Abstract
In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, 3 levels of L-arginine (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg BW per day) were tested at two stages of pregnancy (Early 60 days vs. Late 60 days) on the maternal blood metabolites and postnatal milk composition relative to the newborn traits of Najdi ewes. Thirty adult pregnant Najdi ewes were randomly assigned into 6 treatments (n = 5). Control early (CE) ewes were orally administered 50 mL normal saline (0.9% NaCl) daily during the first 60 days of pregnancy; control late (CL) ewes were similar to CE except saline was given at the last 60 days of pregnancy; low dose of L-arginine at early pregnancy (LE); low dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (LL); high dose of L-arginine at early (HE) and high dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (HL). Blood and milk samples were collected on a weekly basis. Data of lambing and newborn traits were considered. There were non-significant differences in litter size due to L-arginine; however lamb birth and weaning weights increased by 35% in LE-ewes. Arginine did not change blood protein and albumin. Low arginine decreased lipid fractions, creatinine, urea, and milk fat; however, it increased AST, ALT, milk lactose and milk ash. Administration of L-arginine at 75 mg/Kg BW per day for 60 days at an early gestation in ewes improved the maternal body health and milk composition for the welfare of the neonates.
Highlights
Najdi ewes represent a valuable sheep population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Control early (CE) ewes were orally administered 50 mL normal saline (0.9% NaCl) daily during the first 60 days of pregnancy; control late (CL) ewes were similar to CE except saline was given at the last 60 days of pregnancy; low dose of L-arginine at early pregnancy (LE); low dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (LL); high dose of L-arginine at early (HE) and high dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (HL)
Giving L-arginine at late gestation was in favor of the low dose (4.63 kg) than the high dose (3.76 kg) on birth weight
Summary
Najdi ewes represent a valuable sheep population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia These animals are bred under hot climates, sandstorms, lack of fresh water and scarcity of green forages resulting in reduced productivity and profitability. It has been recently reported that supplementing pregnant ewes with a low dosage of L-arginine at the early stage of gestation increased lamb birth weight and survival, and improved maternal health [11]. Little studies have been conducted to relate the maternal health and neonatal traits with subsequent milk composition in ewes given L-arginine during gestation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of L-arginine during two stages of pregnancy on the maternal and neonatal health wellbeing, and subsequent milk composition in Najdi ewes
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