Milk Production Of Ewes Research Articles

Dietary thiamine supplementation modulates ruminal microbiota and partly restores lactation performance in lactating Hu ewes under heat-stress conditions

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary thiamine supplementation on milk production, rumen microbiota profile and inflammatory response of Hu ewes under heat-stress conditions. Twenty-seven multiparous pregnant and lactating Hu ewes of 71.6 ± 1.4 kg body weight, 11 ± 0.5 months gestation age, 31 ± 1 days in milk, 1.68 ± 0.15 L/d milk yield, and 2.14 ± 0.12 kg of daily dry matter intake (DMI), were used in the study. Following an acclimation period of 7 days, ewes were divided into 3 blocks of 9 each (one Hu ewe per pen), in a complete randomized design and assigned to one of three environmental temperature conditions for 15 days: thermoneutrality without supplementation (CON), heat-stressed without supplementation (HS) or heat-stressed with dietary thiamine supplementation (200 mg/kg of DMI; HST). The results indicated that the HS group experienced notable declines in milk protein, fat, and lactose content from day 10–15 (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In contrast, thiamine supplementation significantly elevated milk protein content from day 13–15 and raised milk fat and lactose content on days 14 and 15 (P < 0.05) compared to the HS group, thereby enhancing milk quality to a certain extent. Additionally, thiamine supplementation (HST group) significantly increased the circulating thiamine and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations accompanied by a significant decline in LPS-binding protein, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). Rumen microbial composition analysis revealed that thiamine supplementation increased the abundance of Pyramidobacter, Butyrivibrio, Bacteroides, and Saccharofermentans. In conclusion, heat exposure during lactation in Hu ewes lowered milk production and quality, affecting rumen microbes. Dietary thiamine supplementation could improve rumen fermentation, mitigate heat stress-induced inflammation, and restore milk production in Hu ewes under heat stress conditions.

Addition of selenium nanoscale to high diets with wheat bran and its effect on milk production and composition in Awassi ewes

Addition of selenium nanoscale to high diets with wheat bran and its effect on milk production and composition in Awassi ewes

Milk productivity of queens, growth of purebred and crossbred young animals of the southern beef breed

Relevance. The safety of lambs is the most important factor affecting the efficiency of the industry. It is of particular relevance for multiple breeds. The level of dairy productivity of ewes is one of the factors affecting the growth and development of lambs, their safety before weaning. Milk productivity is positively correlated with the dynamics of the live weight of lambs.The aim of the study was to study the milk content of crossbred ( 1/2 southern meat and 1/2 Katum) and purebred (southern meat) ewes, the effect of this indicator on the growth of lambs.Methods. The objects of the study were purebred (n = 46), crossbred ( n = 30) ewes and their lambs. To determine the amount of milk produced by a ewe over 20 days, the increase in live weight of lambs during this period was multiplied by a factor of 5 (on average, up to 5 liters of milk are required for an increase of 1 kg). In multiple-fetal ewes, milk production was determined by multiplying the sum of the growth of all lambs in the litter by 5.Results. The number of lambs in the litter and the genotype of the ewes have a statistically significant effect on the live weight of lambs at birth and the milk production of ewes. Lambs born alone in a litter exceeded double lambs by 18.1% and triple lambs by 22.6% in live weight. Multiple ewes are superior in milk production to ewes with one lamb. In terms of the amount of milk produced in 20 days, ewes with triplets exceeded their peers with one lamb by 2.24 times, and with twins — 1.52 times. Crossbred (1/2 southern meat and 1/2 katumskaya) ewes are higher in milk productivity than the maternal breed.

Effects of rosemary essential oil on the milk production and fatty acid profiles of ewes fed oat hay or silage

Effects of rosemary essential oil on the milk production and fatty acid profiles of ewes fed oat hay or silage

The implications of various gene variant combinations on breeding values for Awassi ewe milk production.

Milk production is an important factor to consider in selecting Awassi sheep. This trait is influenced by various genes that can be managed to boost production. The breeding values (BVs) for milk production in Jordan's Awassi sheep flocks have been established. This study determined how combined gene variants of BLG, PRL, CSN3, CSN1S1, and CSN2 affect the estimated BVs (EBVs) for milk production in Awassi sheep. Milk and blood samples were collected from 391 Awassi sheep, which was then subjected to molecular analysis through sequencing in order to identify potential alleles and genotypes that could be linked to the EBVs of milk. The predicted BVs for milk were significantly influenced by PRL and CSN3 gene variants. Through performing the act of epistasis, the interactions of BLG with CSN3 and -CSN1S1 greatly impacted EBVs for milk production. Likewise, the three-way interaction among PRL, CSN3, and CSN1S1, as well as the combined effect of CSN3 with CSN1S1 and CNS1 significantly improved BVs for milk production. When the breeding selection program incorporates the polymorphisms of these genes, gains in milk production can be obtained. Alleles within the examined genomic areas are crucial for evaluating BVs and maximizing genetic gain in milk production.

