Weight Gain Of Lambs Research Articles

288 Maternal fatty acid supplementation and its impact on dam and offspring performance

Abstract Fatty acid supplementation has multiple benefits to the offspring when supplemented to the dam during pregnancy; limited to no benefits to the dam have been documented. We hypothesized that maternal fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy would result in improved body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) in the ewes and improve lamb growth until weaning and male offspring growth following weaning when ewes were supplemented fatty acids. On d -8 of the study (35 d of gestation), all ewes were weighed, BCS was collected, and pregnancy status determined. Pregnant Targhee ewes (n = 83) were assigned to a treatment group based on age, BW, and BCS, to one of four treatment gr: 1) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids based on palmitic and oleic acids (CON; EnerGII, Virtus Nutrition, LLC, Corcoran, CA); 2) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of PUFA based on eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids (ɷ-3, Strata; Virtus Nutrition LLC); 3) 22 g/ewe daily of Ca salts of PUFA based on linoleic acids (ɷ-6, Prequel; Virtus Nutrition LLC); or 4) 11 g/ewe of Ca-salts enriched with EPA+DHA (Strata) and 11 g/ewe of Ca-salts enriched with linoleic acid (Strata) daily (ɷ-3 + 6; Virtus Nutrition LLC). Fatty acid supplementation occurred from d 0 until d 88 of the study, and all ewes were fed grass hay. Ewe BW and BCS were recorded at d -8, 51, 93, and 240 of the study. Twenty-four hours after birth, lamb sex was identified and weighed (n = 136 lamb; CON = 33; ɷ-3 = 32; ɷ-6 = 36; ɷ-3 + 6 = 35). Lambs were weighed at d 175 and 240 (weaning) of the study (n = 86; CON = 22; ɷ-3 = 22; ɷ-6 = 21; ɷ-3 + 6 = 21). Body weight, BCS, and scrotal circumference (SC) were collected on all ram lambs at d 352, 380, and 408. No differences were observed in ewe BW or BCS at d -8, 51, or 93 of the study (P ≥ 0.26) between the treatment groups (Table 1). A treatment × day interaction was observed at d 240 of the study when ɷ-6 ewes had a greater (P = 0.03) BCS compared with group cohorts. No differences in lamb birth weight, lamb weight or average daily gain at d 175 or 240 of the study between treatment groups (P ≥ 0.25; Table 2). No differences were reported in ram lamb BW, BCS, or SC at d 352, 380, and 408 (P ≥ 0.31; Table 3). These results indicate that maternal fatty acid supplementation alters ewe BCS at the time of weaning; however, supplementation does not impact lamb growth from birth until weaning or ram lamb growth and scrotal circumference.

Supplementation of coated sodium butyrate relieved weaning stress and reshaped microbial flora in weaned lambs.

Weaning is an important period in the growth and development of lambs. Thus, effectively reducing the occurrence of weaning stress is critical for maintaining lamb production. Coated sodium butyrate has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote intestinal health, and maintain homeostasis. However, the application and potential mechanism of coated sodium butyrate in alleviating weaning stress in lambs are still unclear. To evaluate the effects of coated sodium butyrate on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of weaned lambs, 10 weaned lambs of 21-day-old were randomly divided into two groups: the CON group (basal diet) and the NaB group (basal diet +3 g/kg of coated sodium butyrate). The trial lasted 21 days. The experimental results showed that compared to the CON group, coated sodium butyrate supplementation in the diet significantly increased the average daily weight gain and daily feed intake of lambs (p < 0.05). In addition, compared to the CON group, the addition of coated sodium butyrate also significantly decreased the serum MDA level of lambs (p < 0.05). Notably, the addition of coated sodium butyrate did not have a significant effect on the cecal microbiota, while increasing the diversity of colonic microbiota and promoting the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Verrucomicrobiota, Akkermansia, Roseburia, and Sinobacteraceae, which are associated with the nutrient absorption of lambs (p < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation with coated sodium butyrate could promote the growth and antioxidant capacity of weaned lambs and alleviate weaning stress.

