Assessment of Betaine as a Feed Additive to Improve the Metabolic Status and Reproductive Performance of Aberdeen Angus Cows in Arid Subtropical Regions

Abstract

This work studied the effect of betaine (BET) supplementation on the metabolic, hormonal and reproductive efficiency of Aberdeen Angus cattle under heat stress (HS) conditions. Twelve cows were assigned randomly into two equal groups (6 cows each). Treatments included: control group (CG) and BET group supplemented with 30 g BET/h/d. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and biochemical parameters were measured monthly for 150 days from the start of treatment till pregnancy occurs. The results showed a significant increase in albumin, globulin, T3, and T4 in the BET group compared to the CG. Whereas the concentrations of ALT, AST, and cortisol decreased (P<0.05) significantly in BET group than CG. TAC was significantly greater (P<0.05) in BET group than CG. The elevated conception rate was recorded for BET-treated cows (100%) compared with (83.33%) extent of CG. The number of services required per conception was lower in BET-treated cows (1.17) compared with CG (1.67). The presented results concluded that BET could enhance metabolic, antioxidant status and reproductive efficiency of Aberdeen Angus cows during HS conditions of summer season.