The Effects of Different Levels Discarded Dates on Synthesis of Microbial Protein in Kermani Sheeps

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different levels discarded dates on microbial protein synthesis of kermani sheeps. Four rumen cannulated kermani sheeps were used in a 4 × 4 square Latin change-over design within 21 days period. In this experiment, different amount of discarded dates including 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30 % were used. Microbial protein synthesis, blood urea nitrogen and body weight change of sheeps were evaluated. The results of this experiment showed that the increasing levels of discarded dates in diets of sheep increased microbial protein synthesis and reduce nitrogen excretion through urine compared with the control treatment (P<0/05). Body weight change was highest in sheep fed 30% discarded dates and lowest in sheep fed the control diet. Urea blood was affected by using different levels of discarded dates in the diets (P<0/05). Discarded dates as a supplement appears to increase synthesis of microbial protein in rumen. The results must be interpreted with caution as only four sheep were used in the experiment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i5.12691