Using lactoferrin and N-acetylcysteine to augment the growth rate and hemato-biochemical parameters of Egyptian Baladi goats kids

This study investigated the influence of lactoferrin (LF) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the growth rate and immune response of Egyptian Baladi goats. Thirty-five goat kids (2.765 ± 0.135) were comprised seven groups, each with five individuals. The control group received neither LF nor NAC. The subsequent groups received daily doses at 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg NAC. Similarly, the other groups were administered LF at 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg per day. Biweekly assessments were used to measure the weight and daily weight gain (DWG) of the offspring. Additionally, blood samples were collected every 20, 40, and 60 days post-treatment for hemoglobin, total leukocyte counts, and subtypes. Additionally, blood serum was analyzed for total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase levels. The findings showed significant enhancements in the DWG, hemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count, and various white blood cell types in the groups treated with LF and NAC compared to those in the control group. Notably, the group receiving LF at 200 mg/ml exhibited the most significant improvements with control and other level of LF. LF at 50 mg/ml/day resulted in higher total protein, albumin, and creatinine levels than did both the control and the other treatments with similar dose of 50 mg/mg/day of NAC. Administration of either LF or NAC notably enhanced the growth rate and blood parameters compared to those of the control group. In conclusion, our findings underscore the potential of daily LF and NAC administration during the weaning phase for Egyptian Baladi goat kids to enhance their immune response and accelerate their growth rate.