Performance Of Lambs Research Articles

The effect of repeated lipopolysaccharide endotoxin challenge on immune response of breeding ewes and subsequent lamb performance.

Infectious disease caused by exposure to Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is recognized to suppress female fertility. However, the effect of varying low-dose endotoxin exposure during distinct stages of follicle development on immune response, reproductive performance, and lamb performance has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate acute phase response, mRNA abundance of inflammatory markers, reproductive performance and lamb growth characteristics of ewes challenged with subclinical doses of LPS. Rambouillet ewes (n = 36; 68.2±1.1kg; age 3 to 7 yr) stratified by body weight (BW) and age were assigned to treatment groups. Ewes received subcutaneous injections of saline (CON, n = 12), 1.5 µg/kg BW LPS (LOW, n = 12), or 3.0 µg/kg BW LPS (HIGH, n = 12) on days 5, 10, and 15 of a synchronized follicular wave. Ewes were subsequently placed with a raddle-painted ram on day 16 for a 35-d breeding season. On treatment days 5 and 15, blood samples, peripheral blood leukocytes, and rectal temperature were collected before and at regular intervals for 12h after LPS challenge. Immune response to LPS was confirmed by increased temperature and serum cortisol concentrations on days 5 and 15. Endotoxin increased circulating plasma concentration of the acute phase protein, haptoglobin by greater than 15%, in both LPS-treated groups on days 5 and 15 at 12h compared with control (P≤ 0.05). Pro- and anti-inflammatory mRNA gene expression demonstrated no differences in expression for tumor necrosis factor-α or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma among treatment groups (P > 0.10). Likewise, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression was similar among treatment groups on day 5. However, ewes challenged with LPS on day 15 displayed greater mRNA expression for TLR4 from 2 to 6h (P < 0.05), a 7-fold increase for IL-8 from 1.5 to 2.5h (P < 0.05), and 8-fold induction for SOD2 from 2 to 6h (P < 0.05) as compared with controls. First service conception rates were 90% for control ewes and 75% for both treated groups (P = 0.84). Treated ewes demonstrated a reduction in lamb birth weight compared with controls (P ≤ 0.05) and a tendency for reduction of 60-d adjusted weaning weight (P = 0.09). Data suggest that subacute endotoxin exposure aligning with key follicle and oocyte maturation events results in detrimental growth performance of the subsequent lamb.

Influence of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and digestive enzyme activity in lambs.

This study evaluated if vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) influences growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and digestive enzyme activity. Sixteen wether lambs (69.6 ± 1.9kg) were housed in individual pens, adapted to a corn grain-based diet, and randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups. Lambs were injected intraperitoneally every other day for 28 d with saline (0.9% NaCl) containing no VIP (n = 8; control) or containing VIP (n = 8; 1.3 nmol/kg body weight [BW]). All lambs were transferred to individual metabolic crates for the final 7 d of the experiment to measure nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility. At the end of the treatment period, lambs were slaughtered, and pancreatic tissue, small intestinal tissue, and rumen fluid were collected for protein, digestive enzymes, ruminal pH, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) analyses. Lambs treated with VIP had greater final BW, average daily gain, and gain:feed (P = 0.01, 0.05, 0.03, respectively). No differences between treatment groups were observed (P ≥ 0.25) for nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen retention, ruminal pH, and VFA concentrations. Moreover, VIP treatment did not influence (P ≥ 0.19) plasma glucose, urea N, and insulin concentrations. Treatment with VIP increased (P = 0.03) relative cecum weight (g/kg BW) and decreased (P = 0.05) relative brain weight. Pancreatic and intestinal digestive enzyme activities, except for duodenal maltase (P = 0.02), were not influenced (P ≥ 0.09) by VIP treatment. These data suggest that the administration of VIP may have potential to improve average daily gain and gain:feed in lambs fed grain-based diets.

