Abstract
The present work was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing aloe vera extract on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance and antioxidant status of goats. Twenty-four crossbreed lactating goats (Alpine × Beetal) were divided into three experimental groups (AV0, AV2 and AV4). AV0 had no supplementation, group AV2 and AV4 received ready to feed aqueous extract of aloe vera at 20 and 40 g/kg dry matter intake, respectively, along with basal diet and experiment lasted for 100 days. Average DMI did not vary (P > 0.05) among treatment groups; however, the cumulative metabolic bodyweight of AV4 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the AV0 and AV2 groups (AV0 = AV2 > AV4). Intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and EE was unaffected (P > 0.05) by aloe vera supplementation. The milk production, yield of milk fat, protein, lactose and solids not fat (SNF) of goats in the AV4 group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than other groups (AV4 > AV2 = AV0). The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and levels of plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power were high (P < 0.01) in the aloe vera supplemented group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). There was no significant difference (P = 0.979) in the pH, acetic acid (P = 0.449), butyric acid (P = 0.864) concentration of the rumen liquor among the treatment groups. The propionic acid concentration was similar between AV2 and AV4 and significantly higher (P = 0.024) than the AV0 group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). Moreover, C2:C3 values were significantly lower (P = 0.037) in the AV4 group compared to the Control (AV0). Thus, aloe vera supplementation enhanced milk yield, propionic acid production, and antioxidant status without affecting nutrient utilization; however, results were better in the AV4 group. The inclusion of aloe vera at 40 g/kg of DMI would improve the rumen fermentation efficiency, lactation performance and overall health status of the dairy goats.
Supplementation of Aloe vera extract in lactating goats’ diet: effects on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance, and antioxidant status
