Ingestive behavior, volatile fatty acids, blood biochemical and hormonal variables of dairy goats supplemented with glycerin

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the ingestive behavior, volatile fatty acids, and blood biochemical and hormonal variables of goats consuming a diet with 15% glycerin. Feed efficiency (FE) and rumination (ER) of dry matter intake (DMI) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFI) of dairy goats supplemented with glycerin (0 and 15%) were not influenced by treatments (p > 0.05). The specific activities of defecation, urination and drinking had a significant effect (p < 0.05) in relation to the treatments with glycerin in the diet of dairy goats. The occasional activities (defecation, urinating and drinking water) decreased with the addition of 15% of glycerin in the goats’ diet. Lactic acid had a significant effect (p < 0.001) with the addition of 15% glycerin. Diets for dairy goats with 15% glycerin did not change the consumption of dry material, neutral detergent fiber, nor did they change the ingestive behavior of these animals. The levels of globulin, protein, albumin/globulin, glucose, cholesterol, urea, triglycerides, cortisol, and T4 variables were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by the addition of glycerin in the diet.