Sodium butyrate administration improves intestinal development of suckling lambs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions, and intestinal bacterial communities in sucking lambs. Forty lambs of 7 d old, with an average body weight (BW) of 4.46 ± 0.45kg, were allocated into the control (CON) or SB group, with each group having five replicate pens (n = 5). Lambs were orally administered SB at 1.8mL/kg BW in the SB group or the same volume of saline in the CON group. Treatments were administered from 7 to 35 d of age, when one lamb from each replicate was slaughtered to obtain intestinal tissues and contents. The results showed that supplementation with SB tended to increase the BW (P = 0.079) and the starter intake (P = 0.089) of lambs at 35 d of age. The average daily gain of lambs in the SB group was significantly greater than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). The villus height of jejunum in the SB group was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CON group. In ileum, lambs in the SB group had lower (P < 0.05) crypt depth and greater (P < 0.05) villus-to-crypt ratio than those in the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin were increased (P < 0.05) in the SB group. Supplementation with SB decreased the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridia_UCG-014 (P = 0.094) and Romboutsia (P < 0.05), which were negatively associated with the intestinal barrier function genes (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum (P < 0.05) was higher in the SB group, and it was positively correlated with the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the function "Metabolism of Cofactors and Vitamins" was increased in the SB group lambs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, SB orally administration during suckling period could improve the small intestine development and growth performance of lambs by inhibiting the harmful bacteria (Clostridia_UCG-014, Romboutsia) colonization, and enhancing intestinal barrier functions.

Dietary incorporation of magnetic bentonite nanocomposite: impacts on in vitro fermentation pattern, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Baluchi male lambs.

Incorporation of bentonite into the diets of ruminants can be helpful to maximize their performance. Modifying the structure of bentonite to nano and nanocomposite has improved their chemical stability and physicochemical properties, enhancing adsorption, absorption, and cation exchange capacity. Aims: This study aimed to assess the effect of magnetic bentonite nanocomposite (MBNC) on in vivo and in vitro fermentation process patterns, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Baluchi male lambs. Effects of control (basal diet), natural bentonite (NB) (10 g/kg dry matter (DM)), processed bentonite (PB) (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet), and MBNC (5 and 10 g/kg DM basal diet) on gas production (GP), and the fermentation process were determined using in vitro GP technique. For the in vivo experiment, 20 Baluchi male lambs were used with 4 experimental treatments: control, NB (5 g/kg DM), PB (5 g/kg DM), and MBNC (5 g/kg DM) and 5 replications in a completely randomized design for 60 consecutive days. The potential for GP and its fractional rates were significantly decreased and increased in MBNC, respectively (P<0.01). The lowest cumulative GP, and CH4 yield were observed in MBNC (P<0.05). In vitro, DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility and all fermentation parameters increased with the addition of two levels of MBNC to the culture medium (P<0.01). Except for feed conversion ratio (FCR), other growth performance parameters increased with the addition of MBNC to the diet (P<0.01). The ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, and propionate significantly increased when MBNC incorporated to the diet (P<0.01). The NH3-N (P<0.001) was significantly decreased in MBNC. The bentonite supplementation decreased acetate to propionate (P=0.001) compared to the control. Adding MBNC at the 5 g/kg diet DM level can be used as a useful supplement to optimize rumen fermentation pattern, reduce methane production, and increase lamb performance.

Effect of cobalt supplementation on nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of mandya lambs

Effect of cobalt supplementation on nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of mandya lambs

Effect of Replacing Corn Grains with Citrus by-product in Concentrate Feed Blocks Form on the Performance and Feed Utilization of Lambs

Effect of Replacing Corn Grains with Citrus by-product in Concentrate Feed Blocks Form on the Performance and Feed Utilization of Lambs

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of ram lambs fed with concentrate mixture containing varying levels of rice dried distillers grains with soluble

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of ram lambs fed with concentrate mixture containing varying levels of rice dried distillers grains with soluble

Interaction between residual feed intake and thermal environment on performance, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior and carcass yield of dorper lambs

