Effect of Ascorbic Acid Supplementation on Physiological and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Goats during Summer

Abstract

Twelve adult male goats (1–1½ years old, 15–20 kg BW) were randomly divided into three groups namely T0, T1 and T2 comprising 4 animals in each group. Ascorbic acid was supplemented orally after dissolving in water @ 0, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW in T0, T1 and T2 groups, respectively, to see its effect on physiological, haematological and blood biochemical parameters in adult male goats during summer. The ambient temperature, relative humidity and temperature humidity index (THI) ranged from 24.5 to 37.16°C, 47.66 to 77.83% and 72.08 to 85.59, respectively, during the study period. Average rectal temperature (RT), pulse rate (PR) and respiratory rate (RR) ranged from 39.68±0.12 to 40.46±0.13°C; 58.75±1.93 to 72.25±4.20 and 107.33±1.53 to 118.13±1.69, respectively, which were significantly (P<0.01) reduced in T1 and T2 groups than control group (T0). However, no difference was seen between T1 and T2 groups. Similarly, overall mean haemoglobin (g/dL) and packed cell volume (PCV) value ranged from 8.37±0.30 to 10.23±0.55 and 24.08±1.31 to 28.25±1.04, respectively, which was higher (P<0.05) in T1 and T2 groups than control. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups for plasma glucose, potassium, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspertate amino transferase (AST). Mean plasma total protein and sodium level were significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 groups than control group. However, mean plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level significantly reduced (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 groups than control, but values were similar in T1 and T2 groups. From the present study it is concluded that supplementation of either 50 or 100 mg/kg BW of ascorbic acid is equally effective in reducing RT, PR and RR as well as increasing haemoglobin and PCV in goats during summer.