Thin-tailed Sheep Research Articles

The Association of IGFBP7 Gene Polymorphism on Lamb Meat Quality in Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

The Association of IGFBP7 Gene Polymorphism on Lamb Meat Quality in Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

Genome-wide scans for signatures of selection in North African sheep reveals differentially selected regions between fat- and thin-tailed breeds.

North Africa counts several sheep breeds that can be categorized as fat- and thin-tailed. The former are well adapted to dryland environments. In this study, we used 50K genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism profiles from 462 animals representing nine fat-tailed and 13 thin-tailed sheep breeds across North Africa to localize genomic regions putatively under differential selective pressures between the two types of breeds. We observed genetic clines from east to west and from north to south. The east-west cline separates the fat- and thin-tailed breeds, with the exception of the fat-tailed Algerian Barbarine, which is closely related to a genetically homogeneous cluster of Moroccan and Algerian thin-tailed breeds. Using a combination of three extended haplotype homozygosity tests, we detected seven candidate regions under divergent selection between fat- and thin-tailed sheep. The strongest selection signals reside on chromosomes 1 and 13, with the latter spanning the BMP2 gene, known to be associated with the fat-tail phenotype. Overall, the candidate regions under selection in fat-tailed sheep overlap with genes associated with adaptation to desert-like environments including adipogenesis, as well as heat and drought tolerance. Our results confirm previously reported candidate genes known to be a target of fat-tail selection in sheep but also reveal novel candidate genes specifically under selection in North African populations.

History and genetic diversity of African sheep: Contrasting phenotypic and genomic diversity.

Domesticated sheep have adapted to contrasting and extreme environments and continue to play important roles in local community-based economies throughout Africa. Here we review the Neolithic migrations of thin-tailed sheep and the later introductions of fat-tailed sheep into eastern Africa. According to contemporary pictorial evidence, the latter occurred in Egypt not before the Ptolemaic period (305-25 BCE). We further describe the more recent history of sheep in Egypt, the Maghreb, west and central Africa, central-east Africa, and southern Africa. We also present a comprehensive molecular survey based on the analysis of 50 K SNP genotypes for 59 African breeds contributed by several laboratories. We propose that gene flow and import of fat-tailed sheep have partially overwritten the diversity profile created by the initial migration. We found a genetic contrast between sheep north and south of the Sahara and a west-east contrast of thin- and fat-tailed sheep. There is no close relationship between African and central and east Asian fat-tailed breeds, whereas we observe within Africa only a modest effect of tail types on breed relationships.

Effect of Using Fermented Carrot Leaves in Rations on Organic Matter Consumption, Crude Protein, and Crude Fiber in Thin-Tailed Sheep

Agricultural waste in the form of carrot leaves (Daucus carota L) has potential as a source of feed for thin-tailed sheep. Fermented processing of carrot leaves aims to increase feed efficiency, make it last longer and can be used within a certain time. This research aims to add information and references for readers regarding the effect of using fermented carrot leaves (Daucus carota L) in rations on the consumption of organic matter (BO), crude protein (PK), and crude fiber (SK) in thin-tailed sheep. This research was carried out for fifty-six days from December 2022 to January 2023 at Kandang Waris Mendho Farm and at the Integrated Laboratory of Tidar University. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments and 5 replications, P1: 60% concentrate + 40% pakchong forage, P2: 60% concentrate + 10% fermented carrot leaves + 30% pakchong forage, P3: 60% concentrate % + fermented carrot leaves 20% + pakchong forage 20%, P4: concentrate 60% + fermented carrot leaves 30% + pakchong forage 10%, P5: concentrate 60% + fermented carrot leaves 40%. The research results showed that fermented carrot leaves had no effect on (P>0.05) BO consumption and PK consumption, but had a significant effect on (P<0.05) SK consumption. The highest SK consumption was in P1 with a consumption value of 102.44 ± 7.74 g. It can be concluded that fermented carrot leaves do not interfere with PK and SK consumption levels.

Back Fat Thickness, Body Condition Score and Rib Eye Muscle Area of Young Sheep Fed with Carica Dieng Seeds Based on Ultrasonography

A study to compare the back fat thickness, rib eye muscle area, and body condition score (BCS) of young thin-tailed lambs fed various levels of carica Dieng seeds in rations. Eighteen male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial body weight of 10.68 ± 1.30 kg were applied three feeding treatments (T) following a completely randomized design, T1 = complete feed containing 5% carica seeds, T2 = complete feed containing 12.5% carica seeds, and T3 = complete feed containing 20% carica seeds, with six replications each. At the end of 14 weeks of feeding treatment, back fat thickness and rib eye muscle area were measured using the Digital Veterinary Ultrasound Imaging System CTS-800. Yield grade value was determined using back fat thickness data, while the BCS assessment was carried out visually. The results showed that various levels of carica seeds addition to complete feed did not produce significant differences (P>0.05) in all variables measured. Back fat thickness, BCS, and rib eye muscle area in young thin-tailed sheep were 1.46 mm, 3.06, and 15.52 cm2, respectively. It might be concluded that supplementation of carica Dieng seeds up to 20% in the complete feed can still be utilized by young thin-tailed sheep.

