Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation on Haematology, Serum Enzymes and Hormone Profile in Gestating and Lactating Sows Suresh R., Verma A.K.*, Manobhavan M., Agarwal Neeta, Das Asit, Singh Putan ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India *Corresponding author: vermaak62@gmail.com
Online published on 13 April, 2022. Abstract The effect of dietary folic acid supplementation on haematology, serum enzymes and hormone profile in gestating and lactating sows was studied. Eighteen crossbred (Landrace X Desi) sows were randomly distributed into three groups of six sows each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Sows in the control (T0) group was fed with basal diet (folic acid at 1.3 mg/kg), whereas, T1 and T2 groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with folic acid at 15 mg/kg during gestation and lactation. The concentration of Hb and RBC count were higher (P<0.01) at the end of gestation (114 d) and lactating (21 d) period than in the same sows at the beginning of study (0 d). The PCV (%) of folic acid supplemented (T1 and T2) groups as compared to control (T0) group was higher (P<0.01). Platelet and WBC counts were comparable among the groups. Serum concentration of ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and CK revealed no significant (P>0.05) effect of folic acid supplementation. The serum T3 and T4 concentration was higher (P<0.01) on 0 d (at the time of artificial insemination), farrowing (114 d) than at end of lactation period (21st d) in the same sows. The serum T3 and T4 hormone was comparable whereas cortisol (ng/ml) level of sows was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in folic acid supplemented groups compared to control. It was concluded that folic acid supplementation during gestation and lactation at 15 mg/kg diet is beneficial in terms of reducing stress associated with gestation and early lactation. Top Keywords Folic acid, Haematology, Serum enzymes, Serum hormones, Sows. Top |