Awassi Male Lambs Research Articles

Effect of Replacing Barley Grain by Urea in the Diet of Iraqi Lambs

This study conducted to seeks the effects of partially changing barley grain (BG) with different levels amount of urea on growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion and blood parameters in fattening lambs. Twelve Awassi male lambs were divided according to body weight (BW) into three equal groups (4 lambs per each group) and housed in individual pens and assigned to one of three dietary treatments in a randomized block design: barley grain (BG)were given to animals according to the body weight of lambs (3 % of BW) and (BG) reduced and replace with 0, 10, 20, gm urea. Compared with the control the lambs fed the reduced GB diet plus urea was higher (p < 0.01) concentrations of ruminal ammonia and increased with increasing the urea supplementation. As well as increased the crude protein (CP) intake , blood urea nitrogen (BUN), final BW, dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed with the increasing urea addition to the diet, results showed that 10 gm of urea could substitute of 10 gm BG per kg feed DM without any negative effect on health performance of fattening lambs when fed urea.

The Relationship Between Leptin, Testosterone Hormonal Assay Linked with Scrotal Circumference and Ultrasound Investigation of Testicular Measurements During Onset of Puberty in Awassi Male Lambs

The Relationship Between Leptin, Testosterone Hormonal Assay Linked with Scrotal Circumference and Ultrasound Investigation of Testicular Measurements During Onset of Puberty in Awassi Male Lambs

EFFECT OF DIETARY SUMAC AND FIBROLYTIC ENZYMES ON SOME PRODUCTIVE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL TRAITS OF LAMBS

The research was conducted at the Animal Farm of the University of Baghdad's College of Veterinary Medicine to assess the effect of dietary grind seeds of Sumac and Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes(EFE) on some productive and haematological traits of Awassi male lambs from the period 1/2/2021 to 1/6/2021. Twenty-four Awassi male lambs with 3-4 months of age, and divided into four groups based on body weight . Dietary treatments were as following: G1 (control) equal nourished concentrate diet at the rate of 2.5% body weight (B.W) with alfalfa hay daily, G2 was fed on the similar diet as control group and was given 15g/head dried grind seeds of Rhus Coriaria daily with diet, G3 was fed on the similar diet that was presented in G1 with 5g/head of (EFE) daily, G4 was fed on the same diet in G1 with a 15g/head dried grind seeds of Rhus Coriaria and 5g/head of EFE. The results of live body weight, monthly weight gain and feed conversion ratio showed significant increased (p<0.05) of G2, G3, G4 comparing with G1.Also values of Hemoglobin, showed significance exceed (p<0.05) of G2, G3, G4 compared with G1. Values of RBCs showed that G4 significance exceed (p<0.05) other groups from the 3rd month to the end of experiment, while G3 and G2 significance exceed G1 at the last month of experiment. Values of total WBCs showed non-significance difference among different groups. In conclusion, these result showed the significant effect of Rhus Coriaria and (EFE) consumption on some productive and heamatological aspects of Awassi male lambs.

Effect of selenium nanoparticle on lipid profile in local Awassi male lambs

Background: This research describes the methodology used for the preparation of selenium nanoparticles from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their administration to lambs for lipid profile checking, administration of selenium nanoparticles as a medication in lambs results in hypolipidemia. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the potential of selenium nanoparticles in improving lipid profiles in lambs. Methods: Healthy lambs (n=10) of similar age and weight were selected for the study. The animals were housed in individual pens with free access to water and a standard diet. The lambs were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n=5) and the treatment group (n=5). The control group received a standard diet, while the treatment group received the same diet and oral administrated with selenium nanoparticles at 0.1 mg/kg body weight. The administration was carried out daily for a period of 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each lamb at the beginning of the study (baseline) and at the end of the 2 weeks treatment period. The samples were collected in vacutainer tubes and allowed to clot. Serum was separated by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes and stored at -80°C for estimation of lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). The serum samples were used for the estimation of lipid profile levels using an enzymatic colorimetric method. The absorbance was measured at 540 nm using a spectrophotometer. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL levels after selenium nanoparticle supplementation compared to the control group (p < 0.05), the results indicated a significant increase in serum HDL levels after selenium nanoparticle supplementation compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This indicates that selenium nanoparticle supplementation has a beneficial effect on reducing total cholesterol levels in lambs. Conclusion: The conclusion section will summarize the findings of the study and highlight the potential of selenium nanoparticles in improving lipid profiles in lambs. The implications of the study for animal nutrition and health will be discussed, along with the need for further research in this area.

