Impact of Betaine and Folic Acid Supplementation on Thermoregulatory Responses, Blood Characteristics and Lactation Performance of Baldi Goats, and The Growth Performance of their kids
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This work aimed to find the influence of betaine (Bet) and folic acid (FA) on milk production, hemato-biochemical parameters, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of goats during heat stress. Goats (N=40) were equally categorized into control, Bet, FA, and Bet-FA groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, whereas the Bet and Bet-FA groups were supplemented with 4 g/h/d Bet, and the FA and Bet-FA groups were supplemented every other day with 500 μg/animal folic acid. Pulse rate (PR), respiration rate (RR), skin temperature (ST), and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded. Blood samples were collected to estimate hemato-biochemical parameters, hormonal profile, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results showed that BT and FA led to a significant decrease (P<0.05) in RT, ST, RR, and PR. While the concentration of hemoglobin (HB) increased (P<0.05) in all treated groups. BT and FA increased significantly total proteins (TP), while decreasing (P<0.05) alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels. The levels of aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) exhibited a significant reduction (P<0.05) in Bet, FA, and Bet-FA groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Bet, FA, and Bet-FA groups was higher (P<0.05) than the control group. Additionally, Bet, FA, and Bet-FA have increased (P<0.05) milk yield, milk fat% and milk protein% % compared to control. In conclusion, Bet, FA, and Bet-FA supplementation in the goats’ diet significantly improved their performance and better mitigating the heat stress during the hot season.
Authors: Ahmed Soliman, Belal Farrag Farag, Amira Abdalla Abdelshafy Mohamed
Institutions: New Valley University, Al-Azhar University, Arish University
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411247657