Effect of weaning system on lamb growth, mammary gland development and ewe milk production in dairy sheep managed in an outdoor pasture-based commercial farming system

The objective was to merge science and practice to determine the feasibility of a mixed suckling and milking system compared with a traditional exclusive suckling management system on the production performance of dairy sheep and their progeny in an outdoor pasture-based farming system at commercial scale. At 14 d postpartum, twin- and triplet-bearing mixed-age East Friesian ewes were randomly allocated to either a mixed system of once-a-day milking,suckling and early weaning (MS, n=61) or control with exclusive suckling and later weaning (Ctrl, n=57) using a randomised block design. MS lambs had lower live weight at weaning (14.6 vs. 16.7 kg; P&lt;0.001) but 3-5weeks post-weaning average daily gain and mammary gland mass was similar between groups. Ewe lamb mammary mass was positively associated with post-weaning but not pre-weaning live weight gain (P&lt;0.01). Weaning system influenced the percentage of protein, total solids and fat (MS &gt; Ctrl) while milk yield, somatic cell count and lactose levels were not different. This study highlighted that the MS comparedwith Ctrl system had no negative effects on dam or progeny performance.

O-140 Effect of injectable eprinomectin on milk production and quality of dairy ewes reared semi-intensively and naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

O-140 Effect of injectable eprinomectin on milk production and quality of dairy ewes reared semi-intensively and naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

Evaluation of the Crossbreeding Scheme and Farmers’ Perception of Awassi and Dorper Crossbred Sheep

The objectives of this study were to characterize the performance of crossbred sheep and crossbreeding scheme and to solicit farmers’ opinions about crossbred sheep. A total of 238 respondents were selected from five districts and data were collected through a personal interview, focus group discussion, measurement of animals, and field observation. Continuous type of data were analyzed using different procedures of SAS, while the estimated breeding value (EBV) for distributed rams was estimated by the WOMBAT software fitting animal model. The findings showed that sheep were the most significant species and that they were primarily raised for meat consumption and income generation. The proportions of crossbred sheep were 79.6% in Angot, 61.3% in Dessie zuria, 64.2% in Gazo, 80.6% in Legambo, and 27.5% in the Kobo area. The sheep crossbreeding program was constrained by feed shortage, lack of improved genotype, and diseases. The ongoing sheep crossbreeding program lacks a proper recording scheme, rams were not selected based on genetic merit, not exchanged in time, lack periodic importation of genetically unrelated rams, and lacks fixing the maximum exotic gene level suitable for the production system. The EBVs of Dorper crossbred rams for birth weight and weaning weight were 0.007 kg and 0.273 kg, respectively. Tikur sheep had an earlier age at first lambing (AFL) than Awassi x Tikur sheep. Likewise, the indigenous Wollo sheep had earlier AFL, short lambing interval, and produced a large number of lambs per lifetime than their Awassi crossbreds. Dorper crossbreds were preferred (9.30 - 72.2 times greater and P &lt; 0.001 ) for their growth rate, physical appearance, preference in the market or price, and milk production of ewes compared with indigenous Tumele sheep. The Awassi crossbred sheep were preferred (odds ratio = 12.7– 90.0 and P &lt; 0.001 ) due to their good physical appearance, fast growth rate, wool yield, milk yield, and better preference in the market compared with Tikur and Wollo sheep breeds. The implementation of the crossbreeding program needs some sort of revision, monitoring, and periodic evaluation. Besides, it must be accompanied by improved management to exploit the expected benefits from the crossbreeding program in the low-input production system.