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a nutritional variable used in genetic improvement programs, the relationship between the environment and the availability of energy and protein in the diet has not yet been explored. Thus, the aim was to evaluate interactions between RFI and thermal environment on performance, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior and carcass yield of Dorper lambs receiving diets containing different concentrate levels. Dorper lambs (male, n = 64, 17.83 ± 2.43 kg and 110 ± 10 days of age) were confined individually for 40 days for RFI classification. Lambs were separated into positive RFI (n = 30) and negative RFI (n = 30) and remained confined for another 60 days. The animals were distributed in a randomized block design, with a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial scheme, with 2 confinement environments (full sun or shade), 2 groups of feed efficiency (RFI positive or RFI negative) and three diets containing different concentrate levels (30, 45 and 60%), with 5 replications in each treatment. Isolated effects of concentrate level were observed for dry matter intake and digestibility, feeding, rumination, idle and chewing times, feeding efficiency, ingested, excreted and absorbed nitrogen, and on cooling losses, hot and cold carcass yield (P < 0.05). There was an effect of environment × concentrate interaction on performance, retained nitrogen and nitrogen balance (P < 0.05). There was an effect of RFI × environment interaction on the dry matter rumination efficiency, hot and cold carcass weight (P < 0.05). Under experimental conditions, RFI did not influence the productive performance of Dorper lambs. Interactions between environment and diet indicate better performance for Dorper lamb confined in the shade and receiving a higher proportion of concentrate. Animals with negative RFI show better performance and carcass weight when confined in shade, while animals with positive RFI showed better responses to these variables when confined in full sun.

Effects of Introducing Different Levels of Groundnut Hay Treated with Urea and Molasses on Performance of Desert Lambs (Hammari Ecotype)

Non-traditional agricultural by-products are a potentially valuable alternative source of animal feed which may decrease dependence on traditional feed products and decrease overall feeding costs. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of using groundnut hay in lambs fattening. Groundnut hay was used at three levels (0, 20 and 30%) in three iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets (A, B and C). Twenty seven male lambs of Sudanese Desert sheep (Hamari ecotype) were selected according to their age (4-5months) and average live body weight (20.5Kg) and they were kept in Rural Development and Extension Center (R.D.E.C). The experimental feed includes three different levels of groundnut hay treated with urea and molasses (0, 20 and 30 %). Experimental animals were fed for 60 days included two weeks as adaptation periods. All the data was collected and statistically analyzed by using statistical package for Social Studies (SPSS version 17.0). an A Completely Randomized Design (CRD). One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncans multiple range were used to test for difference among the treatments means. The study showed a significant differences (P&gt;0.05) among different treatments for average values of final live body weight gain(FLBWG), total live body weight gain(TLBWG), daily live body weight gain(DLBWG), feed conversion rate(FCR), feed conversion rate as % of live body weight gain, cost of one kg feed and cost of one kg live weight per (SG). While initial live body weight (ILBW) and daily feed intake (DFI) showed no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) among different treatments. Treatment A (control) reported the highest and best values of final live body weight, daily weight gain, cost of one kg feed, and cost of one kg live weight followed by treatment B (%20) while treatment C (30%) reported the lowest values so, we recommend to use groundnut hay up to 20% for finishing desert lamb.

Consumo, desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros terminados em confinamento com resíduo úmido de cervejaria como volumoso

ABSTRACT: The present study evaluated the effect of increasing levels of wet brewery residue (WBR) as a source of roughage on nutrient intake, performance and ingestive behaviour in lambs finished in confinement. Thirty-two uncastrated male lambs were used, weaned at 50 days of age. The treatments comprised increasing levels of WBR as roughage in the diet: 31, 44, 57 and 70%, on a dry-matter. The concentrate consisted of disintegrated corn, soybean meal, calcitic limestone and mineral salt. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.05) from the increasing levels of WBR on the intake of DM, OM, CP and TCH. The intake of EE, NDF and ADF increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), while TDN intake showed a linear reduction (P &lt; .0001) for increases in the level of WBR. There was a quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.010) on the average daily weight gain (ADG) from the addition of WBR to the diet. The time spent on feeding and rumination (P ≤ 0.05), expressed in minutes, showed a linear increase. Feeding rate for DM showed decreasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.006), while NDF rumination rate showed increasing linear behaviour (P ≤ 0.013) due to the increased levels of WBR in the diet. There was a linear increase in the time spent on each feeding activity (P ≤ 0.007) with the increase in WBR in the diet. Maximum weight gain is achieved when 46.9% WBR is used as a source of roughage in the diet, and this level can be recommended for terminating lambs in confinement.

