Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical indexes of male sika deer (Cervus nippon)

Context Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is very important for animals and humans. CLA has many important biological functions, such as reducing fat and increasing muscle, antioxidation, improving immunity and so on. CLA requirements for deer have not been established. Aims A single-factor test was conducted to evaluate the effects of CLA supplementation on male sika deer. Methods Sixteen deer were divided in four groups (from G0 to G3) of four animals, each according to their bodyweight. Deer in G0 were fed a basal diet without CLA supplementation. Deer in G1, G2 and G3 were fed diets supplemented with CLA at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0%. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical indexes were measured. Key results The results suggested that the average daily gain of deer increased with conjugated linoleic acid supplementation (P < 0.05); maximal growth performance was seen in G2. The average daily feed intake showed differences among the treatments (P < 0.01). The highest average daily feed intake was observed in Group G2. Feed to gain ratio (F:G) in Groups G1, G2 and G3 was different from that in Group G0 (P < 0.01). The digestibility of crude protein and ether extract was increased by conjugated linoleic acid concentrations (P < 0.05). The alkaline phosphatase activity showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Groups G2 and G3, compared with Group G0. There were significant differences in cholesterol between G1 and G2 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results indicated that conjugated linoleic acid supplementation to diet plays a positive role in the growth of sika deer. Implications This experiment has shown the effects of dietary supplementation with CLA in sika deer breeding. It has layed a good foundation for the application of CLA supplementation in sika deer industry to promote the healthy development of sika deer breeding industry.