Abstract
A study was conducted on twelve Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers, (10-12 months), in LRC of NDRI, Karnal.Heifers were divided equally into two groups i.e. control, and treatment (supplemented with astaxanthin@ 0.25 mg per kgBW per day per animal) to assess the heat stress ameliorative action of astaxanthin during summer season. During experimental period, environmental variables were recorded and THI was calculated to assess levels of summer stress. Blood samples were collected from both the group of heifers at fortnightly interval for quantification of plasma leptin and ghrelin hormones.Body weights of heifers were recorded at monthly interval. The body weight gain and ADG were significantly (P 0.05) higher in treatment group. Feed intake was higher (P 0.05) and FCR was lower (P 0.05) in astaxanthin supplemented group.Plasma leptin was higher(P 0.05), while,plasma ghrelinand surface skin temperature were numerically lower in treatment than control group of heifers.The study found that astaxanthin supplementation amelio rated the negative impact of summer stress and helped in enhancement of growth rate and ADG by improving the feed intake and by decreasing the FCR of heifers.
Highlights
Astaxanthin is a (3, 3’-dihydroxy-â, â-carotene-4, 4’dione) xanthophyll carotenoid of predominantly marine origin
These meteorological variables were employed as an index to evaluate the summer stress during the different months of study
The body weights gain (BWG) and average daily gain (ADG) increased as the age and feed intake of animals increases
Summary
Astaxanthin is a (3, 3’-dihydroxy-â, â-carotene-4, 4’dione) xanthophyll carotenoid of predominantly marine origin. Astaxanthin is a powerful free radical scavenger and protects cells from oxidative damage (Lee et al, 2011). It has unique chemical properties due to its molecular structure It possesses hydroxyl and keto moieties on each inone rings, which is responsible for its higher antioxidant activity (Kishimoto et al, 2010). Without showing pro-oxidation due to the oxo function are responsible for resonance stabilization of carbon centered radicals (Martin et al, 1999). It catches free radicals at the conjugate polyene chain and in the terminal ring moiety.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
