The Efficacy of β-Carotene in Cow Reproduction: A Review.

Simple Summary: β-Carotene is an abundant carotenoid in plants that functions as an antioxidant and a primary precursor of vitamin A in cattle. In addition to its role as a vitamin A precursor, β-carotene affects reproduction. β-carotene supports reproductive function, especially luteal function, in cattle by protecting synthetic enzymes related to sex steroid hormone production from reactive oxygen species through its antioxidant properties. β-carotene supplementation supports the ovarian cycle in cows by suppressing oxidative stress and enhancing immune function. Future research and field applications should consider β-carotene sufficiency and the balance between β-carotene intake from roughage and β-carotene consumption in the body and possible factors affecting the effectiveness of β-carotene in cattle reproduction. β-carotene supplementation improves the reproductive performance of cattle. However, the research results on this topic have been inconsistent, and no clear conclusion has been reached. In previous reviews of this topic, the functional mechanism of β-carotene in reproduction remained unclear, but subsequent studies have shown that the antioxidant effects of β-carotene protect enzymes involved in ovarian sex steroid hormone production from the effects of oxygen radicals. This role consequently affects normal ovarian follicle dynamics, maintenance of luteal function, and the estrous cycle, and indirectly improves reproductive performance by preventing perinatal diseases and facilitating recovery from these diseases. Several factors must be considered in feeding management to determine whether β-carotene supplementation is effective for improving reproductive performance in cows. The same is true when the animal consumes a large amount of the antioxidant β-carotene due to lactation, aging, or season. Therefore, it is important to consider the balance between the supply and consumption of β-carotene and evaluate whether β-carotene supplementation has an effect on reproductive performance in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]