The effects of supplemental niacin and methionine on serum glucose, betahydroxybutyric 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 (β-HBA), and nonesterifiedfatty acid (NEFA) levels in Damascus dairy goats fed niacin (Nia) and methionine (Met) during late gestation and early postpartumperiod. A total of 75 dairy goats at 105th day of gestation were divided into 3 groups as control (no supplementation), Nia (20 g/kgNia), and Met (2.5 g/kg Met) groups. The dietary treatments continued until parturition. Dairy goats fed dietary Nia had greater serumglucose levels on day 125 of gestation compared to the other dietary treatments (P < 0.05). On day 135 of pregnancy, serum glucoselevels were higher in Met group than control group (P < 0.05). Serum β-HBA levels decreased on days 135 and 145 in dairy goats fedNia than those in control group. Dietary Nia and Met lowered serum β-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 incontrol group. Serum NEFA levels d 10 postpartum were different among the groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary Nia and Metsupplementation improved serum glucose levels on day 125 of gestation while decreasing β-HBA and NEFA levels during late gestationand early postpartum period in Damascus dairy goats under the conditions of present study.