Effects of mung bean (Vigna radiat) haulm and concentrate supplementation on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass characteristics of Menz lambs fed on natural pasture hay

ABSTRACT Thirty-yearling Menz lambs with average initial body weight of 19.72 ± 1.96 kg (Mean ± SD) were used to evaluate the effects of supplementing mung bean haulms (MBH) and concentrate mixture (CM) on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass characteristics of lambs fed a basal diet of natural pasture hay. The lambs were assigned into five treatments in a randomized complete block design as follows: 226 CM (T1), 77 MBH + 192 CM (T2), 154 MBH + 156 CM (T3), 231 MBH + 120 CM (T4), 308 MBH + 87 CM (T5) grams on dry matter basis. Total dry matter (DM), organic matter and metabolizable energy intakes were increased (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of MBH inclusion in the diet. The DM digestibility of T5 was greater (p < 0.05) than T2. The crude protein intake was higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2. Average daily gain and carcass characteristics were similar (p > 0.05) among treatments. Feed conversion efficiency for T2 was higher (p < 0.05) than T4 and T5. This study supports the use of MBH as an alternative source of protein up to 308 g (77 g MBH + 192 g CM) for better FCE.

The effect of birth type and gender on growth performance, live weight gain, growth pattern modeling, and survival rate in Anatolian Merino lambs

In this study, the aim was to determine the effect of birth type and gender on growth performance, live weight gain, growth modeling, and survival rate in Anatolian Merino lambs. Growth performance was determined in 28 singletons (14 females/14 males), 80 twins (38 females/42 males), and 54 triplets (22 females/32 males) lambs in the study. The body weight of the lambs was measured on the day of birth (day 0), and at 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 days of age. Birth type was effective on growth performance in Anatolian Merino lambs (P

Performance, digestibility and meat quality from lambs fed diets with plantago lanceolata, Italian ryegrass or sainfoin herbages.

Plantago species, which is known to adapt to different climatic conditions, drought, temperature and different soil types. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of P. lanceolata herbage on fattening performance, rumen variables, digestibility, meat quality, meat nutrients and meat textural variables in lambs with the values of Italian ryegrass and sainfoin herbages. The lambs were fed total mix ration (TMR) with concentrated feed (about 30%) plus forage (about 70%) (P. lanceolata, PLA, Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum); IRY or sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) herbages, SAI). Twenty-four male lambs (Akkaraman breed) were assigned to three treatments with 8 lambs in each group. Fattening performance parameters, digestibility and carcass variables were determined. Meat quality and shelf life variables (oxidation, fatty acid profile and textural variables) was detected in the loin (Musculus longissimus), shoulder (M. deltoideus) and leg (M. semitendinosus) muscle samples, which were rested for 24 h +4°C and stored at -20°C for one week, one month, three months and six months. The dry matter (DM) intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass yield values of lambs, the DM and organic matter (OM) digestions (DMD and OMD) of TMRs, and the pH value, ammonia-nitrogen and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations of rumen fluid in lambs consuming PLA were similar to those of IRY and SAI (p > 0.05). PLA increased water holding capacity (WHC) and decreased cooking loss of meat compared to feeding with those of IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). The peroxide value (PV) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased with the stocking time in the meats (p < 0.05). Therefore, PV and MDA concentrations of shoulder, leg and loin meats up to 6th months for PLA were lower than those of IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). The linoleic acid concentration of loin and shoulder meats in PLA were higher than those of IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). The average oleic acid and ∑ω6 fatty acids concentration of meat in PLA was lower than those in IRY and SAI (p < 0.05). Atherogenic index and thrombogenic index values and palmitic acid levels of meat in PLA were similar to those in IRY, but lower than those in SAI (p < 0.05). Springiness, cohesiveness, resilience, hardness and chewiness values of the textural analysis parameters in meat of PLA were lower than those of IRY and SAI. As a result, effect of P. lanceolata on the fattening performance and rumen fermentation of lambs were similar with those of Italian ryegrass (Gramineae family) and sainfoin (Leguminosae family) forages and, it had a positive effect on meat quality (water holding capacity, cooking loss) and meat shelf life criteria (MDA, PV, fatty acid profile and textural variables). For functional lamb meat production, P. lanceolata can be included in the diet of lamb fattening.