Influence of adding sage leaves on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation in Awassi lambs

This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding different levels of sage leaf powder (SLP) to the diet of local Awassi lambs on growth performance, feed intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation. Sixteen Awassi male lambs 4-5 months of age were randomly distributed into four treatment groups: no feed additive (SLP0), 5g (SLP5), 10g (SLP10) and 15 g (SLP15) of sage leaves powder/kg of dry matter (DM) were added to the diet. Results revealed that adding SLP did not affect feed intake. However, growth performance, dry matter and organic matter digestion were recorded higher significances (P≤0.05) in lambs fed SLP5 and SLP10 than in lambs fed SLP15 and SLP0. Total volatile fatty acids concentrations were significantly increased (P≤0.05) in lambs fed SLP5 than other lambs. In conclusion, the addition of SLP at 5g/kg DM in the diet of Awassi lambs improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility with a positive effect on ruminal fermentation. Keywords: Salvia officinalis; Awassi lambs; Growth performance; Nutrient digestibility; Rumen fermentation

Impact of Lepidium meyenii Roots Addition on Reproductive Hormones and Some Productive Traits in Awassi Male Lambs

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of addition of black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) roots powder on luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, thyroxine and growth hormone (GH) concentrations, and some productive traits like body weight and body condition score (BCS) in Awassi lambs. In this study, 32 Awassi male lambs 8-month-olds were divided randomly into two treatment groups (16 lambs each): first group lambs were fed basal ration plus 1g/head/day of black Maca roots powder (T1), while the second group lambs were fed basal ration only (T2), the duration of study was two months. Results revealed that LH, FSH, testosterone and GH concentrations were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in lambs fed black Maca roots powder than those fed basal ration only. Furthermore, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) in lambs fed black Maca roots powder were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than in those fed basal ration only. In conclusion, addition of black Maca roots powder improved reproductive hormone concentrations as well as growth hormone concentrations and enhanced body weight in Awassi male lambs.

Replacing Soybean Meal with Azolla Plant as a Source of Protein on Performance of Iraqi Awassi Lambs

This study was executed in the animal field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the University of Baghdad from November 15, 2022, to January 1, 2023. It was preceded by a 14-day trial period using 20 Awassi male lambs, whose ages ranged from 3.5 to 4 months. Moreover, starting with 18 to 19 kg. They were divided into four treatments at random: T1, which contained 6% soybeans and no azolla plant; T2, which contained 4% soybeans and 4% dry azolla plant; T3, which contained 2% soybeans and 8% dry azolla plant; and T4, which contained 12% dry azolla plant The results showed that there was a significant difference (p>0.05) in the daily and total weight gain as well as the digestion coefficient for some of the digested nutrients. Treatment T4 performed better than the other treatments in terms of increasing daily and total weight, while treatments T1 and T3 did not differ from each other The table of total nutrients digested and the field digestion coefficient did not change between the treatments T1 and 3T, which were better than treatment T2. There was no difference between treatment T1 and T3, which was superior to treatment T2, and there was a significant rise (P 0.05) for crude fiber and ether extract in treatment T4. The study found that adding 12% more Azolla plant to soybean meal resulted in the best weight growth and the highest digestibility of crude fiber and ether extract.

Biochemical Blood Plasma Changes of Awassi Sheep Using Different Levels of Olive Pulp

16 male Awassi lambs were used, four months age weaning was diagnosed bythe teeth, it was placed in the animal field and left to acclimate for 14 days, then the actual experiment was introduced for a period of three months. The lambs were reared in four standard barns with a stage containing feeders and water troughs, it was divided from the inside by iron partitions into three sections. Four lambs, each treated under hygienic conditions, were placed in each section, underwent a treatment and vaccination program that supported to ensure her safety and that she was free from diseases. The animals were divided into four groups were T1: was fed on a diet devoid of olive pulp (control group). And fed on a diet containing 5, 10 and 15% olive pulp were T2, T3 and T4 respectively. fed on a diet containing 15% olive pulp. The results indicated that all olive pulp treatments led to a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, uric acid, ALP and ALT, with a significant increase in HDL, total protein, albumin, globulin, phosphorus and calcium compared to the control treatment. The addition of 15% olive pulp in the diets of Awassi lambs gave the best results compared to a concentration of 5 and 10% olive pulp.

