Effects of feeding green microalgae on ovarian activity, reproductive hormones and metabolic parameters of Boer goats in arid subtropics.

The present study aimed to improve ovarian follicle development and plasma metabolites and hormone concentrations upon supplementation of Boer goats with green microalga (Dunaliella salina; 10 g/head/day) (N = 20; MAT group) compared to control (N = 10; not receive microalgae) in subtropics. Estrus was synchronized in all animals by two intramuscular administration of 12.5 mg dinoprost 11 days a part. MAT group was supplemented with Dunaliella salina for 11 days (from the day of first injection of dinoprost till the second injection). Ovarian performance, steroids, LH, FSH and blood metabolites were assessed every three days during the estrous cycle. Numbers and sizes of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in MAT group. Progesterone, estrogen, FSH and LH were higher in MAT group during estrous cycle. Blood metabolites including glucose, total cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen were significantly (P < 0.05) increased upon D. salina administration. On the other hand, supplementation of D. salina resulted in significant decrease of plasma total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. In conclusion, supplementation with D. salina could improve ovarian follicle development and concentrations of plasma metabolites and hormones which subsequently improves reproductive performance of Boer goats.