Effects of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Reproductive Performance in Meat Goats
Author Information
Author(s): Newton Makenzie G., Lopez Arianna N., Stenhouse Claire, Hissen Karina L., Connolly Erin D., Li Xingchi, Zhou Lan, Wu Guoyao, Foxworth William B.
Primary Institution: Texas A&M University
Hypothesis
Feeding L-citrulline to gestating meat goats would increase concentrations of select amino acids in the maternal circulation to promote fetal development and enhance offspring performance.
Conclusion
Feeding dietary L-citrulline increases concentrations of citrulline and arginine in the blood of gestating meat goats, but does not significantly improve pregnancy rates or birth weights.
Supporting Evidence
- Concentrations of citrulline and arginine were greater in CIT does compared to CON does.
- There was no difference in pregnancy rates between CON and CIT does.
- Single kids born to CON does were heavier than those born to CIT does.
- 90 d adjusted weaning weights were greater for male kids born to CON does compared to female kids born to CIT does.
Takeaway
Giving L-citrulline to pregnant goats can help their babies grow better, but it doesn't change how many babies they have.
Methodology
Meat goats were fed either a control or L-citrulline supplemented diet from day 12 to 82 of gestation, with blood samples collected to analyze amino acid concentrations.
Limitations
The exact intake of dietary L-citrulline could not be determined due to group feeding of does.
Participant Demographics
Meat goats (Boer, Spanish, or F1 Boer-Spanish) were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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