Influence of astaxanthin supplementation on attainment of puberty and lipid peroxidation in Sahiwal and Karan Fries (Holstein × Tharparkar) heifers during summer season

Abstract

Present study was conducted on Sahiwal and Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers to investigate the ameliorative effect of astaxanthin supplementation on oxidative stress and attainment of puberty during summer season. The heifers of both the breeds were equally divided into two groups i.e. control (fed as per ICAR, 2013) and treatment groups (additionally supplemented with astaxanthin @ 0.25 mg/kgBW/day/animal). THI was calculated at fortnightly interval during experimental period to assess the level of summer stress. The physiological responses were recorded and blood samples were collected at fortnightly interval from both the groups of both the breeds. The physiological response (RR, PR and RT) and plasma TBARS was (P ≤ 0.05) higher in control compared to treatment group of both the breeds. Plasma TAC and GH were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher, while, IGF-1 was numerically higher in treatment group of Sahiwal and Karan Fries heifers than control group. Astaxanthin supplementation alleviated the adverse effect of heat stress and improved the weight gain of heifers and hence helps in early attainment of puberty through conservation of energy, which could be otherwise used in dissipation of heat stress. The result was more pronounced in KF than Sahiwal heifers due to their exotic inheritance.