Association of β-globin polymorphisms and tolerance to haemonchosis in ewes and lambs of different sheep breeds

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), especially Haemonchus contortus, represent a significant challenge for sheep production. Given the global concern about GIN anthelmintic resistance, alternative control methods able to reduce the dependence on these drugs are highly advisable. Since previous studies have shown that sheep carrying the Hb-A allele of β-globin are more resistant to H. contortus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the different haplotypes (Hb-AA, Hb-AB and Hb-BB) and phenotypes in Santa Inês (SI), Texel (TX) and White Dorper (DO) breeds infected with H. contortus. Blood samples were collected from 180 ewes and 123 lambs of the three breeds for DNA extraction followed by qPCR using a hydrolysis probe to identify the β-globin haplotypes. Phenotypic data, including fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), FAMACHA score and body condition score for ewes and lambs, as well as weight gain for lambs, were collected. The genotypic frequencies of β-globin for ewes and lambs were, respectively: 21.7% and 21.4% Hb-AA, 50% and 50% Hb-AB and 28.3% and 28.6% Hb-BB in SI; 0% and 0% Hb-AA, 18.6% and 9.4% Hb-AB and 81.4% and 90.6% Hb-BB in TX; and 0% and 0% Hb-AA, 13.1% and 0% Hb-AB and 86.9% and 100% Hb-BB in DO. In ewes, mean PCV differed (p<0.05) between the three haplotypes, with higher PCV in Hb-AA animals, followed by Hb-AB and Hb-BB. When considering each breed separately, SI Hb-AA ewes presented higher PCV (p<0.05), highlighting that even in a breed already considered resistant, animals with Hb-AA haplotype showed superior performance. Lambs with the Hb-AA haplotype exhibited a higher (p<0.05) mean PCV compared to those with Hb-AB and Hb-BB. The same pattern was found in SI when analyzing each breed separately. No significant association was found between β-globin haplotypes and FEC, FAMACHA score, body condition score, or weight gain. Nevertheless, given that anemia is the major clinical sign of haemonchosis, our findings on PCV reinforce that sheep carrying the Hb-A allele of β-globin are more tolerant to haemonchosis. This study may support the development of a valuable tool, targeting genetic selection for GIN control, reducing the dependence on anthelmintics and boosting sheep production worldwide.

Effects of Tail Vegetable Fermented Feed on the Growth and Rumen Microbiota of Lambs.

This study explored the impact of integrating fermented feed into the starter diet of lambs, focusing on growth, health, serum antioxidants, immune markers, rumen fermentation, and microbial communities. Thirty-six ten-day-old female Tail Han lambs were randomly divided into three experimental groups, which were separately fed with alfalfa hay (LA group), tail vegetable fermented feed (LB group), and tail vegetable fermented feed supplemented with 0.1% microbial inoculants (LC group) during the experimental period. This study assessed the influence of fermented feed on various parameters, including growth performance, fiber degradation, rumen fermentation, enzymatic activities, and ruminal histomorphology. The results indicate that compared to the control group, the addition of fermented feed can increase the daily weight gain of lambs. Simultaneously, the addition of fermented feed can enhance the total antioxidant capacity of serum (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed promoted the increased height of villi in the duodenum or jejunum of lambs (p < 0.05), and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the LB and LC groups was also improved (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed increased the richness and diversity of the rumen microbial community in lambs (p < 0.05), primarily increasing the relative abundance of Ruminococcus_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Lachnospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group.

Use of a novel fodder herb, Commelina species, in Black Head Ogaden lambs: nutrient utilization, weight gain performance, and economic viability

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the effects of supplementing Commelina forage species on nutrient uptake, weight gain, and economic viability in Black Head Ogaden lambs. Twenty yearling lambs were used in four treatments with five replicates in randomized complete block design. The treatments included Teff straw + 120 g dried Moringa stenopetala leaves (DMSL) for treatment 1 (T1), Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g C.benghalensis (T2), Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g C.imberbis (T3) and Teff straw + 120 g DMSL + 300 g concentrate (T4). A 60-day feeding trial was followed by a 10-day digestibility investigation. The study used SAS 9.0 for data analysis; the Duncan multiple range test for mean separation and partial budget analysis for financially feasibility testing. With better responses in T4 followed by T3, T2, and T1, supplementation significantly improved total DM, nutritional intakes, and apparent digestibility (P < 0.001). The two Commelina species and conventional concentrate-supplemented treatments resulted in average daily weight gains of 47.58 and 72.69 g, respectively but the former treatments produced higher marginal returns (2.02) than the later ones (0.22). With promising profit, Commelina species could be used as a supplement to improve the animals’ nutrient uptake and growth efficiency.