Comparison of dietary supplementation of sodium selenite and bio-nanostructured selenium on nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, milk production, and lamb performance of Barki ewes

Selenium (Se) supplementation during early lactation can affect not only the ewe's health and milk production but also their lamb performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of two different forms of selenium [inorganic form as sodium selenite (SS), and bio-nanostructured selenium (SeNSM)] on ewes nutrient digestibility, milk yield, milk composition, blood biochemical parameters, and their lambs' growth performance. Twenty-one Barki ewes [32.72 ± 0.84 kg initial body weight (BW), 14 ± 7 days in milk] were assigned according to BW and milk yield from the previous lactation period into three experimental groups (n = 7 ewes/ group) for a period of 50 days. The control group fed the basal diet without Se addition, the SS group fed the basal diet supplemented with SS at 1.2 mg/ kg dry matter (DM), and the SeNSM group fed the basal diet supplemented with SeNSM at 1.2 mg/ kg DM. Supplementation of SeNSM improved (P = 0.053) neutral detergent fiber digestibility compared to the control. No differences were found among the treatments on blood metabolites, however, both Se forms tended to increase (P < 0.01) the blood Se concentration compared to the control. Ewes fed SeNSM had higher (P < 0.05) blood Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, milk yield, fat-corrected milk, milk fat, protein, lactose, and ash yields, and milk Se than ewes fed the control diet. The lambs of ewes fed SeNSM had higher (P = 0.03) BW gains compared to other treatments. In conclusion, the Se of SeNSM form was more effective than SS in improving the productive performance of both ewes and their lambs.

Effect of Injecting Different Levels of Iron and Vitamin B12 on Milk Yield and Composition and Some Blood Characteristics of Awassi Ewes

This study was conducted in Baibokhet area (8Km north of Mosul city). The study was designed to determine the effect of subcutaneous injections of iron and vitamin B12 on milk production and body weight and blood characteristics of Awassi ewes. using 15 Awassi ewes with an average weights 35.3±0.65 kg and age 2-4 year thier, feed relied fully on grazing, were randomly divided in to three groups, (5 ewes/group), 1st group was regard as control, while the 2nd group injected Subcutaneous in average once for every ten days for three month with Iron and vitamin B12 with (5.5mg/kg body weight and 5.5mg/kg body weight ) respectively, The 3rd group injected with iron and vitamin B12 (11 mg /kg body weight and 11 mg/kg body weight) respectively. result showed treated groups with iron and vitamin B12 a significant effect (P≤0.05) compared with control group in ( Packed cell volume, red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration ,milk yield, final body weight, total gain and daily gain), Also results shows no a significant effect (P≤0.05) in (glucose, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin and milk fat%, milk protein%, milk lactose%, solid nonfat%) among treated groups compared with control group, In conclusion, iron and vitamin B12 injection in weaning lambs improved milk production, body weight and blood characters in Awassi ewes. &#x0D; &#x0D;

Productive traits of sheep of Prikatun breeding type under the conditions of the Altai Republic

The main number of sheep in the Russian Federation is currently concentrated in peasant (farmer) and personal farms, where the level of breeding work is often very low. Despite this, there is a huge reserve of mutton production in these categories of farms. The purpose of the work was to study the productive traits of sheep of Prikatun breeding type of Mountain Altai breed under the conditions of peasant (farmer) farms in the Altai Republic. The experimental part of the research was carried out on the basis of the farm “Usoltseva N. A.” in the Ust-Kansky area in the Altai Republic. The object of the study were the mature ewes sheep of Prikatun breeding type of Mountain Altai breed, their off spring aged from birth, 4 and 6 months, before slaughter, as well as carcasses obtained during slaughter. Under the conditions of the Altai Republic with year-round pasture content in sheep of Prikatun breeding type of Mountain Altai breed a complex study of milk productivity and the chemical composition of sheep’s milk was carried out. New data on the eff ect of age, live weight, prolifi cacy, polymastia, off spring sex and morphometric measurements of the udder on the milk production of sheep have been obtained. The infl uence of the level of milk content of sheep of Prikatun breeding type of Mountain Altai breed on the growth, development and meat productivity of lambs has been studied. It was found that lambs received from mothers with high milk capacity had a higher growth rate in all the studied age periods. The young animals of this group were characterized by better meat productivity and as a result had a higher level of profi tability, which amounted to 53,35 %. Taking into account the infl uence of the level of milk production of ewes of Prikatun breeding type on the growth and development of lambs, we recommend that peasant (farmer) farms of the Altai Republic, in order to increase the production of mutton, select ewes for the fi rst 20 days of lactation with a milk yield of at least 21 kg of milk.

