Influence of Vanadium Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune-antioxidant and Blood Biochemical Status of Growing Murrah Buffalo Calves

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to see how vanadium (V) supplementation affected on growth performance, immune-antioxidant and blood biochemical status of murrah buffalo calves. Twenty-one growing Murrah buffalo calves (6 to 12-months) was selected form LRC, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut Uttar Pradesh. According to their body weight (146.48±5.24 kg) and age (9.14±0.88 months), the calves were divided into three groups (n=7) randomly. 1. Group 1 was offered total mixed ration without any vanadium supplementation, 2. Group 2 was received TMR with Vanadium at 4.0 mg/kg DM/calf/day for 90 days. 3. Group 3 was provided TMR with vanadium supplementation at 6.0 mg/kg DM/calf/day for 90 days. Body weight and feed consumption were monitored every 15 days intervals, and the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were computed using the body weight and feed consumption. During the research period, blood samples were taken every fortnight, and plasma samples were examined for immunity, antioxidant and biochemical profile. Body weight and feed consumption did not vary significantly among the groups over 90 days of study period. Body weight gain was higher statistically (P<0.05) in vanadium treated groups than control group. Feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.05) lower in vanadium supplemented groups than control over entire the experimental period. Total leukocyte count and neutrophils were not affected with the supplementation of vanadium and was observed significantly similar in all the groups. Lymphocyte was statistically higher in V4 as compared to V0 and V6 groups. Total immunoglobulin concentration was statistically (P<0.05) higher in treatment receiving vanadium than V0 group. Total antioxidant status was greater significantly (P<0.05) in V6 than V0 and V4 groups. Superoxide dismutase was varied significantly (P<0.05) among the group and was higher in V6 group than in V0 and V4 groups. Catalase was statistically higher in V4 than V0 group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was lower in V6 as compared to V0 and V4 groups. Hemoglobin, PCV, glucose, NEFA, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ALT, AST and ALP were not affected with the supplementation of vanadium and found statistically similar in the all three groups.The study concluded that the supplementation of vanadium improved the growth, immunity and antioxidant status of growing Murrah buffalo calves.