RNA-Seq based selection signature analysis for identifying genomic footprints associated with the fat-tail phenotype in sheep.

Understanding the genetic background behind fat-tail development in sheep can be useful to develop breeding programs for genetic improvement, while the genetic basis of fat-tail formation is still not well understood. Here, to identify genomic regions influencing fat-tail size in sheep, a comprehensive selection signature identification analysis was performed through comparison of fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Furthermore, to gain the first insights into the potential use of RNA-Seq for selection signature identification analysis, SNP calling was performed using RNA-Seq datasets. In total, 45 RNA-Seq samples from seven cohort studies were analyzed, and the FST method was used to detect selection signatures. Our findings indicated that RNA-Seq could be of potential utility for selection signature identification analysis. In total, 877 SNPs related to 103 genes were found to be under selection in 92 genomic regions. Functional annotation analysis reinforced the hypothesis that genes involved in fatty acid oxidation May modulate fat accumulation in the tail of sheep and highlighted the potential regulatory role of angiogenesis process in the fat deposition. In agreement with most previous studies, our results re-emphasize that the BMP2 gene is targeted by selection during sheep evolution. Further gene annotation analysis of the regions targeted by the sheep evolution process revealed that a large number of genes included in these regions are directly associated with fat metabolism, including those previously reported as candidates involved in sheep fat-tail morphology, such as NID2, IKBKG, RGMA, IGFBP7, UBR5, VEGFD and WLS. Moreover, a number of genes, including BDH2, ECHS1, AUH, ERBIN and CYP4V2 were of particular interest because they are well-known fat metabolism-associated genes and are considered novel candidates involved in fat-tail size. Consistent with the selection signature identification analysis, principal component analysis clustered the samples into two completely separate groups according to fat- and thin-tailed breeds. Our results provide novel insights into the genomic basis of phenotypic diversity related to the fat-tail of sheep breeds and can be used to determine directions for improving breeding strategies in the future.

Performance of Thin-Tailed Sheep Fed Cassava Peel Silage-Based Diet with Different Protein Supplements

Performance of Thin-Tailed Sheep Fed Cassava Peel Silage-Based Diet with Different Protein Supplements

Association of INHA Gene Polymorphisms with Litter Size Trait in Indonesian Thin-Tailed Sheep

Association of INHA Gene Polymorphisms with Litter Size Trait in Indonesian Thin-Tailed Sheep

Analyzing the expression of the transcriptome in adipose tissue of fat- and thin-tailed sheep

Significant efforts have been made to understand how fat deposition in sheep tail is regulated in genetic, transcriptomic, physiologic, biochemical, and metabolic levels in order to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the energy storage, lipid metabolism in adipose tissue, adaptability to harsh environments, and evolutionary domestication. Through RNA-seq data analysis, we are able to compare the gene expression of fat-tailed sheep versus thin-tailed sheep breeds in an acceptable resolution at transcriptome level. The purpose of this study was to compare the transcriptomes of Ghezel (fat-tailed) and Zel (thin-tailed) sheep. Total RNA from subcutaneous and tail tissue samples from healthy lambs was sequenced (150b PE) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two mentioned tissues and between the Ghezel and Zel sheep breeds. Further downstream pathway and network analyses were conducted afterwards. The results uncovered the association of the most important DEGs such as CAV1, ALB, and SOCS3 with cellular signaling pathways of lipids metabolism. It seems that the SOCS3 gene plays an important role in the differential deposition of lipid in the tails of two phenotypically different sheep breeds. Although the detail of gene expression in the tail and subcutaneous tissues of two morphologically different breeds was decoded here, to fully understand how differential expression of the SOCS3 gene affects the fat synthesis, further studies are needed.

