The effect dietary L-carnitine Supplementation in the third trimester of pregnancy on the prevention of pregnancy toxemia in Damascus goats: a field study

Abstract

Abstract L-carnitine plays a main role in β-oxidation of fatty acids, and has been used increasingly in the livestock. This study aimed to determine the possible effects of adding L-carnitine to the ration at two different doses to protect Damascus goats from pregnancy toxemia, regardless of feed consumption. An estrus synchronization and natural mating protocol was performed in 150 goats. After pregnancy diagnosis, a total of 90 pregnant goats were divided into three groups at 100th day of pregnancy as CAR50, (50 mg/kg L-carnitine), CAR100 (100 mg/kg L-carnitine), and CON (no L-carnitine, control). 15 goats were randomly selected from each group and blood samples were collected at 100, 115, 130 and 145 days of pregnancy. Serum β-HBA, NEFA, and glucose levels were measured. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation had no effect on blood glucose levels in CAR50 and CAR100 compared to CON (P > 0.05) at third trimester of pregnancy. At 145 day of pregnancy differences in serum NEFA levels were significantly lower in CAR50 and CAR100 compared to CON (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the change in mean NEFA and β-HBA concentration between 100 and 145 days of gestation was not significant in the CAR100 group (P > 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that dietary L-carnitine supplementation represses ketone and NEFA levels in pregnant goat, especially at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Regardless of individual consumption of feed, adding fixed amount of L-carnitine to ration may help to avoid pregnancy toxemia in herds with a history of pregnancy toxemia.