Effect of dietary supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on stress parameters in goat kids

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) on live weight loss and selected blood parameters in goat kids after transportation to the slaughterhouse. The study was performed with goat kids that were weaned at 30 days of age and divided into two groups (GK): a control group and an experimental group whose diet was supplemented with HMB (at 50 mg kg −1 of BW) for 60 consecutive days. At the end of the 90-day rearing period, the animals were fasted for 12 h (with access to water) and were transported to the slaughterhouse in the following morning. Blood for analysis was sampled before transportation (BST1) and after unloading in the slaughterhouse (BST2). The animals were weighed on the same dates to determine live weight loss. Red blood cell counts (RBC), white blood cell counts (WBC), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), neutrophil to lymphocyte (N:L) ratio, and cortisol and glucose concentrations were determined in the sampled blood. The experimental goat kids were characterized by lower weight loss after transportation. Group of kids and BST did not induce variations in RBC, WBC, HGB, and HCT. Cortisol concentration was affected by both GK and BST. Cortisol levels increased after transportation in both groups, but this parameter was significantly higher in the control than in experimental animals at BST2. Glucose levels and the N:L ratio did not differ significantly between GK, but glucose concentration and the N:L ratio were higher at BST2 than at BST1 in both groups. The experimental goat kids were characterized by lower weight loss and lower cortisol concentration after transportation, which could point to the efficacy of HMB in boosting immunity and alleviating transportation stress in goat kids.

Effects of Road Transportation on Some Physiological Stress Measures in Anpera and Boerka Goats

“…These findings are in consistent with a previous study by Tajik et al (2016) reported that no significant difference between two sexes of Raini goats in glucose level after transport. However, regardless of sexes, this finding is similar with previous studies, which is increased glucose after transport (Minka and Ayo, 2014;Sowińska et al, 2020;Raghazli et al, 2021). Minka and Ayo (2014) reported that a significant increase in glucose levels on goats after 12 hours transport with total distance about 600 km.…”

“…There also have been reported that no significant difference between two sexes in serum concentration of cortisol (Tajik et al, 2016). However, regardless of sexes, previous studies have reported similar findings, with increased cortisol concentration observed in goats after transport (Alcalde et al, 2016;Tajik et al, 2016;Mir et al, 2018;Sowińska et al, 2020). This result is contrary to previous studies, where no differences (Raghazli et al, 2021), were observed in goats prior to and after transport.…”

“…Minka and Ayo (2014) reported that a significant increase in glucose levels on goats after 12 hours transport with total distance about 600 km. Likewise, Sowińska et al (2020) observed increasing level of serum glucose 3.8 mmol/L (100%) in goat kids after transport.…”

“…The effects of transportation stress on goats can also be influenced by intrinsic factors such as sex, breed, and the temperament of the animal, as highlighted in various studies (Hughes et al, 2013;Brown and Vosloo 2017;Biobaku et al 2018;Sowińska et al 2020). There is paucity of literature and information available on the effect of long-distance travelling stress on hormone cortisol, blood biochemical levels, and hematology parameters on these goats in tropic climatic condition.…”