Growth Respons of Javanese Fat Tail Sheep (DEG) on Probiotic Supplementation in Diet with Different Nitrogen Source

The growth performance of ruminant animals depend mainly on the quantity and quality of the feed provided. In feedlot systems, the ruminant diet consists of roughages, which are in most cases preserved as native grass or hay, and concentrate feeds as Nitrogen sources. To meet their nutritional requirements and achieve the expected growth performance, these animals must be provided with adequately balanced diets. The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation in diet with different nitrogen sources on growth performance of Javanese Fat Tail Lambs. The study was conducted experimently using 48 male lambs 6-7 month of age and average body weight 18,7±2,6 kg. The probiotic tested was EM-4, a probiotic containing Lactobacillus sp, Streptomices sp. and Sacharomyces cerevisiae, with tested levels were: zero (R0, control), 0.5 ml (R1), 1.0 ml (R2), and 1.5 ml (R3) per head per day. Two types of diets were prepared, each composed of 70% native grass and 30% concentrate with different nitrogen source, both formulated to be isoprotein and isoenergy. The experimental lambs were divided into 8 groups of 6 lambs each group, each placed randomly in 48 similar individual cages. Experimental diets were given twice a day in equal portions at 08.30 in the morning and at 16.30 in the afternoon. The amount of remaining feed was measured every day at 06.00 am. Each lamb was weighed once a week for a 120-day experimental period. Data were analyzed using ANOVA according to Randomized Block Design, and further tested by the Least Significant Difference Test. The results showed that probiotic supplementation in diet had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on Dry Matter Intake (DMI), but could increase (P&lt;0.05) Daily Weight Gain (PBBH), Growth Rate (LP), and reduced the Feed Conversion Rate (FCR), both in the lambs fed diet with nitrogen source from Turi (Sesbania grandiflora) leaf meal (R1) and Tofu Dreg (R2). The DEG fed R1 showed a 7.7% higher PBBH than those of fed R2. The probiotic supplementation on R1 and R2 gave the optimum effect on PBBH and FCR at the supplementation level of 1.5 ml/head/day.

Integrated rumen microbiome and serum metabolome analysis responses to feed type that contribution to meat quality in lambs

BackgroundLifestyle factors, such as diet, are known to be a driver on the meat quality, rumen microbiome and serum metabolites. Rumen microbiome metabolites may be important for host health, the correlation between rumen microbiome and production of rumen metabolites are reported, while the impact of rumen microbiome on the serum metabolome and fatty acid of meat are still unclear. This study was designed to explore the rumen microbiome, serum metabolome and fatty acid of meat in response to the grass diet and concentrate diet to lambs, and the relationship of which also investigated.MethodsIn the present study, 12 lambs were randomly divided into two groups: a grass diet (G) and a concentrate diet (C). Here, multiple physicochemical analyses combined with 16S rRNA gene sequences and metabolome analysis was performed to reveal the changes that in response to feed types.ResultsThe concentrate diet could improve the growth performance of lambs compared to that fed with the grass diet. The microbiome composition was highly individual, compared to the concentrate group, the abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, F082_unclassified, Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, Bacteroidetes_unclassified, and Bacteroidales_UCG-001_unclassified were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the grass group, while, the abundance of Succinivibrio, Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-002, Fibrobacter and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the grass group. Serum metabolomics analysis combined with enrichment analysis revealed that serum metabolites were influenced by feed type as well as the metabolic pathway, and significantly affected serum metabolites involved in amino acids, peptides, and analogues, bile acids, alcohols and derivatives, linoleic acids derivatives, fatty acids and conjugates. Most of the amino acids, peptides, and analogues metabolites were positively associated with the fatty acid contents. Among the bile acids, alcohols and derivatives metabolites, glycocholic was positively associated with all fatty acid contents, except C18:0, while 25-Hydroxycholesterol and lithocholic acid metabolites were negatively associated with most of the fatty acid contents.ConclusionCorrelation analysis of the association of microbiome with metabolite features, metabolite features with fatty acid provides us with comprehensive understanding of the composition and function of microbial communities. Associations between utilization or production were widely identified among affected microbiome, metabolites and fatty acid, and these findings will contribute to the direction of future research in lamb.

