Physiological and biochemical response to Omega-3 plus as a dietary supplement to growing goats under hot summer conditions

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of Omega-3 plus on some the physiological and biochemical traits in growing Baladi goats under hot summer conditions. Thirty-four growing male goats (4-5 months old) were randomly divided into two equal groups. Animals in group 1 were fed a concentrate feed mixture (CFM), which was the control group. Goats in group 2 (the experimental group) were offered Omega-3 plus (1,000 mg/animal day-1) (30% fish oil, containing 18% eicosapentaenoic acid and 12% docosahexaenoic acid + 100 mg wheat germ oil (0.22% tocopherols)) daily in addition to the basal diet for four months (the experimental period) during the hot summer season. Body weight (BW) changes of both groups were recorded monthly during the experiment. Blood samples were collected monthly, and total protein, immunoglobulin G (IgG), total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver enzymes (AST and ALT), blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were estimated. A significant increase in the live BW of growing goats was recorded as a result of dietary supplementation of Omega-3 plus. Total protein, IgG, and T3 levels were higher than those obtained with control. In contrast, total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, ALT, and AST levels were significantly reduced. The serum concentration of creatinine and T4 levels was indistinguishable from those of control. Addition of Omega-3 plus as a dietary supplement to growing goats under hot summer conditions increases their daily weight gain and improves their general physiological and biochemical status by decreasing total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, ALT, and AST. It is thus suggested that Omega-3 plus should be used as a supplement in the growth period of goats.