Composição em ácidos graxos no leite de vacas e ovelhas suplementadas com extrato tanífero de acácia negra

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of Acacia mearnsii tannin extract on milk fatty acid profile of dairy ewes and cows. In experiment 1, twenty-four Lacaune ewes received one of the following dietary treatments: control (no tannin extract added to the diet), T30 (30 g tannin extract/kg concentrate), and T40 (40 g extract/kg concentrate). In experiment 2, thirty Jersey cows received either a control diet (no tannin extract added to the diet) or the same diet containing 40 g tannin extract/kg concentrate (T40). Dry matter intake, milk production and milk solids content of ewes and cows were unaffected by tannin supplementation. The cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content increased linearly by 21% in milk fat from ewes fed tannin extract, while the C18:2 n-6 (linoleic acid) content tended (P = 0.051) to increase by 13% in cows fed TE. The supplementation with black wattle tannin extract improves the nutritional quality of milk fat of ewes and cows to a small extent, with no adverse effects on performance or gross milk composition.

Age at weaning of lambs raised in an intensive production system

Context Early weaning is an alternative that may shorten the production time, and improve growth, and carcass quality. Aims The effects of different weaning ages on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Dorper × Santa Inês lambs were evaluated. Methods Initially, 33 crossbred lactating ewes Dorper × Santa Inês with initial bodyweight (BW) of 53.16 ± 9.17 kg (mean ± s.d.) were penned individually with their lambs (nine females and 36 males; 6.59 ± 0.30 kg of initial BW and 10 ± 2.22 days of age) 10 days after birth and used in a randomised complete block design (three treatments and 11 blocks). Each pen was individually equipped with a creep feed system for the lambs. The lambs received the initial diet, and the ewes were confined and received a diet with 400 g/kg of roughage and 600 g/kg of concentrate. Lambs were weaned at ages of either 45 days (W45), 60 days (W60) or 75 days (W75). At weaning, the ewes were removed from the pens and the lambs remained in the same pen for 15 days, receiving the initial diet. After 15 days of weaning, only the males continued received the finishing diet until 165 days of life. After the finishing period, the lambs were slaughtered to measure the carcass characteristics. Key results There was no influence of weaning age on BW, body condition score, dry-matter intake, and milk production and composition of ewes. Additionally, there was no effect of treatments on the lambs‘ performance. Conclusion In an intensive production system, weaning at 45, 60, and 75 days provided similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. Implications Therefore, weaning at 45 days may be an option for farmers.

The effects of feeding chickpea grains on the lactating performance and blood metabolites of ewes.

An experiment was conducted to see how replacing soybean meal with chickpea grains (CHPE) affected the performance, milk production, digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, and blood metabolites of Awassi ewes. Thirty Awassi ewes with an initial body weight of 53.2 ± 2.31kg and aged between 4 and 5years were selected and randomly assigned to different feeding treatments (10 ewes per diet). Dietary dry matter (DM) was (1) 0g/kg CHPE (CON); (2) 150g/kg CHPE (CHPE150); and (3) 300g/kg CHPE (CHPE300). The costs of these diets were determined using current ingredient prices. The experiment lasted 9weeks. During the trial, ewes and their lambs were kept in individual pens. Daily nutrient intake was monitored. Every 2weeks, the body weight (BW), milk output, and composition of the ewes were measured. In comparison to the CON diet, adding the CHPE to the experimental diets lowered feed costs (US$) per ton by 11% for CHPE150 and 21% for CHPE300. The CHPE300 group had a lower (P < 0.05) consumption of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than the CHPE150 group, while the CON group had the highest (P < 0.05) intake of NDF. The intake of ether extract (EE) (g/d) was higher (P < 0.05) in the ewes fed the CHPE300 compared to the ewes fed CHPE150, and it was lowest in ewes fed the CON diet. When the ewes were fed the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets, the total solids (g/kg) in each kg of milk produced per day was higher (P < 0.05) than when they were fed the CON diet. The cost per kg of milk produced by the ewes was lowered (P < 0.05) when the CHPE was added to their diets. When the ewes on the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets were compared to the ewes on the CON diet, crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher (P < 0.05). The EE digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for the CHPE300 group, while the CHPE150 group had an intermediate outcome. The CHPE300 group had lower amounts of N in their feces and urine (P < 0.05) than the other groups. The retention of N (g/100g) in the ewes fed the CHPE300, and the CHPE150 diets was higher (P < 0.05) than in the ewes fed the CON diet. As a result, the current research demonstrates that part of soybean meal and barley grain could be replaced with chickpeas in the diets of lactating Awassi ewes.