The Effect of Different Levels of Wild Reeds (Saccharum spontaneum) with Concentrated Fodder on the Productive Performance of Local Iraqi Lambs

This experiment determined the best ratio of fortified and unsupported dried reed with urea in a concentrated feed mixture to maximize production and minimize cost. About 24 Iraqi lambs (17.27 ± 0.54) aged 3-4 months were used in this study, which lasted for 90 days in the farms of the Production Department of the College of Agriculture at the University of Tikrit from 9/19/2022 to 12/17/2022. Lambs were fed at 3% of body weight on diets of different content of wild reeds fortified and unfortified with urea mixed in the form of 8 mm pellets with concentrated fodder (black barley, wheat bran, yellow corn) and Which was divided into six treatments, the first three were without urea in the following ratios: 60 reeds:40 concentrate, 40 reeds: 60 concentrate and 50 reeds:50 concentrate. As for the second three treatments, they contained the same proportions as the first three treatments with 3% urea from the weight of roughage feed. There was a significant (p≤0.05) superiority in the average daily weight gain for the third and sixth treatments (147 and 143) gm/head/day, respectively. We conclude from the results of the experiment that providing a diet consisting of concentrated fodder and rough fodder from wild reeds in a ratio of 50:50 gives very good results in growth characteristics and feed conversion efficiency at a lower economic cost per kilogram produced.

Relationship of TRHDE Gene Polymorphism and Performance of Local Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted at the farm of animal production department / college of agricultural engineering sciences/ University of Baghdad, to detect the TRHDE gene polymorphism and its association with productive performance, daily gain, live weight gains and some characteristic of fat carcass on local Awassi lambs from 22/1/2022 to 2/4/2022. The experiment was conducted to study the effect of genetic polymorphism of the TRHDE gene on some nutritional traits in 40 Awassi lambs. There were three polymorphism appear in this variant (A>G SNP), which are AA, AG and GG, and their percentage was 70, 25, 5%, respectively. The results show that highly Significant (P≤0.01) with Polymorphism GG on total weight gain, While the wild genotype AA was superior to the genotype GG in feed conversion ratio and there no significant effect in carcass fat production. It can be concluded that the TRHDE gene polymorphism is related to the productive traits of Awassi lambs.

Effect of Replacing Rice Impurities Instead of Wheat Bran or Barley on Rumen Bacteria and Fermentation Characteristics of Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution three levels of rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran or barley grains on digestibility and productive performance of Awassi lambs. In the morning, concentrated feed was given individually at 3% of live body weight as a dry matter basis for 56 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. Roughage intake (wheat straw) was given ad-libitum (with residue) and recorded. Twenty-four male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial weight 24.66 ± 2.81kg divided into six treatments with replacing rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran (T1), T2, T3) or barley grains (T4, T5, T6) in a 2×3 factorial experiment/Completely Randomized Design. The results of rumen ammonia nitrogen showed no significant effect for replacing rice impurities instead of wheat bran and a decrease (P< 0.01) for barley replacement treatments at 0 time, while after 2 hours of feed, ammonia nitrogen increased for replacing rice impurities instead of barley grains (P<0.05), and after 4 hours of feeding, ammonia nitrogen decreased (P<0.01) for the replacing treatments with the superiority of barley grains replacement. The volatile fatty acids increased (P<0.05) for replacing 50% rice impurities instead of wheat bran (T2) at 0 time, while after 2 hours, increased (P<0.05) for all wheat bran replacing treatments compared to barley grains treatments (T5 and T6). After 4 hours, volatile fatty acids decreased (P<0.05) for all replacing treatments. Rumen fluid pH values showed an increase (P<0.05) for 100% relacing instead of wheat bran (T3) at 0 time, while increased after 2 hours of feeding for all substitution treatments, with no significance after 4h. Total count of rumen fluid bacteria showed an increase (P<0.05) in treatments of rice impurities replacing instead of wheat bran and barley at all times of measuring after feeding. In conclusion: It’s preferred to replace rice impurities instead of barley grain or wheat bran to achieve low-priced feed ingredients with a positive effect on rumen fermentation and bacterial count.

Effect of Crossing Different Breeds of Sheep on Productive Performance and Different Body Measurements

The study was conducted in one of the fields of Barakat Abi Al-Fadl Al-Abbas in Karbala Governorate Iraq for 365 days, from the first of June 2022 until the first of June of the year 2023. To determine effect of crossing different breeds of sheep on productive performance and different body measurements of lambs from weaning until the age of 6 months through some genetic and non-genetic factors (Sex of the lamb, Dam age at birth, Month of birth), 60 ewes of the Awassi and Karakul breed and their cross were used. And then, body measurements were recorded body length (BL), body height at the front (BHF), body height at the back (BHB), chest circumference (CC), and abdominal circumference (AC) for all strains, and the data were analysed statistically using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The results showed the following: The genetic group had a significant (P<0.05) effect on body measurements, as the ewes of the Awassi and Karakul breeds on crossbred flock breed ewes’ group in AC, and the averages were 77.52, 76.95, and 73.77 cm at weaning. While the Awassi and Karakul ewes’ group on crossbred flock ewes’ group in BL and AC, with an average of 56.42 and 85.70 cm at the age of 6 months. Females were superior to males in three characteristics represented by CC and AC (P<0.05) and a highly significant effect (P<0.01) in BHB, as their averages were 67.36, 77.48, and 58.00 cm, respectively, compared to males whose averages were 65.50 and 75. 00 and 56.64 cm, respectively. December births (55.25 cm) also outperformed November births (53.28 cm) in BL.

