Evaluation of whole and ground linseed on serum thyroid hormone, physio-metabolic parameters, and growth performance in beetal goat kids in the semi-arid region of Northern India

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing whole or ground linseed, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, on growth performance, serum lipid profile, and triiodothyroxine (T3) hormone status in Beetal goat kids. Twenty-five kids (three months old) were randomly assigned for 90 days to one of five dietary treatments: a control basal ration (T1), or rations where 10 % (T2, T3) or 20 % (T4, T5) of the concentrate was replaced with either whole (T2, T4) or ground linseed (T3, T5). Dry matter intake was unaffected (P > 0.05). However, average daily gain and total body weight gain were significantly higher (P P P P < 0.05) reduced serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels and elevated serum T3 concentrations compared to the control. Ground linseed, particularly at the 20 % inclusion level, demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing growth, optimizing the serum lipid profile, and elevating T3 levels. These findings suggest that ground linseed is an effective nutritional strategy for improving productivity and metabolic health in growing Beetal goats.