The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a-ketoglutarate (AKG), at pH 2 or 5, combined with vitamin B₆ (AKG 2B, AKG 5B) or C (AKG 2C, AKG 5C), on the performance and haemoglobin and amino acid levels in growing rats. Eighty rats were divided into 5 treatment groups and stayed on trial for 9 d (n=16) or 18 d (n=10). No significant differences in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), or feed efficiency were seen between the dextrose-treated control group and the AKG treated groups. The highest ADG and ADFI were seen in the AKG 2B rats. The AKG 2B and AKG 2C treated rats had the highest Hb levels. The Hb levels were positively correlated with a better performance. The free glutamine (Glu) increased over time in all the groups. The arginine (Arg) levels significantly increased in the AKG 2B and AKG 5B groups. An increase in free Glu had a positive impact on the growth performance.