Effect of Asparagus racemosus Supplementation on Plasma Protein Profile and Nitrogen Metabolism in Jersey Crossbred Cows During Summer

Abstract

Background: Crossbred dairy cattle are highly susceptible to heat stress, which disrupts metabolism, reduces feed intake, and significantly lowers milk production under tropical conditions. Asparagus racemosus, known for its antistress, antioxidant, and galactagogue properties, offers a promising natural approach to mitigate heat stress and support metabolic and productive performance in dairy cows. Aims: The study aims to evaluate the effect of Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) root powder supplementation on plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin (A:G) ratio, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in lactating Jersey crossbred cows exposed to summer heat stress. Study Design: Randomized, two-group (control and experimental) parallel-design feeding trial. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Orathanadu, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Tamil Nadu, India; April–May 2020. Methodology: Twelve healthy lactating Jersey crossbred cows in their third-to-fourth month of lactation were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 6) and an experimental group (n = 6), matched for parity and body weight. The experimental group received A. racemosus root powder at 200 mg/kg body weight per day, mixed with concentrate and fed at 12:00 h for four consecutive weeks under severe heat-stress conditions (temperature-humidity index, THI, 82–86). Jugular blood samples were collected weekly at 06:00 h into EDTA-coated vacutainers. Plasma total protein was estimated by the biuret method, albumin by the bromocresol green method, and BUN by the Berthelot end-point assay using ARKRAY diagnostic kits on an Eppendorf biospectrometer. Globulin and A:G ratio were derived. Data were analysed by Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Duncan's multiple range test (SPSS v20). Results: Plasma total protein was significantly higher in the experimental group at Week 2 (7.88 ± 0.31 versus 7.23 ± 0.22 g/dL; P < .05). Albumin was significantly preserved in the experimental group at Week 3 (3.41 ± 0.04 versus 3.14 ± 0.04 g/dL; P < .01) and Week 4 (3.52 ± 0.04 versus 3.30 ± 0.07 g/dL; P < .05). The A:G ratio was significantly higher in the experimental group at Week 3 (0.85 ± 0.03 versus 0.77 ± 0.02; P < .05). Globulin and BUN showed no significant between-group differences at any time point. Conclusion: Supplementation with A. racemosus root powder at 200 mg/kg body weight per day preserves plasma albumin and improves the A:G ratio in Jersey crossbred cows under severe summer heat stress, likely via its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. The herb offers a safe, cost-effective, and pharmacopoeially recognised alternative to synthetic additives for maintaining protein-metabolic integrity in tropical crossbred dairy systems.