EN
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a derivative of glutaminic acid and glutamate, was shown to increase muscle protein synthesis as well as to have a positive effect on the quality of bone strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AKG supplemented either as a salt (Ca + AKG) of pH 5 AKG 5, or in the pure form of pH 2 (AKG 2) on rats growth, performance, feed utilization, some blood parameters and histology of the small intestine. Sixty four rats were divided into 4 treatments and stayed on trial for 9 (n = 6) or 18 days (n = 10). The AKG 2 treated rats were observed to generally have the lowest average daily gain (ADG) with a high average daily food intake (ADFI). The only significant difference found was a reduced (P < 0.03) feed efficacy on day 9 of the AKG 2 treatment from that of the control group. All dietary treatments showed higher Hb levels than the controls on day 9, with those of dextrose and AKG 2 being significant (P < 0.03 and P < 0.005, respectively). The enterocyte crypt depth in the proximal small intestine of the AKG 2 treated rats was significantly enlarged in comparison to that of the dextrose group. From day 9 to day 18, the control as well as the dextrose and the AKG 2 treatments showed an increase in the free Gln levels, while the AKG 5 group showed a decrease in free Gln levels over time. In the AKG 2 group, the level of peptide bound (PB) Gln + Glu was higher than in controls.