Tribulus terrestris Seeds’ Effects on some Physiological Blood Characteristics and some Reproductive Hormones of Awassi Lambs

The purpose of the current study was to determine the impact supplementing powdered Tribulus terrestris (T.T.) seeds on the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) number and hemoglobin (HB), total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLOB)} levels in the blood, and concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and Testosterone in Awassi lambs. In this study, 32 male Awassi lambs 8-month-old were randomly divided into two groups (each group contains 16 animals). The first group (T1) was given a basal ration plus 3 grams of powdered T.T. seeds per animal per day, while the second group (T2) was given a basal ration only. The period of study was two months. The results revealed that there was a significant effect (P ≤0.05) for (T1) on (T2) in the number of RBCs and HB concentration, also, the results showed that T1greater than T2 in FSH, LH and testosterone concentrations in the blood.

Effect of Diet Type Using Whole or Crushed Grains on Productive Performance in Awassi Lambs and Rumen Fluid Characteristics

This study was carried out with the aim of knowing the effect of the type of diet using whole or crushed grains on the productive performance of Awassi lambs and the characteristics of rumen fluid.1/8 / 2021 for two periods, 18 male Awassi lambs, 4-6 months old, with an initial weight of 25 ± 10 were used in this experiment. It was divided into three groups, with six animals per group, and the first treatment (T1) was given concentrated feed by 2.5% of the animal’s weight in the form of whole grains and hay to saturation, and the second treatment (T2) used concentrated feed by 2.5% of the weight of the organism in the form of 50% Whole grains and 50% crushed grains and hay to saturation. The third treatment used concentrated feed 2.5% of the animal’s weight, crushed grains with hay to saturation. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p≤0.05) for the grain size provided in the coarse fodder consumption characteristic, as the first treatment that was fed whole grains was superior to the other treatments. There was a significant (p≤0.05) superiority of the periods on the daily and total weight gain, as the first period was superior to the second period. There was also a significant difference for the volume of grain provided on the daily weight gain, where the first treatment, which consisted of whole grains, was superior to the third treatment. Total weight gain, the first and second treatments were superior to the third treatment. There was a significant superiority (p≤0.05) for the interaction between the period and the grain size provided, as the interaction between the first period, the first feeding, and the second feeding was superior to the third feeding in terms of total weight gain. As for the level of the second period, a significant difference (P≤0.05) was found for the overlap between the second period and the first treatment in terms of daily and total weight gain over the third treatment. As for the level of overlap between feeding and periods, there was a significant superiority (P≤0.05) for the overlap between the period and the period. The first and the type of feeding in the daily weight gain and the total increase over the overlap between the second period and the type of feeding. There was a significant effect (p≤0.05) of the grain size provided on the rumen acidity (PH), where the first treatment was superior to the other treatments.

EFFECT OF MELATONIN AND VITAMIN E AS ANTIOXIDANTS ON BODY WEIGHT, CARCASS TRAITS OF AWASSI LAMBS FED A HIGH-ENERGY AND NORMAL DIET

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin E (Alpha tocopherol acetate) supplementation and melatonin implants on growth performance, and meat quality traits of Awassi male lambs fed by a high and normal energy concentrated diet in Iraq. Lambs were divided equally to two main groups to be fed either high or normal energy diet ,and each of them divided in to five treatment, the first as a control (T1,T6),two level of melatonin (18, 36mg/lamb) were applied to (T2,T3,T7,T8) and two level of vitamin E (200,400mg/lamb/day) to (T4,T5,T9,T10).All animals were slaughtered at the end of the fattening period. Lambs received 400 g/day vitamin E with high energy diet surpassed significantly other treatment in final weight gain, vitamin E 400 mg/lamb/day and melatonin 18-36 mg/lamb at day 14 of storage increased retail color stability. enhanced meat color parameters. Melatonin implantation 18 mg/lamb, 36 mg /lamb significantly at day 7 of storage reduced MDA value, but at day 14 of storage vitamin E 200 and 400 mg/day/lamb reduced significantly MDA value of the Muscle Longissimus dorsi (LD) during storage.

