Effects of Tasco-14 Supplementation on Growth and Fertility Traits in Young Male Boer Goats Experiencing Heat Stress

Abstract

The current study examined effects of supplementation of Tasco-14 (seaweed, kelp extract) on growth and fertility in young male goats experiencing heat stress.  Twenty young Boer males (27.8 ± 1.5 kg) were grouped randomly into 1 of 4 dry-lot pens and maintained on a free choice high-energy diet.  Goats received either supplementation of Tasco-14 (35 g/week, oral) or no supplementation (control) for an 84-day period, during which weekly average high temperatures ranged from 32.1-38.2 °C.  Data were collected for scrotal growth, average daily gain (ADG), final live-animal ribeye area (REA), bi-weekly rectal temperature, final sperm cell concentration, and final sperm motility score.  No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between supplemented and control males for scrotal circumference growth, REA, or ADG.  Rectal temperature was greater (P = 0.010) in males receiving Tasco-14 than in controls.  Although no difference (P = 0.232) was observed between treatments for sperm motility score, sperm cell concentration was greater (P = 0.036) in supplemented males than in controls.  Thus, sperm cell motility was unaffected and sperm cell concentration was improved by supplementation of Tasco-14 in growing males experiencing heat stress, despite marginally increased body temperature.