Effect of ammoniated rice straw with urine and urea on the amount of digested crude protein, methane gas production and VFA profile of fat tail sheep

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Objective:</strong> This research aimed to find out the VFAs profile and methane gas production in fat-tailed sheep that fed rice straw ammoniated with commercial urea (T1), and rice straw ammoniated with urine (T2). Eight thin-tailed sheep aged 1.5 with an average body weight of 20 kg were used in this study. All the object studies were placed in individual metabolism cages. The feed concentrate used in this study was 2.3 % from the body weight of livestock, rice straw was ammoniated and water was given ad libitum, and feed was given twice a day at 7.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Concentrate were given first, then 1 hour later the ammoniated rice straw was given. The drinking water was provided ad libitum.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This research was conducted in three stages, 1) total collection, 2) measure methane gas production, and 3) rumen fluid collection. A completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 4 replications was used in this study. After all data was collected, then it was analyzed using the Independent T-test using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The results show no significance (P > 0.05) on rice straw ammoniated with commercial urea (T1), and rice straw ammoniated with urine (T2) for methane gas production (1,328.68±349.56 vs 1,463.95±215.41), VFA Total (40.74±13.09 vs 34.79±6.34), NH<sub>3</sub> production (9.17±3.67 vs 8.78±2.94). It indicates that ammoniated using commercial urea or urine does not interrupt rumen fermentation.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> It could be concluded that crude protein digestible, methane gas production, and VFAs profile especially the fermentation conditions in the rumen are not affected by ammoniation from commercial urea or urine.</p>

In vivo study: The effects of Carica pubescens seed extract on the anthelmintic activity, feed digestibility, performance, and clinical parameters of thin-tailed sheep

This research serves to follow up on the results of an in vivo study of the administration of aqueous seed extract (ASE) of Carica pubescens waste on the performance and health parameters of thin-tailed sheep. This research was conducted at Al Baihaqi farm in Kediri, East Java. Thirty-two thin-tailed sheep aged 12 months were randomly given four treatments with P0 = negative control, P1 = 2.5% ASE, P2 = 5% ASE, and P4 = positive control (Albendazole). This study used sheep that were naturally exposed to Haemonchus contortus (from the farmer’s field) with the epg qualification being above 1000. The in vivo study was carried out for 9 weeks with the administration of Carica seed extract on the initial 7 days in a row, and the positive control was given Albendazole once on the seventh day. The number of ASE grants was based on the average fluid in the abomasum per kg of body weight. The feed design used in this study was wheat bran and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott according to the livestock’s needs. The data taken in this study were the feed consumption, digestibility, average daily gain, percent fecal egg count reduction, body condition score, and clinical parameters. The results showed that the FECR, ADG, and clinical parameters (AST and ALT) (P>0.05) underwent significant changes to support good performance while the BUN, creatinine, feed consumption, and digestibility were normal. This study indicates that ASE of up to 5% can be used as an anthelmintic alternative and support the recovery of sheep performance.

Quantitative characteristics and growth hormone gene diversity of thin-tailed sheep in Sitinjau Laut, Kerinci Regency

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Objective:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> This study aims to evaluate the </span><span lang="IN">quantitative characteristics and growth </span><span lang="EN-US">h</span><span lang="IN">ormone gene</span><span lang="EN-US"> diversity of thin-tailed sheep</span><span lang="IN"> in Sitinjau Laut</span><span lang="EN-US">,</span><span lang="IN"> Kerinci Regency</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> The research method used 60 thin-tailed sheep and 60 samples of thin-tailed sheep's blood. The phenotypes observed included: body weight, weight gain, body measurements, and thin-tailed sheep blood samples. The GH gene was identified using the PCR-RFLP method with the Msp1 restriction enzyme. Data analysis included t-test, t<sup>2</sup>-hotelling, principal component analysis, and allele genotype frequencies.</span></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> The results showed that body weight, body weight gain, and sizes of male thin-tailed sheep were significantly different (P<0.05) higher than females. The analysis results on the GH|Msp1 gene locus of thin-tailed sheep were monomorphic with one type of allele, namely ++. </span></p><p><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> The average body weight, weight gain, and body measurements of male thin-tail sheep were higher than that of females. The body size characteristic of male and female thin-tailed sheep is the chest circumference, while the body shape characteristic of male and female thin-tailed sheep is the chest depth. The fragmentation of the GH|Msp1 gene in thin-tailed sheep is monomorphic.</span></p>

Deciphering the role of alternative splicing as a potential regulator in fat-tail development of sheep: a comprehensive RNA-seq based study