Improving some growth characteristics, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of carcass meat of male Awassi lambs by using palm oil

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of adding palm oil (PO) to the treatments on the growth and quantitative characteristics of the meat of male Awassi lambs. As (12) Awassi males were used locally, their ages ranged between 4-4.5 months, with an average live weight of 22.16 ± 0.85 kg. Throughout the characteristics, the animal weights were noted weekly (120 days). Up to the conclusion of the study period, all lambs were killed, skinned, and hollowed out. These were the outcomes: The amount of total intake of concentrated feed was substantially higher (P < 0.01) in the treatments containing 4 and 6% (PO) and T1 than in the treatment containing 2%. (PO). In the same context, the treatment containing 6% (PO) and T1 also outperformed the treatment containing 2% (PO) highly significantly (P < 0.01) in the daily intake of concentrated feed, While the (PO) treatments recorded a highly significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the total intake of hay feed when compared to (T1), In the same context, the (PO) treatments recorded a highly significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the total and daily intake of concentrated and (T1). When compared to T1, the end weight, daily weight gain, and overall weight gain all showed extremely significant superiority (P < 0.01) for the fourth treatment. All study criteria have seen an improvement in feed conversion efficiency. • When compared to T1, the treatments (PO) (the third and fourth) significantly outperformed (P < 0.01) T1 In terms of average final weight, empty body weight, and the percentage of dressings based on hot and cold carcass weight. In the same vein, the fourth treatment significantly outperformed (P < 0.01) T1 and the other (PO) treatments in terms of carcass weight based on hot and cold weight. • The treatment containing 6% (PO) had a highly significant superiority (P < 0.01) in the thickness of the fat layer compared to the other study treatments, and the treatment containing 6% (PO) had a highly significant superiority (P < 0.01) in the characteristic of ocular muscle area, including control, compared to the treatment containing 4% (PO).

Effect of Feeding Soybean and Sesame Seed Meal on Semen and Blood Plasma Traits in Awassi Rams

This study was done by using 15 Awassi male lambs, with an average body weight of 60.70 kg and age 10-12 months. Lambs were randomly distributed into three treatments, the first treatment was fed on a diet that contained (10%) soybean meal, the second treatment was fed on a diet that contained (11%) untreated sesame seed meal, and the third treatment was fed on a diet containing (11%) of formaldehyde-treated sesame seed meal. The results showed that daily feed intake decreased in T3 by 1.07 kg as compared with the T1 and T2 (1.34 and1.27 kg) respectively, semen characteristics did not differ as a result of treatments but dead sperm in the T3 was significantly decreased (p≤0.05) 11.31% as compared with the T2 15.57%. Blood glucose was higher (p≤0.05) in the T2 at 93.97 mg/dl as compared with the T1 and T3 (72.74, 73.26 mg/dl) respectively. also, cholesterol concentration increased significantly in T3164.57 mg/dl compared with T1 and T2 (134.27 and 140.05 mg/dl) respectively. Whereas, feeding sesame meal treated with formaldehyde led to a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in blood urea concentration of 42.88 mg/dl compared to 48.14 and 50.47 mg/dl, respectively, for the T1 and T2.

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

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.

The growth hormone gene polymorphism and its relationship to performance and carcass features in Egyptian Awassi lambs

The main purpose of the existing experiment was to assess the allelic and genotypic polymorphisms of the Growth hormone (GH) gene and its correlation with growth indices, efficiency of consumed feed, some body indices and carcass traits of the Egyptian Awassi sheep. Forty Egyptian Awassi male lambs were selected for their growing indices (post-weaning daily gain, marketing weight, and weaning weight), feed efficiency (consumed feed and of consumed feed), body conformational indicators (skeletal muscle index, relative body index, body mass index, and body index), and carcass features (dressing %, hot carcass weight, fore-legs %, neck %, loin %, ribs %, abdominal fat %, Tail % and hind-legs %). The polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) tool was applied to detect the genotypic and allelic GH gene polymorphisms properties. The PCR-RFLP analysis identified three main genotypes (AA, AB and BB) and two main alleles (A and B). The GH genotype (AA or AB) exhibited moderate significant influence (P < 0.05) on marketing weight, Loin% and Tail%. Also, genotype (AB or BB) of expressed GH gene significantly (P < 0.01) influence on consumed feed, post-weaning daily gain, neck% and body mass index, whereas, it had no influence on the phenotypic values of the other characteristics investigated. The presence of the A allele in the genotype was markedly associated (P < 0.01) with consumed feed, body mass index and post-weaning daily growth; conversely, the presence of the B allele in the genotype was significantly related (P < 0.05) with marketing weight, loin %, and tail %. While, GH gene expression was revealed to be highly significant (P < 0.01) in relation to post-weaning daily growth, feed intake, and neck %. According to the findings, determining the associations between GH gene variation and growth, efficiency of consumed feed, body measurements, and carcass features of Egyptian Awassi sheep and applying marker assisted selection with the GH gene to improve these traits is warranted and will be of significant economic value to sheep production.

