Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Serum Biochemical Profile of Vrindavani Cattle During Heat Stress

Abstract

The livestock sector faces notable challenges due to heat stress, impacting the overall health and efficiency of the animals. The primary aim of this study was to assess the impact of astaxanthin supplementation on biochemical parameters in Heat-Stressed Vrindavani Cattle. The study was conducted over 50 days, and 12 male Vrindavani cattle (age group=1-2 years) were randomly selected from the experimental animal shed of the physiology and climatology division and divided into two equal groups: Group 1 as heat-stressed control (HSC) and Group II as treatment group (heat stress supplemented with astaxanthin @ 0.5 mg/kg body weight/animal/day). Initially, all animals were subjected to an acclimatisation period of 15 days, and animals were exposed to 38°C (heat stress) for 6 hours daily for 28 days. After the heat exposure period, animals were moved to animal sheds for 7 days of the recovery period, and no astaxanthin supplementation was given to them. Blood sampling was done weekly during the acclimatization, heat exposure, and recovery period. A significant (P < 0.05) decrease in ALT level and a nonsignificant decrease in AST level were observed in the treatment group compared to the HSC group. A significant (p<0.05) difference between groups was observed on day 14 in total protein and albumin levels, and the treatment group showed a lower value than the HSC group. Urea and creatinine were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the treatment group than in the HSC group. The findings from our research support the potential advantages of astaxanthin in alleviating heat-stress conditions in the Vrindavani cattle.