DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2015.v02i03.014

Pages: 240-242

The effects of supplemental Lipoic Acid (LA) on body weight, rectal temperature and mineral profile were assessed in relation to stress of transportation in different breeds of Saudi goats. Twenty-four apparently healthy goats (12 from each breed, Aardi and Hejazi) were used in this trail, which was conducted during the months of November and December, when the ambient temperature was about 16–24°C. The experimental goats; aged from 9-12 months, and weighing 33.50 to 40.50 kgs. The conditions of transport for all goats were identical. Half on goats will be treated with lipoic acid (LA) acid prior transportation, and the rest were treated with 10 ml normal saline. Twenty five mgs per ml of Lipoic acid was dissolved as the tromethamol salt and injected intravenously for three consecutive days prior transportation. Goats were transported for 12 hours, and blood samples were collected on prior transportation; 0 hr of arrival, 12 hrs post transportation, and 24 hrs post transportation. Transportation resulted in body weight loss and increase in rectal temperature in both breeds, with Aardi being less affected compared to Hejazi. Supplemental LA could prove effective in ameliorating these effects. Future studies should use different doses and at different time of the year, for instance during summer.