Effects of Different Levels of Yucca Supplementation on Growth Rates, Metabolic Profiles, Fecal Odor Emissions, and Carcass Traits of Growing Lambs.

Sixty male Awassi lambs were used to investigate the effects of dietary Yucca schidgera extract (YS) on the production, fecal and urinary odor emissions, and carcass traits of growing lambs fed complete pellets. Lambs were fed either a complete pelleted diet without yucca (control) or supplemented with 300 or 600 mg YS/kg dry matter (DM) during the 84-day experiment. The weights and feed consumption of the lambs were measured weekly. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 28, 58, and 84, and ruminal fluid samples were collected on day 70. On day 90, the odor emissions from feces and urine were measured. On day 84, 12 lambs were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass and meat quality. The final values for bodyweight, bodyweight gain, and feed efficiency of lambs fed the YS300 diet were 3.40%, 6.64%, and 6.17%, respectively, higher (p < 0.05) than those fed the YS600 diet. Additionally, the percentage of dressing, myofibril fragmentation index, and ruminal isovalerate percentage of lambs treated with YS600 were higher than those treated with YS300. Compared with the control, the addition of yucca reduced odor emissions from feces and urine. In conclusion, dietary YS300 had no additional benefits on growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass traits, while dietary YS600 improved fecal and urinary odors.

Effects of the Melatonin and Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate) as Antioxidants on Biochemical Blood Parameters, Lipid Profile, and Muscle Vitamin E Concentration in Awassi Lambs Fed a High-Energy Diet and Normal Diet.

Health specialists currently suggest low-cholesterol diets, suggesting that cholesterol in the form of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) reduces the risk of chronic atherosclerosis. The large volume of literature describes the biological roles of vitamin E and its application to preventing disease and improving the health and productive performances of farm animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol acetate) supplementation and melatonin implants on biochemical blood, lipid profile and muscle vitamin E content of Awassi male lambs fed by a high and normal diet in Iraq. The lambs were divided into teen groups as control normal energy diet T1 (NED) T2 (HED) concentrated lamb fattening feed. Two levels of melatonin (18 and 36 mg implant) were applied to T3, T4, T5, and T6 treatment and 2 levels of Vitamin E (Alpha-tocopherol acetate) diet 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg to T7. T8. T9 and T10, respectively. Results from the present study indicate that Vitamin E 200, 400 mg/lamb/day and melatonin implantation 18 mg, 36 mg/lamb/day significantly (P<0.05) increased total protein in serum while decreasing globulin level, glucose concentration in serum, melatonin implantation 36 mg/lamb and vitamin E 400 mg/lamb/day recorded significantly (P<0.05). The same effect on decreasing cholesterol concentration in serum 42.6mg\dl, 40.5 mg\dl, respectively, compared to non-treated groups. Vitamin E 200 mg/kg/lamb recorded the lowest AST level in serum, 43.3. Lambs implanted with Melatonin 36 mg/lamb and fed a high-energy diet (T8) resulted in a significant decrease of serum ALT activity (P<0.05) in comparison to other treated groups 12.7 U/L was achieved. Lambs fed a normal energy diet with vitamin E 200 mg/kg/lamb (T4) exceeded other treated groups, decreasing ALT serum levels by 9.35 U/L. Interestingly, muscle vitamin E concentrations for lambs received 200, 400 mg/lamb/day on the 2nd, 7th and 14th days of the storage period, and fed high energy diet (T10) or normal energy diet (T5) were significantly higher compared to control group (T1, T6).

