Changes in Productive Performance, Blood Metabolites and Hematological Parameters of Growing Lambs Supplemented with Two Sources of Choline

Background: Choline is a nutrient with numerous metabolic functions, but its requirements for ruminants are unknown. The supplementation with bypass choline could enhance productivity. Methods: Twenty-four male lambs (Rambouillet 23.5 kg±3.17 kg initial BW) were fed a basal diet with treatments which consisted of a control and oral doses of ruminally-protected choline (4 g/d RPC) and plant-based choline (4 g/d Biocholine) in a completely randomized design with initial weight as a covariate. The experiment was conducted for 42 days during which live weight, dry matter intake, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites and basic hemograms were measured. Result: The daily gain in lambs was similar between treatments. Intake was higher in lambs given Biocholine (1.32 kg/d). The L* (represents the light to dark color) value and mineral content in the meat were improved with both sources of choline. Blood triglycerides increased by RPC compared with the other treatments and cholesterol was reduced by Biocholine. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity decreased by effect of choline. Hematological parameters were affected by choline supplementation regardless of the source; erythrocyte, monocytes and lymphocytes count decreased with both sources of choline in growing lambs.

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