Relationship of Body Weights with the Productive Performance of Lambs of the Awassi and Karakul Breeds and Crossbred Sheep

A study was carried out on 60 ewes of the Awassi and Karakul breeds, and cross at age of birth, weaned and 6 months in Barakat Abi Al-Fadl Al-Abbas Station in Karbala Governorate, Iraq from the first of June 2022 until the first of June of the year 2023.with the aim of studying relationship between body weights (BW) of lambs and productive performance (PP) through a set of factors (Genetic group - Sex of lamb - Age of dams - Month of birth - Weight of dams), The statistical analysis system (SAS) was used to analyze the data. The result is displayed as follows: The genetic group, the sex of lambs, the age of the ewe, and the month of birth didn’t affect BW and average weight gain (AWG) of lambs at birth, weaning, and 6 months of age. Only weight of the ewe had a significant effect (P<0.05) on weight of lambs at 6 months of age. The ewes weighing more than 48 kg were superior to the rest of the other weights, with an average weight of 28.35 kg, while the weight of the ewe did not affect the weight of lambs at birth and weaning, also affected weight of the ewe on rate of weight gain at birth, weaning, and 6 months, with the superiority of ewes weighing more than 48 kg over the rest of the weights. Weaning weight was positively correlated with birth weight and highly significant (P<0.01), and the regression coefficient between 6-month-old body weight and weaning weight was high and significant (P<0.01).

Effect of Chromium Treatment on Growth and Some Blood Parameters of Local Lambs in Hot Climates

This study was conducted in the animal field of the Department of Animal Production in the College of Agriculture - University of Tikrit for the period from 7/6/2022 until 7/9/2022. by (93) days, preceded by an introductory period for a period of (13) days to study the effect of chromium treatment on productive traits represented in growth (weight gain) and some blood parameters and biochemistry and the concentration of some hormones. (15) Awassi lambs were used in this experiment, their ages ranged between 4-5 a month and with an average initial weight of 22.6 + 0.9 kg, the experimental treatments were divided into three treatments distributed randomly. on three transactions. The first transaction is the control and treatment the second is addition chrome on Chromium Yeast form at 0,5 mg / day / lamb and the third transaction is addition of Chromium 1 mg / day / lamb, five lambs for every transaction. The results indicated that there is Significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) between treatments in the rate of daily weight gain of lambs, as the third treatment (1 mg chromium / lamb / day) excelled compared to the first treatment (control) that was free of additives, and the second treatment contained (0.5 mg / lamb / day). These results were reflected in the total weight gain of the lambs, as the third treatment (1 mg chromium /day/lamb) was significantly superior (P ≤ 0.05) at a rate of (16.35) kg compared to the first treatment. (control) (9.85) kg and the second (0.5 mg / day / lamb) (10.92) kg. The results also showed that there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) superiority of the third treatment (1 mg chromium / day / lamb) in the efficiency of feed conversion at a rate of (5.53 fodder/kg meat) Compared to the second and third treatments (7.68 and 9.64 feed/kg meat), respectively, It was also seen there are no differences between the treatments in the daily feed consumption rate. With regard to the results of blood biochemical characteristics (glucose, cholesterol, total protein) at the end of the experiment, there was a significant increase in glucose, as the third treatment recorded a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in its concentration compared to the second and first treatment, while the hormone thyroxine was recorded. T4 significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) for the third treatment (1 mg chromium / day / lamb) at a rate of 8.202 nano moles / liter Compared to the first and second treatment (0.5 cholesterol / lamb / day) at a rate of 4.165 and 6.360 nano moles / liter respectively, In general the study showed that the addition of chromium to the diet led to an improvement in the weight of the lambs, achieving a significant weight gain and improving the efficiency of feed conversion in the Awassi lambs.