Effect of feeding sage meal to weaned Awassi male lambs on body performance and meat quality

An experiment was conducted for 8 weeks on 15 Awassi lambs using sage dry meal. Animals were randomly allocated into 3 groups [CGM (0% sage; Salvia officinalis), EGM1 (1% sage) and EGM3 (3% sage)] by 5 heads. Feed intake at the 8th week increased proportionally with LBW. Cumulative live body weight gain increased slightly more in EGM3 after the 5th week to attain 10.7 Kg at 8th week. FCR was most effective and attained 3.83 ± 0.97 in EGM3 Vs 4.14 ± 0.53 and 4.15 ± 0.64 in CGM and EGM1, respectively. After cooling, luminance ranged between 45.41 ± 2.97 in CGM and 47.28 ± 5.63 in EGM1 where as in EGM3 it was 47.28 ± 5.63. Redness, a*, after cooling was lowest in EGM3 (20.15 ± 3.29) followed by CGM (22.61 ± 3.41) and EGM1 (24.97 ± 1.24). Yellowness b* after 1 month of freezing is positively correlated with the achieved results after 24 h of cooling. The least losses in water after cooling was in EGM3 attaining 11.39 ± 2.39%. Meat of CGM loses more water after cooking (30.30 ± 6.52%) than other groups. Furthermore, after 24 hours of cooling, the most tender meat was in EGM1 (4.87 ± 0.44mm) in comparison to CGM (3.3 ± 0.64mm), whereas EGM3 occupied the 1st place in cooked meat tenderness after 1 month of freezing (5.4 ± 0.8mm). It is concluded and recommended to use rations containing sage meal in the daily feeding of Awassi sheep.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Rhus coriaria Grind Seeds and ‎Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes on Some Blood Lipids and Ruminal ‎Fermentation Parameters ‎of Awassi Male Lambs

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study was conducted to assess the potential dietary effect of grind seeds of Rhus coriaria ‎‎(gsRC) with and without exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) on some lipid profiles ‎and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Awassi male lambs. A total of twenty-four Awassi ‎male lambs weighing 21.56±0.77 kg at 3-4 months of age were randomly divided based on BW ‎into four groups with six animals each. Dietary treatments were provided to lambs for 4 ‎months as follows: control group, fed on a concentrate diet at the rate of 2.5% ‎BW with alfalfa hay daily; gsRC-15 group, fed the control group diet supplemented ‎with 15 g/head dried grind seeds of Rhus coriaria daily with diet; EFE-5 group, fed the control ‎group diet supplemented with ‎‎5 g/head of EFE daily with diet; gsRC-EFE group, fed on the ‎control group diet supplemented with ‎15 g/head‎dried grind seeds of Rhus coriaria and 5 g/head ‎of EFE daily with diet. The results showed that serum cholesterol and triglycerides ‎significantly ‎(P‎‎&lt;0.05) reduced in the treated groups compared to the control group, particularly observed in 3rd and 4th months of the experiment. Comparable results ‎were observed for lambs fed on EFE alone in the 4th month of the study. The treatment groups showed significantly (P‎‎&lt;0.05) lower ruminal pH levels at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the experiment. At the middle and end of the study's last month, the volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and microflora activity of the rumen were significantly (P‎‎&lt;0.05) higher in the treated groups compared to the control group. It can be ‎concluded that sumac seed powder and EFE can be used in combination or alone as an effective ‎feed additive to improve lipid profiles and rumen fermentation parameters in Awassi male lambs‎‎.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effect of Different Dietary Protein Levels on Testosterone And Testicular Parameters in Awassi Lambs

This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different dietary protein levels on testosterone concentrations and testicular parameters in Awassi male lambs. Fifteen weaned Awassi ram lambs were randomly divided into three different dietary protein levels, 13% crude protein (T1), 14% crude protein (T2), and 15% crude protein (T3), with an equal energy level (12.1 MJ/kg/DM) for all treatments. The lambs were fed daily on concentrate ad libitum with access to fresh water. During the experimental period (75 days), all lambs were weighed weekly. Live weight and testicular parameters, as well as the serum testosterone concentrations were measured. The results showed that the dietary protein levels significantly increased (P &lt; 0.001) lambs body weight in both T3 and T2 compared to T1. Although there were no differences found in relative weight of the testicle to lambs live weight, the dietary protein significantly increased (P &lt; 0.05) testicular weight (110.83g ± 5.05, 135.32g ± 11.10 and 159.04g± 17.94) for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. There were high significant (P &lt; 0.001) effects of protein diet noticed on the serum testosterone concentrations (0.46 ± 0.05, 4.70 ± 1.21 ± 1.03 and 4.24 ng/ml) for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. There were significant differences observed in right (P &lt; 0.05) and left (P &lt; 0.05) testicular parameters, whilst there were no effects of protein diet observed in both right and left epididymis between groups. The results indicated that the dietary protein levels positively affect in live body weight and reproductive activity of growing awassi lambs