Enhancing Thermotolerance and Immune Competence in Shami Goats: A Novel Dietary Strategy Using Moringa oleifera and Turmeric to Mitigate Heat Stress-Induced Production Losses
نویسندگان
1 college of Dentistry, Al-Zahrawi University, Kerbala, Iraq.
2 4- College of Pharmacy, Al-Turath University, Baghdad, Iraq.
3 Al_Karkh University of Science, Baghdad, Iraq
4 Al-Bayan University, College of Fine Arts, Department of Interior Design
doi
10.48311/fsct.2026.118568.83012چکیده
Heat stress represents a major challenge affecting goat production in arid and semi-arid regions, causing oxidative stress and immunosuppression. This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplementation on immune parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in Shami (Damascus) goats under heat stress conditions. Twenty-four adult Shami goats (2-3 years, 35±3 kg) were randomly allocated to four groups (n=6): Control (CON), MOLE-supplemented (MO, 3% of dry matter intake), turmeric-supplemented (TUR, 2% of DMI), and combined supplementation (MO+TUR). The experiment lasted 60 days during summer (Temperature-Humidity Index: 82-92). Blood samples were collected bi-weekly for analysis of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+, CD8+), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM), and heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP90). Combined supplementation (MO+TUR) significantly increased SOD (93.40±2.1 U/mL), CAT (55.03±1.8 U/mL), and GPx (15.03±0.5 U/mL) activities compared to control (P<0.001). IL-6 levels decreased from 45.3±3.2 pg/mL (CON) to 22.1±1.9 pg/mL (MO+TUR), while TNF-α reduced from 38.7±2.8 to 18.4±1.7 pg/mL (P<0.001). CD4+/CD8+ ratio improved from 1.2±0.1 (CON) to 1.8±0.1 (MO+TUR). HSP70 expression increased 2.3-fold in supplemented groups. IgG concentrations elevated from 12.3±0.8 to 16.8±0.9 mg/mL (P<0.05). Combined M. oleifera and turmeric supplementation effectively mitigated the adverse effects of heat stress by enhancing antioxidant defense systems, modulating inflammatory responses, and improving cellular and humoral immunity in Shami goats. This natural intervention strategy presents a sustainable approach for maintaining goat health and productivity under heat stress conditions.