Effects of supplementary inulin on ewes milk composition and rumen fermentation parameters.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of inulin supplementation on milk production and composition, feed intake, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters in lactating ewes. The experimental treatments were (1) control group (basal diet), (2) basal diet plus 2% inulin (w/w) and (3) basal diet plus 4% inulin (w/w). The experiment was carried out for 21 d in a fully randomized design involving eighteen Ghezel ewes. Production and composition (percentages of fat, protein, lactose and fat-free solids and fatty acid profiles) of milk were measured. Faeces were collected in the last 3 days of the experiment to determine digestibility. On the last day of the experiment, rumen fluid samples were taken from the esophagus 3 h after feeding and fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and protozoal population) were examined. Daily milk production was not significantly affected by inulin supplementation, but the fat and protein content of the milk was increased whilst urea nitrogen (MUN) and unsaturated fatty acids were decreased (P < 0.05). The dry matter (DM) intake results showed that there was no significant difference between different diets. The highest digestibility of DM and NDF belonged to the inulin fed group (P < 0.05). Inulin consumption numerically increased the pH of the rumen fluid of the animals and significantly decreased the rumen N-NH3 value (P < 0.05). Inulin supplementation also significantly increased total VFA, acetate, and butyrate levels (P < 0.05). In general, it can be concluded that inulin supplementation can improve rumen fermentation, DM and NDF digestibility,as well as compositional aspects of the ewe's milk production.

Genetic evaluation of Teleorman Black Head ewes using genes polymorphism for improving milk traits

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to asses specific gene markers associated with the sheep milk production in Teleorman Black Head ewes. For the proper selection of the best candidates for milk production, the genetic markers such as CSN3, BLG and PRL were selected. To detect CSN3, PRL and BLG polymorphisms, genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples collected from 50 ewes. ASA-PCR and PCR-RFLP methods were used for genotyping of animals; the genotypes frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were estimated using R software. In our samples, for CSN3 gene were identified two genotypes (CC and CT), the most frequent being CT genotype (94%). For PRL gene, were identified three genotypes (AA, AB and BB), AA and BB genotypes being the most frequent (36% and 40% respectively). Also, three genotypes were identified for BLG gene (AA, AB and BB), with an increased frequency of AB genotype (44%). These preliminary data will be correlated in the next experiments with phenotypic data, generating important tools for genetic selection of the Teleorman Black Head sheep population.

Influence of Mediterranean climate and lunar calendar on milk production in Lacaune breed ewes

Environmental factors affect daily milk production in dairy animals. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of environmental factors, specifically mean temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), temperature-humidity index (THI), solar radiation (°), pluvial precipitation (mm) and lunar calendar (full moon, waxing quarter, waning quarter, new moon), on milk production (kg/d). The analysis was based on 96,195 morning and evening milking records documented on 109 consecutive days, from 869 Lacaune ewes. Ewes were housed in groups of 174 individuals. The analysis was performed in two independent procedures, a Pearson correlation analysis and a multivariate analysis of the ewe's interrelationships, which was based on the total variance estimate and a Varimax-rotated factorial analysis. Milk yield (kg/d) was significantly (p < 0.05) negatively correlated with mean temperature (-0.24), relative humidity (-0.16), THI (-0.24), and radiation (-0.18), which suggests that the higher these environmental factors, the lower the milk yield. Lunar calendar had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on milk production yield; specifically, yields were higher on the full moon and new moon (2.25 ± 0.05kg/day) than they were on the crescent or waning moon (2.17 ± 0.05kg/day). In conclusion, ewes that had been exposed to higher mean temperature, relative humidity, THI and solar radiation had the lowest milk yield, and milk yields are highest on full and new moons. The results of this work may be helpful in making predictions for milk production in Lacaune ewes in the Mediterranean region throughout the year.

Effect of supplemental rumen-protected methionine on reproduction and production of Awassi ewes

