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Effect of betaine supplementation on production performance and serum antioxidant indices of Nili-Ravi buffaloes during summer

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Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether feeding betaine (Bet) to lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes elevates their production performance during the hot and humid climate. Sixty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups: the control group received a standard concentrates basal diet without Bet, whereas in the treated group the same diet was supplemented with Bet at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% on dry matter basis for 9 weeks. All animals received ad libitum amount of chopped green maize fodder. Milk production and its fat % were recorded twice daily, whereas for the remaining components samples were collected weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that feeding Bet to buffaloes increased (p<0.05) milk yield, production efficiency, and nutrient utilization at all three inclusion levels; however, milk composition remained unaffected. A numerical but non-significant (p>0.05) increase in performance was noticed with higher doses of Bet. Superoxide dismutase in all three treatments and glutathione peroxidase in Bet 0.2% inclusion level were higher (p<0.05) as compared to the control. However, malondialdehyde was not significantly affected. Inclusion of Bet in the concentrate ration of lactating buffalos at 0.2% level on the dry matter basis is recommended as it positively influenced the production and also improved their antioxidant status during summer.

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Data availability

The data used in this study belong to the University of Punjab. The same can be available on reasonable request after approval by the competent authority.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Military Farms Jhelum authorities, for permitting and facilitating us to conduct this research at their farm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Zakir Hussain & Nabila Roohi

  2. Department of Animal Production, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan

    Zahid Iqbal

  3. Department of Poultry Sciences, Agriculture University, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan

    Sirzamin Khan

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  1. Zakir Hussain
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  2. Zahid Iqbal
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  3. Nabila Roohi
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  4. Sirzamin Khan
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design as well as manuscript writing. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Zakir Hussain. The first draft of the manuscript was written by ZH and ZI whereas NR and SK revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript for submission.

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Correspondence to Zahid Iqbal.

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All applicable international, national, and institutional ethics and guidelines for the care and use of animals in experiments were strictly followed. The experimental protocol was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee, University of the Punjab, Lahore, vide number 2364/ACAD.

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Hussain, Z., Iqbal, Z., Roohi, N. et al. Effect of betaine supplementation on production performance and serum antioxidant indices of Nili-Ravi buffaloes during summer. Trop Anim Health Prod 55, 176 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-023-03590-8

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