Arsenic-induced oxidative damages and toxicity in young goats: potential mitigation with vitamin E and phytogenic...

This study evaluated the efficacy of vitamin E and a phytogenic (herbal) mix in mitigating oxidative stress and noxious effects induced by arsenic toxicity in young goats. Thirty weaned male Black Bengal kids (average body weight 6.21 ± 0.27 kg; age 180.50 ± 10.72 days) were divided into five groups in a completely randomized block design for a 30-week trial. The control group (T₀) received a basal diet ad libitum. Group T₁ received the same diet but was challenged with sodium arsenite [50 mg/kg feed dry matter (DM)]. Groups T₂, T₃, and T₄ were also exposed to arsenic but were supplemented with vitamin E (250 IU/kg feed DM), a phytogenic mix (turmeric, ginger, and moringa in a 1:1:1 ratio at 400 mg/kg feed DM), or both, respectively. DM intake/kg body weight was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the arsenic-challenged group (T₁) compared to the control and supplemented groups (T₂-T₄). Arsenic intake was lowest in T₀ (11.52 µg/kg BW) and significantly greater (p < 0.001) in arsenic-exposed groups. Arsenic exposure markedly reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and elevated (p < 0.001) hepatic enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase). Supplementation with vitamin E, phytogenic additive, or both partially restored these enzyme levels and normalized daily body weight gain. Dietary arsenic exposure raised (p<0.001) blood arsenic levels in goats, but supplementation, especially with vitamin E alone or with a herbal mix, effectively reduced it. Arsenic negatively affected blood Ca (p<0.023) and Cu (p<0.012) levels, while Mg, Mn, Zn, and Fe remained unchanged. Arsenic toxicity also led to visible symptoms, such as keratinization around the mouth, dermatitis, diarrhea, and urine with a slightly reddish tint in experimental goats. These were partially alleviated by all interventions. Arsenic-challenged goats (T₁) exhibited severe hepatic damages, marked by hepatocyte degeneration and vacuolation. The combined administration of vitamin E and the herbal mixture (T₄) demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating arsenic-induced toxicity in young goats.