Effect of Melengestrol Acetate (Mga) on the Metabolic Profile in Heifers

Abstract

From the analysis of 21 Cebu-Swiss heifers healthy, developing, with 235.55 ± 17.81kg of body weight (BW), 118.62 ± 3.97cm and 2.58 ± 0.35 of body condition (BC) scale of 1-5. They were divided into two groups: MGA (n = 10) and control (n = 11). For 55 days were given a constant diet (including 15 days of adaptation), based on concentrate and sorghum straw. The contribution of daily intake was 599.08g of crude protein and 12.18 Mcal. Blood samples were obtained every 5 days. The concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, urea, total protein and glucose were measured for spectrophotometric using the enzyme-colorimetric technique in plasma. The daily gain was balanced PV of 603.5 to 232.5 grams and height stopped from day 25. The CC did not show significant changes (P> 0.01). The mean concentration of plasma cholesterol was 107.59 ± 13.38 vs. 109.61 ± 11.72mg/dl (MGA and control, respectively) with a downward trend more pronounced from day 25. The concentration of triglycerides was 12.61 ± 6.91 vs. 16.19 ± 8.86mg/dl (MGA and control), no trend in the first 20 days and from day 25 there was an increase compared to the average of the previous days. The concentrations of HDL 63.73 ± 3.26 vs. 63.79 ± 10.27mg/dl (MGA and control) and 43.56 ± 6.24 vs. LDLc. 46.54 ± 14.89mg/dl (MGA and control) were irregular, but within normal ranges. The values of total protein were 5.70 ± 0.40 vs. 5.22 ± 0.31mg/dl (MGA and control), no trend the first 15 days and from day 20 increased in concentration compared to previous surveys. Urea levels were 14.79 ± 5.22 vs. 14.13 ± 4.8mg/dl (MGA and control) with a tendency to discharge. Glucose levels were 60.06 ± 7.62 vs. 58.24 ± 5.43mg/dl (MGA and control), with an irregular behavior in the normal range. The consumption of 0.5mg/dl of MGA for 40 days increased plasma concentrations of triglycerides and total protein, but did not affect cholesterol levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol, urea and glucose.