Effect of adding palm oil to the diet of dairy sheep on milk production and composition, function of liver and kidney, and the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and progesterone in blood serum

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding palm oil to the diet of dairy sheep on milk production and composition, function of liver and kidney, and the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and progesterone in blood serum. Thirty ewes in early lactation were divided into three groups (n=10) receiving an isoproteic and isoenergetic diet. Palm oil (PALM) was added to the diet at different concentrations: 0% (PALM0), 4.0% (PALM4) and 6.0% (PALM6). Milk production was evaluated on days 0, 60, 120, and blood samples were collected in the same periods. Sera samples were analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, and progesterone. Changes in the volume of milk produced and milk composition (fat, protein, and lactose) in sheep fed with palm oil were not observed between groups. No significant difference was observed between groups for AST, GGT, and creatinine at day 60. However, an increase was observed in AST and GGT activities in the sera of animals from the group PALM4 compared to the control group (PALM0) at day 120. Urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, and progesterone levels had a significant increase in animals from groups PALM4 and PALM6 when compared to the group PALM0 at days 60 and 120. In summary, the addition of palm oil in the diet of dairy sheep influences the metabolism of lipid and protein and caused an increase on liver enzyme activity in proportion to palm oil concentration. The protected fat increased the levels of progesterone, which may improve reproductive performance.