The effect of different energy sources on the performance and blood metabolites of sheep

Abstract

Energy has an important role in metabolic processes. Dietary energy sources can be in the form of carbohydrates or fat. This study aimed to elaborate the performance and blood metabolites of ewes fed cassava, palm oil or canola oil. Sixteen ewes were divided into four groups of four treatments, namely T1 = 100% grass; T2 = 40% grass + 30% concentrate + 30% cassava; T3 = 40% grass + 50.3% concentrate + 9.7% palm oil; T4 = 40% grass + 50.3% concentrate + 9.7% canola oil. Randomized block design was used and data were analyzed using analysis of variance and any differences were furthered tested by Duncan multiple range test. The results showed that feeding with different energy sources significantly (P<0.05) had a significant effect on feed consumption and digestibility, weight gain, and feed utilization efficiency. The feed consumption of 100% grass ration (T1) was significantly higher than the other treatments. Diet with 30% cassava (T2) had significantly different feed digestibility and performance from the 100% grass and oil treatment. The blood cholesterol content of sheep fed with oil (T3 and T4) was higher than that given 100% grass (T1) and 30% cassava (T2). However, there were no differences among the treatment on blood glucose and protein concentration. It is concluded that the provision of 30% cassava resulted in better sheep performance and lower blood cholesterol levels compared to feeding with an energy source in the form of oil.