Abstract
This study investigated the effects of supplementing different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on antioxidant status and blood biochemical indices during early gestation in Beetal goats. A total of 30 goats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) comprising control (basal diet without MOLP), the 1.6% MOLP supplemented group (basal diet + 1.6% MOLP), and the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group (basal diet + 3.2% MOLP). The experiment started 5 days before estrus synchronization and lasted till day 60 of gestation. The MOLP significantly increased plasma flavonoids in 1.6% as well as 3.2% supplemented group on days 40 and 60 of pregnancy, while total phenolic contents were observed to be higher in the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group throughout the experiment in comparison with the control group. The supplementation improved plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) in contrast to the control group. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were enhanced in both supplemented groups, whereas catalase (CAT) activity was noticed to be significantly high in the 3.2% MOLP supplemented group. The protein contents were significantly elevated with 1.6 and 3.2% supplementation levels from day 40 to day 60 of the experiment. Plasma sugar level, carotenoids, progesterone profile, and hydrolytic (protease and amylase) enzymes activities were improved only when supplemented with 3.2% MOLP. The findings suggest that supplementing with 3.2% MOLP provides beneficial effects on early pregnancy stress in Beetal goats.
Highlights
Pregnancy is a physiological process characterized by an intense metabolic burden that interrupts antioxidant stability and energy balance
The total phenolic contents (TPC) was significantly high throughout the experiment in the 3.2% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) supplemented group (p < 0.05), and the impact of 1.6% supplementation remained non-significant as compared with the control group (p > 0.05)
Plasma vitamin C level increased significantly with 3.2% supplementation from the day of conception, whereas treatment with 1.6% MOLP exhibited a significant impact from day 20 to 60 of the gestation (p < 0.05)
Summary
Pregnancy is a physiological process characterized by an intense metabolic burden that interrupts antioxidant stability and energy balance. It is common for about 25% of the embryos die or be reabsorbed within 2 weeks of pregnancy before implantation [1]. The small ruminants are mainly kept on conventional grazing pastures, low-quality hay, and crop byproducts. These feedstuffs lack an adequate amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals to fulfill the nutritional requirements of pregnant goats [6]. Phytobiotics from herbal plants are a balanced source of different nutrients that have been explored to have high antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties and may serve as a potential feed supplement for ruminants [11, 12]
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