Although research on alternative splicing (AS) has been widely conducted in mammals, no study has investigated the splicing profiles of genes involved in fat-tail formation in sheep. Here, for the first time, a comprehensive study was designed to investigate the profile of AS events and their involvement in fat-tail development of sheep. In total, 45 RNA-Seq samples related to seven different studies, which have compared the fat-tailed vs thin-tailed sheep breeds, were analyzed. Two independent tools, rMATS and Whippet, along with a set of stringent filters were applied to identify differential AS (DAS) events between the breeds per each study. Only DAS events that were detected by both tools as well as in at least three datasets with the same ΔPSI trend (percent spliced in), were considered as the final high-confidence set of DAS genes. Final results revealed 130 DAS skipped exon events (69 negative and 61 positive ΔPSI) belonged to 124 genes. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the importance of the genes in the underlying molecular mechanisms of fat metabolism. Moreover, protein–protein interaction network analysis revealed that DAS genes are significantly connected. Of DAS genes, five transcription factors were found that were enriched in the biological process associated with lipid metabolism like “Fat Cell Differentiation”. Further investigations of the findings along with a comprehensive literature review provided a reliable list of candidate genes that may potentially contribute to fat-tail formation including HSD11B1, SIRT2, STRN3 and TCF7L2. Based on the results, it can be stated that the AS patterns may have evolved, during the evolution of sheep breeds, as another layer of regulation to contribute to biological complexity by reprogramming the gene regulatory networks. This study provided the theoretical basis of the molecular mechanisms behind the sheep fat-tail development in terms of AS.

Production and carcass quality of thin-tailed sheep fed diets containing protected and unprotected soybean groats

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding protected and unprotected soybean groats with different ratios on production and carcass quality of male thin-tailed sheep (TTS). The TTS were fattened for 3 months with an average initial weight of 24.09 ± 1.26 kg. Treatments consist of P1=protected and unprotected soybean groats 10%:5%, P2=protected and unprotected soybean groats 7.5%:7.5% and P3=protected and unprotected soybean groats 5%:10%. Data were analysed using a completely randomized design with three treatments and three replications. The variables observed in this study were the slaughter weight, percentage (carcass, non-carcass, meat, fat), fleshing index, rib eye muscle (longissimus dorsi) area, and meat bone ratio. This study displayed significant improvement from treatment using 10% protected + 5% unprotected soybean groats (P1), having the highest meat and fat percentage, as well as meat bone ratio. Inclusion of protected soybean groats in the diet up to 10% level had limited effect (P>0.05) on slaughter weight, carcass percentage, non-carcass percentage, fleshing index, and rib eye muscle area. This study suggests the combination of soybean groats in the diet in the form of protected:unprotected (10%:5%) provide significant improvement on carcass characteristics, while maintaining quality of carcass in the thin-tailed sheep. Further study on meat quality attributes from these supplementations requires deeper exploration.

Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristic of Thin and Fat Tailed Sheep

This study aims to determine the Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristic of Thin and Fat Tail Sheep. The study starts from August 2023 until December 2023 in PT Juara Agroniaga Sejahtera, Jepangrejo Village, Blora City District, Blora Regency. The material used in this study was 39 Thin-tailed Sheep and 28 Fat-tailed Sheep aged 1-2 years. The variables measured where Quantitative data were body height (BH), body length (BL), chest circumference (CC), body weight (BW), and Qualitative data were fur color and horn. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation, and regression method. The results of this study showed that the correlation between body height (BH), body length (BL), chest circumference (CC) with body weight (BW) in DET and DEG were 0.62, 0.71, 0.72, 0.27, 0.69, 0.65 respectively. The results of this study showed that the regression between body height (BH), body length (BL), chest circumference (CC) with body weight (BW) in DET and DEG were BW = -14.03 + 0.71 BH; BW = -15.45 + 0.74 BL; BW = -21.95 + 0.65 CC and BW = 8.69 + 0.33 BH; BW = -6.76 ± 0.59 BL; BW = -19.43 ± 0.65 CC respectively. The results of this study showed that the dominant wool color pattern of DET is single white, 74.36% white, 15.38% black, and 5.13% brown and DEG is single white, 67.86% white, 14.29% black, and 7.14% brown. DET was 2.56% with horn then 97.44% without horn and DEG is 100% without horn.

Fat-tail allele-specific expression genes may affect fat deposition in tail of sheep.

