The effect of silymarin and selenium-yeast supplementation on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and metabolic hormones in heat-stressed Barbari goats.

The primary aim of this study was to explore the effect of silymarin (SM) and selenium-yeast (SY) on antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and metabolic hormones in Barbari goat during heat stress. Thirty-two Barbari goats (age: 7.2 ± 0.8 months; weight: 10.5 ± 0.9 kg) were randomly divided into four groups as Group I (CON; n = 8); Group II (SM; n = 8); Group III (SeY; n = 8) and Group IV (SM + SeY; n = 8). Heat stress, oxidative stress, antioxidant status, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and metabolic hormones were evaluated. Maximum and minimum ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), and temperature humidity index (THI) values showed severe heat stress during the experimental period. The mean values of total antioxidant activity (TAA) were found significantly (P < 0.05) higher and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) was found significantly (P < 0.05) lower in treatment groups as compared to the control group. The mean level of SOD, CAT, and GSHPx was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in SM and SY-supplemented group than the control group. Supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the lipid profile in the animals. There was an increased level of HDL cholesterol and a decreased level of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the supplemented group. Plasma cortisol level was found significantly (P < 0.05) lower and T3 and T4 levels were higher in the supplemented group as compared to the control group. The results of this study indicated that supplementation of SM and SY reduces oxidative and metabolic stress, and lipid peroxidation and also improves the antioxidant status in heat-stressed Barbari goats.