The effect of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) was investigated in Awassi ewes (0, 3 or 5 g/head/d, n = 20) on reproductive and productive performance (initial body weight [BW] = 70.9 − 71.8 kg, 3 − 5 years). Supplementation started with the flushing feeding regime (at the breeding time) and lasted for 42 d. RPM was reused during the last 60 d of pregnancy and the first 60 d of lactation. RPM increased (p < .05) progesterone concentration with a higher lambing rate at the 5RPM level. The number of lambs born for each ewe exposed to the ram was also higher (p < .05) with 3RPM and 5RPM. Methionine levels in the plasma were greater (p < .05) with RPM mainly at 5RPM level. Birth weights of the lambs were higher (p < .05) with RPM regardless of the level. Contrary to this, weaning weights and rate of gain for lambs were reduced (p < .05) with RPM addition. RPM did not affect milk production of ewes during the first 60 d of lactation or on energy corrected milk and feed to milk ratio. However, milk protein content was increased (p < .05) at the 5RPM level while milk fat content was decreased. Regardless of the level of RPM addition, milk casein content increased (p < .05). At all levels, the effect of RPM on milk fatty acid profile was minor. It can be concluded that supplementing RPM might be a valuable tool to enhance the reproductive and productive performance of ewes during their breeding season.

Inclusion of Barley Fodder in Alfalfa/Grass-Based Diets on Milk Production in Goats and Milking Sheep

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Barley Sprout Fodder (BSF) on milk production and milk composition of Saanen goats and Friesian ewes. Twenty Saanen does (1-year-old) and twenty East Friesian ewes (1 to 5 years old), were selected for this experiment, where each species was divided into four treatment groups. Goat treatments consisted of 0 (CRTL), 758 (BSF1), 1498 (BSF2) and 2270 (BSF3) g wet BSF/d added to an alfalfa/grass hay mix provided in random order. Sheep treatments were similar, but 0, 454, 908, and 1362 g wet BSF/d. The dry matter content of the fodder was 10.7%. A grain mix was fed to the goats (798 DM g/d) and sheep (400 DM g/d) during morning and evening milking. Treatment periods were fifteen days. Feed consumed was measured and milk yield and samples were collected on days 13 and 14. Milk samples were analyzed for milk fat, protein, and lactose. The cheese was made from day 14 milk and milk and cheese were analyzed for fatty acid composition. Total DM intake was between 2.7 and 2.9 kg/d for does and was different (P<0.05) between BSF treatments, 2.6 to 3.0 kg/d for ewes. Milk yield was not affected by BSF treatment. Goat milk yield averaged 2681 g/d across the treatments, while sheep was 1021 g/d. Milk fat content increased numerically from 77 to 82 g/d for goats and 50 to 58 g/d for sheep. BSF did not affect goat milk protein g/d, but sheep milk protein increased from 46 to 53 g/d. Goat milk lactose was not changed with BSF inclusion, while sheep milk lactose increased from 47 to 54 g/d. Total solids were not different from BSF in the diet for goats but was for sheep increasing from 143 to 164 g/d. There were no differences in cheese fatty acid composition for either species. The CRTL diet cost $0.82/day for goats and $0.72/d for sheep, while the high level of BSF inclusion cost $1.06/d for goats and $0.91/d for sheep. Based on the parameters of this study, the inclusion of BSF had relatively no effect on goat milk parameters but did improve milk solids in sheep milk, with no increase in milk yield.

63 Effect of Chicory Silage and Se-yeast on Peripartum Ewes: Performance Data

Abstract The objective of this study was to test the possibility of improving the performance of peripartum ewes by feeding a combination of chicory silage and Se-yeast. Approximately four weeks prior to lambing, 36 pregnant Polypay ewes were moved into single pens and randomly assigned to one of four groups to be fed either grass or chicory silage and supplemented or not with 3.6 mg Se/day (DiaMune, Diamond V). Daily dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, body weight gain of lambs and body weight changes of the ewes, milk yield using a weigh-suckle-weigh system, and milk components were recorded. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX (SAS v9) with time, silage, and Se interaction as fixed effects and ewe as random effect. Significance was declared with P ≤ 0.05. The DMI was lower in ewes fed chicory compared to grass silage with no effect of Se. Water intake was greater in ewes that were fed chicory silage than grass silage but lower in those supplemented with Se. Milk production of ewes and BW gain of the lambs were not affected by the treatments, but the gain efficiency (G:F) of lambs was larger in animal fed chicory vs. grass silage. Few differences were observed in milk components between the treatments. Protein content and SNF tended to be reduced by feeding Se (P = 0.08) while feeding Se increased C18:0 and preformed fatty acids in milk. Feeding chicory+Se tended to increase percentage of de novo-derived fatty acids in milk compared to feeding grass+Se. Somatic cell count (SCC) was not affected by the treatments. Overall, our data indicated that performance of the animals as well as milk components were not affected by feeding chicory and/or Se despite a lower feed intake when chicory was fed. Higher feed efficiency by using chicory is suggested by the DMI/gain of lambs.