Lamb weight gain and reproductive performance of post-partum ewes supplemented with palm kernel cake and sexual stimulated by a ram

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of palm kernel cake and ram effect on reproductive activity of postpartum and lactating ewes. Twenty multiparous ewes, five to eleven days postpartum, were separated into four different treatments: control, control-ram, palm and palm-ram. Body weight, difference in body weight recorded between days 0 and 42 of the experiment, diameter of the largest follicle at day zero of the study, number of ewes bearing a corpus luteum and pregnancy rate were measured in ewes. Average daily weight gain was measured in lambs. There was no effect (p ≥ 0.05) of palm kernel supplementation, ram stimulation, or their interactions on the weights of ewes and lambs. A greater number of ewes with corpus luteum (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in ewes stimulated by rams than those not stimulated. The number of pregnant ewes was not affected by ram effect or palm kernel supplementation (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, the use of the ram effect increases the incidence of corpus luteum in postpartum and lactating ewes. In addition, palm kernel cake in the diet does not affect body weight of postpartum ewes and lambs.

Herd health and reproductive management associated with lamb weight gain and mortality in sub-Saharan drylands—a case from Ethiopia

Sheep are important for food and livelihood security in sub-Saharan Africa, and maximizing lamb weight gain while minimizing mortality is essential to improve production. Using the Menz sheep breeding villages of Amhara region in Ethiopia as a case study, the weight gain and mortality rate of 208 lambs were monitored during their first 5 months of life. The study was conducted in intervention and control villages, where the intervention villages were part of community-based breeding programmes and had participated in various projects aiming to improve sheep production and management. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to detect associations between weight gain from birth to 1 month, and birth to 5 months, and different lamb and ewe characteristics, farmer education, application of management routines, and presence of village level sheep management interventions. In general, lambs from intervention villages, without certain signs of diseases, whose mothers were 2 years or older, had a body condition score of more than 2 on a 5-point scale, and who originated from flocks where disease prevention strategies had been implemented, had gained more weight. Overall lamb mortality was 6.8% with most deaths occurring before 1 month of age. This study highlights that health interventions in ewes improve lamb survival and weight gain and that the care of lambs during the first month of life is crucial for overall herd productivity.

Wool cortisol concentrations trends in the lamb from birth to slaughter

Over time, cortisol has drawn more and more attention in the research on how the body reacts to stress. Furthermore, it has a catabolic role, in energy mobilisation, and in the immune response, in the activation of processes to defend the organism. This hormone is present in wool, which, differently from other biological samples, allows for an easily sampling procedure and provides a reliable retrospective matrix unaffected by acute stress. The two major goals of this study were to assess cortisol as an index of the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in lambs prior birth to the time of slaughtering by wool in four European sheep breeds and to investigate if an increased HPA axis activity may impact the average daily weight gain in lambs. A total of 97 lambs were involved in the study. Wool samples were collected from the left shoulder of the lambs included in the study in different sampling times (ST): at birth (ST1) and then at 30-day intervals from the same area of skin for a period of up to 120 days of age as re-shaved wool (ST2, ST3, ST4 and ST5). All animals were weighed at birth and the day before slaughter. The wool cortisol was evaluated by the AlphaLISA immunoassay method after having extracted steroids from the samples. The wool cortisol concentrations were affected both by breed (P < 0.01) and ST (P < 0.01). All the breeds considered showed a reduction of the wool cortisol during the experimental period, but with different trends. The wool cortisol at the ST1 and the live weight at birth was negatively correlated (r = −0.574; P < 0.01) as well as the average wool cortisol concentrations without the values recorded at ST1 and the average daily gain (r = −0.542; P < 0.01). The higher concentrations recorded in the sample collected at birth could origin from the progressive rise in foetal plasma cortisol concentrations that have an important role in structural maturation and in the neonatal adaptation to the extrauterine life. The trends of wool cortisol decreasing after birth till four months of age suggest that each breed could have an its own HPA axis setting. Our findings may be related to the idea of animal robustness and the various metabolic tactics used by various breeds to adapt to their environments during evolution. In conclusion, this study underlined a time-specific and a breed-characteristic wool cortisol concentration. Moreover, from the analyses emerged that the wool cortisol at birth and the live weight at birth was negatively correlated as well as the average of the wool cortisol concentrations recorded postnatally and the average daily gain.

