Impact of dietary betaine supplementation on appetite hormones and blood biochemical parameters in Karan Fries heifer during summer in tropics

Abstract

The present research ascertained variation in plasma levels of ghrelin and leptin, and blood biochemical parameters under summer conditions in Karan Fries (KF) heifers (n=18) supplemented with two levels of betaine. Present appraisal was conducted on Karan Fries heifers selected randomly. Experiment was divided into two phases: Experiment-I (thermoneutral season) and Experiment–II (summer season: hot-dry and hot-humid season). KF heifers were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6) of Control, Treatment I (Betaine supplemented @ 25 g/d/ animal) and Treatment II (Betaine supplemented @ 50 g/d/animal). Average maximum and minimum environmental temperatures were 23.5°C and 9.9°C and 35.3°C and 22.4°C, during Experiment I and Experiment II respectively. Blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals. Betaine supplementation at 25 g/d and 50 g/d resulted in significant increase in plasma ghrelin, leptin, protein and cholesterol level and significant decrease in NEFA and triglycerides levels. However non-significant effect on plasma glucose levels were observed on increasing THI

Keywords

• Betaine, Biochemical, Hormones, Livestock, Nutrition