Biochemical Profile in Dairy Cattle: Insights into Nutritional and Metabolic Health Rara Mufliha (a), Renny Fatmyah Utamy (a*), Ambo Ako (a), Andi Mutfaidah (a), Zyahrul Ramadan (a), Muh. Abudzar Abdul Rahman (a), Muhammad Israng (a), Rangga Pratama Putra (a), Viterah Niode (a).
a) Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
*rennyfatmyahutamy[at]unhas.ac.id
Abstract
The nutritional management of Friesian Holstein (FH) dairy cows is a critical determinant of their productivity and overall health. Forage serves as the primary component of their diet, complemented by concentrates and supplementary feeds that support growth, enhance milk production, and prevent metabolic disorders. Among potential feed supplements, mung bean sprouts have emerged as a promising candidate due to their high nutritional value, particularly in protein content. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mung bean sprout supplementation on blood biochemical parameters and liver function in FH dairy cows. A total of 16 lactating FH cows, aged 4-5 years and weighing approximately 500 kg, were selected for the study during their 1-4 month lactation period. The experimental design followed a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatment groups and four replicates per group: P0 (0 g mung bean sprouts), P1 (500 g), P2 (1000 g), and P3 (1500 g). Key parameters measured included blood glucose and urea levels, as well as liver function indicators-Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). The results indicated that supplementation with 500 g mung bean sprouts (P1) significantly increased blood urea levels (p < 0.01), suggesting improved protein metabolism. However, no significant changes (p > 0.05) were observed in glucose, ALT, or AST levels across treatments. These findings suggest that a 5% inclusion of mung bean sprouts in the diet may enhance protein absorption without adversely affecting liver function or overall metabolic health, indicating its potential as a safe and effective feed supplement for dairy cattle.
