Effects of the Inclusion of Different Levels of Dietary Sunflower Hulls on the Colostrum Compositions of Ewes.

Mohsen M Alobre,Abdulrahman S Alharthi,Mutassim M Abdelrahman,Ibrahim A Alhidary,Riyadh S Aljumaah

doi:10.3390/ani11030777

Mohsen M Alobre, Abdulrahman S Alharthi + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030777

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Abstract

Simple SummaryIncreasing the cost of roughages, as a result of high demand by livestock producers, leads to a search for alternative sources. Plant by-products such as sunflower hulls can be used as an alternative source of fiber. This manuscript is a part of ongoing research to identify the best levels to be used without negative effects on ruminant animals’ performances.This study investigated the effects of supplementing different levels of sunflower hulls (SFH) to the complete feed of late-gestation pregnant ewes on the nutritive and fatty acids profile of colostrum at three and 48 h postpartum. In this study, 24 primiparous lactating Naemi ewes were randomly selected at parturition from four dietary groups as follows: (1) C (control), total mixed ration (TMR; 0% SFH), (2) S12, TMR1 with 12% SFH (level 1), (3) S20, TMR2 with 20% SFH (level 2), and (4) S28, TMR3 with 28% SFH (level 3). The body condition scores were estimated 30 days prepartum. Colostrum samples were collected at three and 48 h postpartum to measure the nutritive values and fatty acids profiles. Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design with repeated measures and via Pearson’s correlation and regression analyses. The results indicated a numerical correlation (R2 = 0.42; p < 0.09) between the body condition score and both colostrum fat and total solids. SFH increased the colostrum fat % (p < 0.05), especially for S12 and S20, following a cubic trend. Additionally, the colostrum from S12 and S20 ewes had a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), omega3 and lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), other than margaric acid (C17) and stearic acid (C18), SFA/USFA, and omega 6/omega 3. Furthermore, the regression analysis of the fatty acid classes and indices indicated a quadratic relationship between the parameters and SFH levels. The results confirm that the inclusion of SFH at levels greater than 20% may have a negative effect on some fatty acid parameters as a result of the high lignin intake. In conclusion, up to 20% SFH can be used in a complete feed for pregnant ewes without negative effects on the colostrum fat content and fatty acids profiles.

Highlights

The provision of complete feed formulation as a total mixed ration (TMR), mainly depends on the levels of dietary fiber, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF); NDF levels influence the ruminal fermentation process, and many metabolic disorders can arise if the requirements are not met [1]
This study investigated the effect of including different levels of sunflower hulls (SFH) to the complete feed for late-gestation ewes on colostrum nutritive values and fatty acids profile at three and 48 h postpartum
A high correlation was detected between the fat and total solids (TS) content (R2 = 0.77; p < 0.003)

Summary

Introduction

Especially NDF, affects the colostrum and milk production and its nutritive value, which is associated with the survival and growth of newborns [2]. The quantity and source of fiber mainly affect the levels of volatile fatty acids (VFAs; acetic, propionic, and butyric acids) in the rumen, which, in turn, affect the pregnant ewes’ performance, colostrum, and milk fat content [3]. Due to its high lignin content, SFH may have a negative effect on ruminant animals when included as the main source of dietary NDF [4]. SFH can be included in complete feed as a partial source of NDF to reduce feed costs [5]

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