Effects of Sumac (Rhus coriaria) Seeds and Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes on Wool Growth of Awassi Male Lambs

Abstract

Nutrition can have a significant effect on animal production. In recent years, many compounds have been widely used as feed additives to stimulate animals’ appetites and consequently improve animal productivity. Exogenous fibrinolytic enzymes are one of these feed additives, which have been used as a digestive stimulant in different types of animals. Sumac (Rhus coriaria) seeds and leaves have been widely used as an appetite stimulant. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the dietary effects of using 0.3% exogenous fibrolytic enzymes and 3% of grinds Rhus coriaria seeds on wool production and some physical traits of the Awassi lambs. Twenty-four male Awassi lambs with an average age of 4 months were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, each containing six animals. The control group received a basal diet equivalent to 2% of body weight. The second group received the same diet supplemented with 3% sumac (Rhus coriaria) powder. The third group received the basal diet supplemented with 0.3% exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (protease, amylase, and cellulase). The fourth group received the basal diet supplemented with both 3% Rhus Coriaria powder and 0.3% exogenous fibrolytic enzymes. The experiment lasted 130 days in the animal house belonging to the College of Veterinary Medicine in Iraq. Some wool traits, including wool staple length, clean wool weight, greasy wool weight, wool fiber length, and wool fiber diameter, were measured. The results revealed significant differences in all measured wool quality traits among the treated groups compared to the control group. The group receiving the diet supplemented with a combination of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes and Rhus coriaria powder exhibited the most significant improvements in wool growth, overall wool production, and physical characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of using exogenous fibrolytic enzymes and sumac as effective appetite stimulants and enhancers of wool production in Awassi lambs.