Physiological and biochemical response to Omega-3 plus as a dietary supplement to growing goats under hot summer conditions

Fatma Edrees Ibrahim Teama,Akram A El-Tarabany

doi:10.1590/s1806-92902016000400005

Fatma Edrees Ibrahim Teama, Akram A El-Tarabany

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s1806-92902016000400005

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Abstract

The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of Omega-3 plus on some the physiological and biochemical traits in growing Baladi goats under hot summer conditions. Thirty-four growing male goats (4-5 months old) were randomly divided into two equal groups. Animals in group 1 were fed a concentrate feed mixture (CFM), which was the control group. Goats in group 2 (the experimental group) were offered Omega-3 plus (1,000 mg/animal day-1) (30% fish oil, containing 18% eicosapentaenoic acid and 12% docosahexaenoic acid + 100 mg wheat germ oil (0.22% tocopherols)) daily in addition to the basal diet for four months (the experimental period) during the hot summer season. Body weight (BW) changes of both groups were recorded monthly during the experiment. Blood samples were collected monthly, and total protein, immunoglobulin G (IgG), total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were estimated. A significant increase in the live BW of growing goats was recorded as a result of dietary supplementation of Omega-3 plus. Total protein, IgG, and T3 levels were higher than those obtained with control. In contrast, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, ALT, and AST levels were significantly reduced. The serum concentration of creatinine and T4 levels was indistinguishable from those of control. Addition of Omega-3 plus as a dietary supplement to growing goats under hot summer conditions increases their daily weight gain and improves their general physiological and biochemical status by decreasing total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, ALT, and AST. It is thus suggested that Omega-3 plus should be used as a supplement in the growth period of goats.

Highlights

In tropical and subtropical regions with high ambient temperatures throughout the year, heat stress is considered one of the main factors affecting the viability and sustainability of livestock production (Gaughan et al, 2009)
Because of the limited studies addressing the effect of omega-3 on physiological and biochemical traits of goats, this study focused on the physiological and biochemical response to Omega-3 plus in diets for growing goats in the Egyptian hot summer season
A significant increase was recorded in live body weight (LBW) and daily body weight gain (DBW) of the animals fed Omega-3 plus

Summary

Introduction

In tropical and subtropical regions with high ambient temperatures throughout the year, heat stress is considered one of the main factors affecting the viability and sustainability of livestock production (Gaughan et al, 2009). It is well known that dietary omega-3 has an important role in the maintenance of the structure of cellular membranes, improving the absorption of liposoluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), reducing plasma triglycerides, regulating the cholesterol metabolism, and producing eicosanoids, which regulate various cellular processes (vascular and bronchial tone, gastrointestinal and uterine motility, gastric protection, urine output, blood clotting, body temperature, and inflammatory and immune processes (Ponnampalam et al, 2001). Dietary omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal growth and metabolism (Kris-Etherton et al, 2002). Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-oxidant effects that play a critical role in the development and functioning of the central nervous system (Logan, 2004)

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