Productive Performance and Blood Parameters of Local Lactating Ewes Fed Rations Supplemented with Different Forms of Garlic

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Animal Production Department, National Research Centre, 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.

2 Animal Production Department, faculty of Agriculture, Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

This study 
evaluated the impact of dietary supplementation for garlic juice (GJ) or garlic oil macerate (GOM) on feed intake, milk production and composition, rumen properties and blood attributes of local lactating ewes. Twelve lactating ewes (average weight 35.84 ± 5.3 kg) were divided into three equal experimental groups. The first group was fed a total mixed ration (TMR) without garlic supplementation (control group, C), and the other groups were fed TMR supplemented with 200 mg GJ or GOM for 60 d experimental period. The results indicated that feed intake (FI) was not affected by garlic forms supplementation, significantly decreased rumen NH3-N and increased rumen VFAs. Moreover, supplemented garlic in the two forms numerically increased rumen microbiota (anaerobic bacteria), and the highest (P<0.05) value was observed with supplemented GOM compared to the C ration. Supplemented GJ or GOM had beneficial effects on milk yield, composition and its fatty acids profile, while the better effect was recorded with GOM supplementation. On the other hand, blood constituents of ewes were in the reference values. The supplemented garlic products significantly decreased glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations. In conclusion, rations of GJ or GOM have advantageous effects on lactating ewes’ milk yield and its fatty acids profile, and the best influence was noticed with GOM.

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 February 2024
  • Revise Date: 29 March 2024
  • Accept Date: 17 April 2024

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