BCAA supplementation enhances milk fat synthesis in Yili mares and promotes foal growth through remodeling of intestinal amino acid metabolism.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study evaluated the effects of graded supplementation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in lactating mares on lactation performance, foal growth, and metabolic responses.

Methods

Twenty mare-foal pairs were assigned to control, low- (38 g/d), medium- (76 g/d), or high-dose (114 g/d) groups. Milk and blood samples were collected over 60 days for composition, hormone, and metabolomic analyses. Fecal microbiota from the foals was also examined.

Results

BCAAs supplementation interacted with lactation stage, enhancing milk fat yield and increasing milk growth hormone and progesterone. The medium dose (76 g/d) was effective, while 114 g/d showed the strongest effects. High-dose BCAAs altered organic acid abundance, influencing lipid, energy, and BCAA m

SUBMITTER: Meng C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12633753 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature