Effect of supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich linseed grain on steroid hormones and reproduction in Goats

Abstract

The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)- rich linseed grain supplementation was assessed on steroid hormones and reproduction in goats. Twenty-four acyclic and clinically healthy non-descript goats were divided into 4 equal groups. Gr A(control) was supplemented with concentrate without linseed grain while Gr B, C and D were supplemented with concentrate containing 10, 15 and 20% of linseed grain respectively. Goats were supplemented during prebreeding period for 30 days. Blood samples were collected for estimation of serum estradiol and progesterone during pre-breeding and post-oestrus periods. Serum estradiol concentration (pg/ml) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Gr B (58.79±3.62), C (70.34±5.95) and D (49.48±5.02) compared to control Gr A (38.51±4.03) on 30 days of pre-breeding period. It was significantly (P<0.05) lower in Gr B (9.61±1.45) compared to A (15.61±2.65), C (12.61±1.35) and D (12.61±2.65) on 7 days of post-oestrus period. Serum progesterone levels were comparable among the groups on 30 days of pre- breeding and on 7 days of post- oestrus period. Blood glucose level was comparable on 21 days of supplementation in pre-breeding and 0 day of postoestrus period. Conception (83.33%) and kidding (83.33%) rates were higher in Gr B compared to control Gr A (50.00 and 33.33%). The study suggested that supplementation of PUFA-rich linseed grain in concentrate @ 15% decreased the serum estradiol and increased the serum progesterone during post-oestrus period and improved the conception and kidding rates in goats.