Effect of Injecting Different Levels of Iron and Vitamin B12 on Milk Yield and Composition and Some Blood Characteristics of Awassi Ewes

Abstract

This study was conducted in Baibokhet area (8Km north of Mosul city). The study was designed to determine the effect of subcutaneous injections of iron and vitamin B12 on milk production and body weight and blood characteristics of Awassi ewes. using 15 Awassi ewes with an average weights 35.3±0.65 kg and age 2-4 year thier, feed relied fully on grazing, were randomly divided in to three groups, (5 ewes/group), 1st group was regard as control, while the 2nd group injected Subcutaneous in average once for every ten days for three month with Iron and vitamin B12 with (5.5mg/kg body weight and 5.5mg/kg body weight ) respectively, The 3rd group injected with iron and vitamin B12 (11 mg /kg body weight and 11 mg/kg body weight) respectively. result showed treated groups with iron and vitamin B12 a significant effect (P≤0.05) compared with control group in ( Packed cell volume, red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration ,milk yield, final body weight, total gain and daily gain), Also results shows no a significant effect (P≤0.05) in (glucose, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin and milk fat%, milk protein%, milk lactose%, solid nonfat%) among treated groups compared with control group, In conclusion, iron and vitamin B12 injection in weaning lambs improved milk production, body weight and blood characters in Awassi ewes.