# Impact of Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) Supplementation in Goat Maternal Diet on Hepatic and Renal Function and Reproductive Performance

## TL;DR

This study found that adding Kalanchoe daigremontiana to the diet of Alpine goats had minor, temporary effects on their health without affecting productivity.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the impact of Kalanchoe daigremontiana as a feed supplement on goat health and reproduction for the first time.

## Key findings

- Kalanchoe supplementation caused minor, temporary changes in liver and kidney markers.
- No significant differences were found in weight gain or reproductive performance between groups.
- Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and optimal dosing.

## Abstract

Kalanchoe daigremontiana, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, was evaluated as a potential livestock feed supplement to enhance production efficiency. This study assessed the effects of Kalanchoe daigremontiana supplementation on kidney and liver function, metabolism, weight, and reproductive performance in 55 multiparous Alpine goats over a 52-day period. Although some metabolic differences were observed between treatment groups, overall liver and kidney function, weight gain, and reproductive performance remained similar. The findings suggest that Kalanchoe daigremontiana supplementation has mild, transient effects on goat health, warranting further research on long-term impacts and optimal dosing.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, has the potential to serve as a feed supplement, reducing reliance on conventional livestock medications while potentially enhancing productivity. This study evaluated the effects of K. daigremontiana supplementation over 52 days on kidney and liver function, metabolism, weight changes, and reproductive efficiency in multiparous Alpine goats during the breeding season. Fifty-five goats were assigned to either a control (CTL, n = 27; 47.6 ± 1.1 kg) or a K. daigremontiana-supplemented (KAL, n = 28; 47.6 ± 1.3 kg) diet. The KAL group received K. daigremontiana at a dry matter-based inclusion rate of 2 kg t−1 of feed, while the CTL group received no supplementation. Blood samples were collected at four time points to assess the biochemical markers of kidney and liver function. Pregnancy was achieved through natural mating, and reproductive efficiency was evaluated. Overall, liver and kidney function did not differ significantly between treatments (p > 0.05). However, KAL supplementation was associated with increased creatinine (p < 0.05), ALP (p < 0.001), and bilirubin (p < 0.05) at specific time points, whereas CTL goats exhibited higher BUN (p < 0.001), AST (p < 0.05), albumin (p < 0.001), total protein (p ≤ 0.05), and phosphorus (p < 0.01) on specific dates. Other metabolic markers, weight gain, and reproductive efficiency did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05). Overall, Kalanchoe daigremontiana supplementation had mild, transient effects on goat health without significantly impacting productivity. Further research is needed to explore its long-term effects and optimal dosage for livestock nutrition.