laboratory hematological measurements were not performed; therefore, changes in FAMACHA scores should be interpreted only as improvements in a field-based indicator of ocular mucosal coloration rather than direct evidence of enhanced haemoglobin status. Future controlled studies involving larger animal populations and comprehensive hematological assessments are warranted to further substantiate these findings.
