Evaluation of Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation during the Last Trimester of Pregnancy in Pregnancy Toxemia-Susceptible Goats: An Observational Field Study

Abstract

L-carnitine, an increasingly vital compound in livestock nutrition, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the β-oxidation of fatty acids. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of L-carnitine supplementation, administered at varying doses, on pregnancy toxemia susceptible goats. A total of 150 goats underwent estrus synchronization, natural mating, and pregnancy confirmation. Among these, 90 goats carrying multiple fetuses were categorized into three groups on the 100th day of pregnancy, with their feed supplemented as follows: CAR50 (50 mg/kg of L-carnitine), CAR100 (100 mg/kg of L-carnitine), and CON (control without L-carnitine). Subsequently, blood samples were collected from 15 randomly selected goats from each group on days 100, 115, 130, and 145 of pregnancy to quantify serum levels of β-HBA (beta-hydroxybutyrate) and NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids), alongside glucose levels. Dietary supplementation of L-carnitine did not exert a significant impact on blood glucose levels in the CAR50 and CAR100 groups, in comparison to the CON group, during the third trimester of pregnancy (P>0.05). Nevertheless, serum NEFA levels exhibited a noteworthy reduction in the CAR50 and CAR100 groups compared to the CON group on day 145 (P<0.01). Furthermore, no substantial fluctuations in mean NEFA and β-HBA levels were observed in the CAR100 group between days 100 and 145 of gestation (P>0.05). The body condition score exhibited consistent maintenance both within and between groups (P>0.05). To conclude, this study underscores the efficacy of dietary supplementation with L-carnitine in mitigating ketone and NEFA levels in pregnant goats, particularly when administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg. Consequently, the integration of a standardized quantity of L-carnitine into the diet holds the potential to serve as a valuable preventive strategy for goats susceptible to pregnancy toxemia.

Keywords:
Pregnancy toxemia; L-carnitine; goat; NEFA, β-HBA

HIGHLIGHTS

Addition of L-carnitine at a dosage of 100 mg/kg reduces blood NEFA concentration.

L-carnitine supplementation at 100 mg/kg maintains stable blood BHBA levels.

L-carnitine supplementation does not have a significant impact on body condition score.

L-carnitine dietary supplementation may be useful for pregnancy management in goats.