The effects of supplemental niacin and methionine on serum glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and non-esterified fatty acid levels during late gestation and early postpartum period in Damascus dairy goats

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the changes in serum glucose, beta-hydroxybutyric acid s-HBA , and nonesterified fatty acid NEFA levels in Damascus dairy goats fed niacin Nia and methionine Met during late gestation and early postpartum period. A total of 75 dairy goats at 105th day of gestation were divided into 3 groups as control no supplementation , Nia 20 g/kg Nia , and Met 2.5 g/kg Met groups. The dietary treatments continued until parturition. Dairy goats fed dietary Nia had greater serum glucose levels on day 125 of gestation compared to the other dietary treatments P < 0.05 . On day 135 of pregnancy, serum glucose levels were higher in Met group than control group P < 0.05 . Serum s-HBA levels decreased on days 135 and 145 in dairy goats fed Nia than those in control group. Dietary Nia and Met lowered serum s-HBA levels on day 10 postpartum compared to control group P < 0.05 . Serum NEFA levels decreased P < 0.05 on days 135 and 145 in dairy goats fed Nia supplemented ration than those in control group. Serum NEFA levels d 10 postpartum were different among the groups P < 0.05 . In conclusion, dietary Nia and Met supplementation improved serum glucose levels on day 125 of gestation while decreasing s-HBA and NEFA levels during late gestation and early postpartum period in Damascus dairy goats under the conditions of present study.