Effect of Postpartum EwesWeight and Adding Turmeric to the Ration on Productive Performance and Lambs Growth

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to estimate the effect of adding turmeric to the diet of ewes with differing body weights on milk yield and its components, some biochemical blood characteristics, and lamb growth in Awassi sheep.Research Method: Twenty Awassi ewes aged 2-4 years were distributed into two main groups according to their weight; heavy and low weight (10 ewes). They were again grouped into two secondary groups, (5 ewes) in each and fed on the standard ration with or without the addition of 7 gm of turmeric/ewe/day.Findings: The data revealed a significant (p≤0.01) increase in milk yield during the periods 30-60 and 1-60 days in ewes supplemented with turmeric; also, milk yield increased (p≤0.01) in the heavy ewes compared to the low-weight ewes. The ewes treated with turmeric and kept at a low weight were significantly superior in milk fat. Body weight change was significantly (p≤0.01) lower in low weights compared to heavy-weight ewes, and the decrease in weight was 3.31 and 6.40 kg, respectively.Research Limitations: There were some practical limitations in the estimation of antioxidant activity in the blood and local turmeric due to its high cost.Originality/ Value: The addition of turmeric to the diet resulted in enhanced antioxidant activity; this was clear in low weight-ewes.