Effect of calcium soap of palm oil fatty acids on milk composition, ewe and lamb performance in a crossbred sheep

Abstract

; > This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ca soap of palm oil fatty acids (CSFA), asa protected fat, on milk composition and the performance of both ewes and lambs.Thirty-three crossbred ewes aged 2-3 years and weighed 41-44 kg were allocated inthree unequal groups for A, B &C (10, 12 &11 ewes, respectively). Group A was feda diet free from protected fat and kept as a control. Group B was fed a dietcontaining 4 % fat and group C was given a diet containing 8 % fat. The ewes werein the last month of pregnancy and the experiment extended till the end of latelactation (4.5 months). Milk composition was tested, and body change in ewes andnursing lambs was traced. Moreover, the effect of fat addition on dry matter intakeof ewes was analyzed. Results revealed a decrease in dry matter intake in the lategestation and an increase in early lactation, with no significant differences in thelate lactation. The effect followed the amount of fat added. There was no effect onewe’s body weight change or lamb’s growth rate from birth to weaning. On milkcomposition, there was an increase in fat %, higher in group B and total solids%,while percentage of protein was decreased. Concerning fat supplementation, noeffect on lactose, urea milk nitrogen, and somatic cell counts was detected. Therewas a decreased level of solids-not-fat in group B, while group C showed nodetectable alterations. In conclusion CSFA supplementation was effective toincrease the fat % and yield in milk of sheep especially at the rate of 4% of addition.