Effect of Supplementing Rumen-protected Methionine on Serum Biochemistry of Iranian Rayeni Cashmere Goat

Objective: This study was set to investigate whether the administration of ruminally protected methionine as a supplement on lactating goats could have been some toxic effects on serum biochemistry. Methods: Thirty adult (3-4 years old) female Rayeni goats were randomly divided into two groups as follow: control and treatment groups each contain thirty goats. Goats in both groups were fed on the pasture. Goats of the treatment group received Mepron® (Degussa Corporation, Germany) at 5 g (i.e. 3 g methionine) per head per day. On Days 30 and 60, blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min. Samples were analyzed for Total Bilirubin (TBIL), Direct Bilirubin (DBIL), Total Serum Protein (TP), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Aspartateaminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase( ALT) and Serum concentration of Albumin ( Alb) using a CX7/CX7 serum chemistry analyzer. Results :There was no significant difference between TBIL, DBIL, TP, BUN, ALP, AST, ALT and Alb in treatment groups in comparison to control groups on days 30 and60 (P>0.05). Conclusions: Results showed that administration of methionine supplementation in lactating goats doesn’t have any blood and hepatotoxic effects. Considering nontoxic and safe nature of methionine, it can be one of the suitable choices to improve milk yield postpartum, cashmere yield and quality without any adverse effects.