Effect of Silage of Ripe Totumo Fruit (Crescentia cujete) and Commercial Balanced on Weight Gain in Lambs of Hair, Caribbean Region, Colombia

Effect of Silage of Ripe Totumo Fruit (Crescentia cujete) and Commercial Balanced on Weight Gain in Lambs of Hair, Caribbean Region, Colombia

Diet Preference, Feed Efficiency and Expression of the Sodium-Dependent Glucose Transporter Isoform 1 and Sweet Taste Receptors in the Jejunum of Lambs Supplemented with Different Flavours.

This study investigated the effect of dietary flavour supplements on the preference, feed efficiency and expression of the sweet taste receptor family 1 members 2 and 3 (T1R2 + T1R3), and sodium-glucose linked transporter 1 (SGLT1) genes in the lambs' small intestines. Eight, five-month-old, Israeli crossbred Assaf lambs were offered 16 different non-nutritive commercial flavours in rolled barley and ground corn. Capsicum and sucram were the most preferred non-aroma flavours (p = 0.020), while milky (p < 0.001) was the most preferred powder-aroma flavour. For the metabolic and relative gene expression study, eight lambs were randomly assigned to either sucram, capsicum, a mix containing sucram and capsicum at 1:1 ratio or no flavour for control in a 4 × 2 cross-over design. The total collection of urine (females only), faeces and refusals was carried out, and T1R2, T1R3 and SGLT1 relative gene expression evaluated from the proximal jejunum biopsies. Flavour had no significant effect on the feed intake (p = 0.934), but capsicum increased the average daily weight gain per metabolic body weight (p = 0.049). The T1R3 gene was expressed highest in the mix treatment (1.7; p = 0.005). Collectively, our findings indicate that flavours can be used to motivate feed acceptance and improve the weight gain in lambs.

Impact of polyacrylamide supplementation on intake, nutrient digestion and growth of lambs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) supplementation on the intake, digestion, weight gain, metabolism and growth of lambs. A total of ten 30 days old male small-tailed Han lambs with a body weight of 7.7±0.5 kg were divided into two equal groups (n = 5 each) and fed a basal diet or diet supplemented with 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet. The duration of the experiment was 210 days and experimental diets were fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Voluntary feed intake (VFI) was measured on daily basis, while body weight was measured on every ten days of the experiment.Two digestive and metabolic trials were conducted at the lamb's age of 95 to 103 days (Trial 1) and at the age of 210 to 218 days (Trial 2). At the end of experiment, all lambs were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. Results of the current study showed that supplementation of PAM in the diet of lambs increased the VFI and daily body gain by 14.4% (P < 0.05) and 15.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. In Trial 1, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 7.9%, 5.4%, 6.4%, 9.6%, 4.3% and 30.3% (P < 0.01), respectively, and in Trial 2, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 9.3%, 7.9%, 7.7%, 11.6%, 6.9% and 38.5% (P < 0.01), respectively. Results of carcass parameter explored that supplementation of PAM in the diet increased the carcass, net meat and lean meat weights by 24.5%, 25.5%, and 30.6% (P < 0.01), respectively, however, PAM supplementation in the diet did not influence the contents of DM, OM, or CP in fresh liver, leg muscle, and rumen tissue; in addition, the CP contents in the Longissimus dorsi muscle was decreased by the supplementation of PAM in the diet. In summary, supplementation of 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet increased the VFI, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and carcass yield of lambs.

EFFECT OF BODY CONDITION SCORE AND WEANING AGE IN SOME PRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF AWASSI SHEEP

To study the impact of the body condition score (BCS) of ewes on body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) of ewes and lambs and the effect of weaning age on BW and BWG of lambs, thirty Awassi ewes (2–3 years old) with their borne male lambs were used in the study. Ewes condition-scored and assigned to three groups, 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups were with BCS 2.5, 3 and 3.5 respectively. Lambs weaned neither 60 or 90 days (5 lambs for each), the study lasted 90 days. The analyzed data showed significant (P≤0.05) differences in high BCS ewes; also, lambs BW increased significantly by 3 and 3.5 compared with 2.5 BCS at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks of the study. Total BWG was higher significantly for BCS- 3 and 3.5 ewe’s lambs. While body weight increased significantly for BCS- 3 and 3.5 ewe lambs at the 10th and 12th weeks of study. Ewes were significantly heavier whose weaned her lambs at 60 days, while lambs weaned at 90 days had higher BW at the 10th and 12th weeks of the study. BWG was better significantly (P≤0.05) for BCS- 2.5 and 3 in lambs at 12th week. In conclusion, this means that BCS-3 lambs had a higher BW, while 2.5 and 3 BCS lambs had a better BWG at the end of the study.

