Physiological parameters and serum electrolyte changes after betaine supplementation in lactating Murrah buffaloes during hot-humid season

Abstract

Betaine acts as a methyl donor in metabolism and serves as an organic osmolyte, which is used by cells for protection against osmotic stress and high temperatures. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of betaine on physiological parameters and serum electrolyte changes in postpartum lactating Murrah buffaloes during the hot-humid season. The study was performed at the Livestock Farm Complex, N.D.V.S.U., Jabalpur, in 2019. Eighteen postpartum Murrah buffaloes were randomly divided into three groups for the experiment. T1 was a control group. T2 and T3 groups were supplemented with betaine at 50 g/animal/day and 100 g/animal/day, respectively. Betaine was supplemented in the feed from day 5 postpartum and continued up to 4 months. The rectal temperature was found to be significantly lower in the T2 and T3 groups as compared to the T1 group on day 90 postpartum. The pulse rate was lower in the T2 and T3 groups as compared to the control group on day 105 postpartum. It was concluded that betaine improves serum sodium, potassium, and the chloride concentration as compared to the control group and reduces heat stress in lactating buffaloes.