Feeding Effects of Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Lactation Performance, Some Plasma Constituents and Growth Hormone Level in Goats
Abstract:
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fenugreek feeding on milk production in lactating goats. Twelve lactating local Saudi goats from the Zumri breed in early lactation were divided into two groups depending on lactation week and parity. Six goats were fed with 60 g day-1 of fenugreek seeds powder for seven weeks while the other six goats served as controls. Milk yield was recorded daily and blood samples were collected twice a week. Also, blood samples were taken every 15 min for 6 h during fenugreek treatment. Milk yield was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in the treated group (1236±38 vs. 1093±43 mL day-1). Fenugreek fed goats exhibited significantly lower plasma levels of glucose (p<0.05) and urea (p<0.01) compared to control group. Mean plasma levels of growth hormone during six hours bleeding were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the fenugreek treated goats compared to control (0.27±0.09 and 0.21±0.02 ng mL-1, respectively). It could be concluded that Fenugreek feeding increased milk production in goats and this effect might be mediated via growth hormone stimulation.
How to cite this article
Mohammed A. Alamer and Ghazi F. Basiouni, 2005. Feeding Effects of Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Lactation Performance, Some Plasma Constituents and Growth Hormone Level in Goats. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 8: 1553-1556.
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