Nutritional influence of ovine maternal colostrum on weight gain in newborn lambs

Colostrum is the first secretion of the mammary gland and is used as an essential food for newborns in the first hours of life. The objective of this work is to evaluate the nutritional quality of colostrum in the postpartum period, its variation over 72 hours and its influence on lamb weight gain. The experiment was carried out using 38 crossbred ewes from Texel and Suffolk and their respective lambs, evaluating values of protein, fat, lactose, total solids, salts, density and freezing point. On the first day, mean values of 8.59%, 10.53%, 12.93%, 23.13%, 1.90%, 1071.72 g/dL and -2.28ºC were found, respectively. On the second day it showed 6.08%, 9.39%, 9.64%, 16.13%, 1.32%, 1050.58g/dL and -1.29ºC and on the third it showed 4.92%, 8.37%, 7.69%, 13.08%, 1.06%, 1043.22 g/dL and -0.93ºC. The lambs had an average weight gain of 0.33 kg in the first 24 hours of life and 0.32 kg in the following 48 hours. It is concluded that it proved to be efficient to verify the quality of the colostrum of the ewes and in the way in which the neonates respond physiologically

Effect of Supplementation of Probiotic, Prebiotic and Synbiotic on Growth Performance in Nellore Brown Lambs

Small ruminant production provides sustainable income to small and marginal farmers under rainfed agriculture in India. Supplementation of feed additives like probiotics and prebiotics can reduce the usage of antibiotics in sheep production. Keeping this in view an experiment was conducted to study the effect of probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus sporengens) and Mannan oligosaccharahides (MOS) as prebiotics and combination of both probiotic and prebiotic as synbiotic supplementation on body weight gain in Nellore Brown lambs. Data on body weight was collected and analysed statistically for significance. The average daily gain in different treatment groups were recorded as 110.99±5.23g, 135.85±4.66g, 174.71±6.3g and 148.09±3.87g in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively. Supplementation of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic have significant effect on daily body weight gain in Nellore brown lambs.

Effects of Feeding Different Levels of Sprouted Barley on Fermentation Characteristics, Bacterial Quantification, and Rumen Morphology of Growing Lambs.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of sprouted barley inclusion level on the growth performance, digestibility, volatile fatty acids, bacterial quantification, and rumen morphology of growing lambs. Five dietary treatments with sprouted barley (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) and nine replicates per dietary treatment were performed on forty-five Awassi lambs (90 days old). The average weight gain, intake, and digestibility of dry and organic matter were recorded. The pH, color, volatile fatty acids, bacterial quantification, and rumen histomorphometry were also determined. The results showed that the average dry and organic matter intake in T2 to T4 and the average weight gain in T4 decreased linearly. In contrast, the digestibility of dry and organic matter by sprouted barley (T2 to T4) was higher. The pH values and rumen color were not affected. Concentrations of formic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid were increased, while lactic acid and total volatile fatty acids were lower in all levels of sprouted barley. In addition, lambs fed T4 had a higher quantification of Anaerovibrio Lipolytica, Butyrivibrio Fibrisolvens, and Streptococcus Bovis quantification. Selenomonas Ruminantium was higher in T1, T2, and T4, whereas Megashpaera Elsdenii was lower in T1 to T3. The rumen histomorphometric was improved by sprouted barley (T2 and T3). Sprouted barley improved digestibility and rumen histomorphometry and increased the concentration of some volatile fatty acids and rumen bacteria but resulted in a decrease in average dry and organic matter intake, which negatively affected weight gain in lambs fed 100 % sprouted barley. Further studies are required to determine the potential effects on growing lambs fed sprouted barley.