Modulation of Metabolic and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Cortisol by Dietary Tinospora cordifolia Supplementation in Twin-Bearing Periparturient Surti Goats

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) on metabolic indices, oxidative stress biomarkers and cortisol concentration in twin-bearing periparturient Surti goats. Twelve clinically healthy advanced pregnant Surti goats carrying twin fetuses were randomly allocated into two groups (n=6 each). The control group received a routine diet, whereas, the treatment group received the routine diet supplemented with Tinospora cordifolia stem powder at 6% of the total concentrate mixture from 30 days before to 30 days after kidding. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals from day −30 prepartum to day +30 postpartum for analyses of metabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers and cortisol. Tinospora cordifolia supplementation significantly (p<0.05) increased blood glucose, serum albumin, calcium, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, with reduced AST, malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol concentrations during critical stages of the periparturient period. Although serum total protein, ALT and creatinine did not differ significantly between the groups and supplemented goats consistently exhibited numerically favourable values. The findings demonstrate that Tinospora cordifolia supplementation may improve metabolic adaptation, strengthen antioxidant defence and alleviate oxidative and endocrine stress during the periparturient period, suggesting its potential as a natural phytogenic feed additive for enhancing the health and physiological resilience of transition dairy goats.