Effect of Replacing Rice Impurities Instead of Wheat Bran or Barley on Digestibility and Productive Performance of Awassi Lambs

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of substitution three levels of rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran or barley grains on digestibility and productive performance of Awassi lambs. In the morning, concentrated feed was given individually at 3% of live body weight as a dry matter basis for 56 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. Roughage intake (wheat straw) was given ad-libitum (with residue) and recorded. Twenty-four male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial weight 24.66 ± 2.81kg divided into six treatments with replacing rice impurities 0%, 50% and 100% instead of wheat bran (T1), T2, T3) or barley grains (T4, T5, T6) in a 2×3 factorial experiment/Completely Randomized Design. The results showed no significant differences in daily intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), soluble carbohydrates (NFE) and metabolizable energy (Me), and an increase (P < 0.05) in the intake of ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF) (P < 0.01) and ash in T6 (100% rice impurities instead of barley), while daily gain and total gain increased significantly (P<0.05) for treatment T3 (100% rice impurities instead of wheat bran) 198.21g/day and 11.1kg in contrasted to others. feed efficiency and digestibility didn’t differ when replacing rice impurities. In conclusion: It’s possible to use rice impurities instead of barley grain or wheat bran to achieve low-priced feed ingredients with a higher weight gain and sustainable development.

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).

Growth Performance of Ouled Djellal Male Lambs at Semi-Arid Region of Setif/Algeria

Herd sheep is the leading supplier of red meat in Algeria, which places fattening lambs the animal speculation of choice. Despite the extent of this practice and its importance in the national economy, few studies have been devoted to characterizing it. Precisely, the aim of the present work is to study the growth performance Ouled Djellal lambs male in the fattening phase at semi-arid region of Serif. A set of 43 weaned lambs aged 7 months and over are monitored and weighed regularly every ten days for two months. The animals are fed with a commercial concentrate, wheat straw and water ad-libitum. The results obtained on the male lambs growth remain acceptable. Thus, the initial average live weight is 33±1.48 kg and the final average live weight is 43±1.44 kg, which gives us an average daily gain (ADG) of 165±45 g/d. This reveals the growth potential of Ouled Djellal lambs and its preferred choice by breeders-fatteners. While remembering that the majority of lambs were grass-fed before fattening period. There is therefore poor exploitation growth potential of these lambs, food deficits and poor management breeding are probably the cause.

The effect of maternal organic manganese supplementation on performance, immunological status, blood biochemicaland antioxidant status of Afshari ewes and their newborn lambs in transition period.

It has been documented that adequate maternal manganese (Mn) status is vital for performance and health of ewes and their newborn lambs. However, required level and form of dietary Mn in ruminants are not well defined. The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maternal organic Mn supplementation on performance, immunological status, blood biochemicaland antioxidant status of Afshari ewes and their newborn lambs in transition period. For this purpose, various organic Mn concentrations were utilized as a supplementary ingredient in formulating the diets of ewes. The ewes were randomly allocated into three groups, fed with 0, and 80 mg/kg organic Mn supplemented diet. At the end of the experiment, the parameters including the performance of newborn lambs, as well as biochemical factors, immune statusand antioxidant status in ewes and their newborn lambs were evaluated. The results showed a significant increase in the plasma concentrations of Mn, glucose, insulin, thyroid hormones (T3 , T4 )and enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, GPX , CAT) in ewes and their newborn lambs that were treated with maternal organic Mn. Moreover, inorganic Mn treatments, the concentration of IgG in newborn lamb's plasma, and colostrum of ewes increased. According to this research, organic Mn acts as a valuable and safe supplementary material that could be exploited for enhancing health of ewes and their newborn lambs.