Different sheep breeds show distinct phenotypic plasticity in fat deposition in the tails. The genetic background underlying fat deposition in the tail of sheep is complex, multifactorial, and may involve allele-specific expression (ASE) mechanism to modulate allelic expression. ASE is a common phenomenon in mammals and refers to allelic imbalanced expression modified by cis-regulatory genetic variants that can be observed at heterozygous loci. Therefore, regulatory processes behind the fat-tail formation in sheep may be to some extent explained by cis- regulatory variants, through ASE mechanism, which was investigated in the present study. An RNA-Seq-based variant calling was applied to perform genome-wide survey of ASE genes using 45 samples from seven independent studies comparing the transcriptome of fat-tail tissue between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Using a rigorous computational pipeline, 115 differential ASE genes were identified, which were narrowed down to four genes (LPL, SOD3, TCP1 and LRPAP1) for being detected in at least two studies. Functional analysis revealed that the ASE genes were mainly involved in fat metabolism. Of these, LPL was of greater importance, as 1) observed in five studies, 2) reported as ASE gene in the previous studies and 3) with a known role in fat deposition. Our findings implied that complex physiological traits, like fat-tail formation, can be better explained by considering various genetic mechanisms, which can be more finely mapped through ASE analyses. The insights gained in this study indicate that biallelic expression may not be a common mechanism in sheep fat-tail development. Hence, allelic imbalance of the fat deposition-related genes can be considered a novel layer of information for future research on genetic improvement and increased efficiency in sheep breeding programs.

Growth and Body Conditions Score of Thin-Tailed Sheep Supplemented with Citrus Peel Powder

The research aims to examine the effect of citrus peel powder supplementation in feed on dry matter intake (DMI) and organic matter intake (OMI), dry matter (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD), average daily gain (ADG) and body condition score (BCS) in sheep. The material used was 21 male thin-tailed sheep. The feed was 4% dry matter (DM) of body weight. The treatment consisted of 70% dried kale (Ipomoea spp), 30% concentrate, citrus peel powder 2.25% DM of basal feed, and citrus peel powder 4.5% of basal feed. The research design used was CRD with 3 treatments; each treatment was repeated 7 times. The treatment composition consisted of R0: dry kale 70% + 30% concentrate, R1: R0 Feed + citrus peel powder 2.25% basal feed, R2: R0 Feed + citrus peel powder 4.5% DM of basal feed. The results of this study showed a significant effect on DMI and OMI. The average DMI was R0 = 0.96 ± 0.07 kg/head/day, R1 = 1.05±0.08 kg/head/day, and R2 = 1.07±0.06 kg/head/ day. The average OMI obtained was R0 = 0.82 ± 0.06 kg/head/day, R1 = 1.90 ± 0.07 kg/head/day, R2 = 0.92±0.05 kg/head/ day. The average DMD obtained in treatments was R0 = 47.36±6%, R1 = 50.91±3%, and R2 = 62.32±6%. The results showed that supplementation with citrus peel powder had a very significant effect (P < 0.01) on ADG, namely R0 (89.65 ± 7.67 g), R1 (117.37 ± 10.25 g), and R2 (95.59 ± 8.05 g ), and had no significant effect P > 0.01 on BCS, namely the final BCS value at R0 (2.93 ± 0.19), R1 (2.93 ± 0.40) and R2 (2.82 ± 0.45). This research concludes that supplementing citrus peel powder at a 2.25% DM of basal feed significantly increases ADG, although it has not impacted the increasing BCS.

Comprehensive Gene Expression Profiling Analysis of Adipose Tissue in Male Individuals from Fat- and Thin-Tailed Sheep Breeds.

It has been shown that tail fat content varies significantly among sheep breeds and plays a significant role in meat quality. Recently, significant efforts have been made to understand the physiological, biochemical, and genomic regulation of fat deposition in sheep tails in order to unravel the mechanisms underlying energy storage and adipose tissue lipid metabolism. RNA-seq has enabled us to provide a high-resolution snapshot of differential gene expression between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Therefore, three RNA-seq datasets were meta-analyzed for the current work to elucidate the transcriptome profile differences between them. Specifically, we identified hub genes, performed gene ontology (GO) analysis, carried out enrichment analyses of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and validated hub genes using machine learning algorithms. This approach revealed a total of 136 meta-genes, 39 of which were not significant in any of the individual studies, indicating the higher statistical power of the meta-analysis. Furthermore, the results derived from the use of machine learning revealed POSTN, K35, SETD4, USP29, ANKRD37, RTN2, PRG4, and LRRC4C as substantial genes that were assigned a higher weight (0.7) than other meta-genes. Among the decision tree models, the Random Forest ones surpassed the others in adipose tissue predictive power fat deposition in fat- and thin-tailed breeds (accuracy > 0.85%). In this regard, combining meta-analyses and machine learning approaches allowed for the identification of three important genes (POSTN, K35, SETD4) related to lipid metabolism, and our findings could help animal breeding strategies optimize fat-tailed breeds' tail sizes.

Effects of diets differing in the concentrate-to-roughage ratio on meat quality and fatty acids composition in abomasal digesta and meat from thin-tail and fat-tail Brazilian ovine breeds

Fat-tail ovine breeds are known proposed to have distinctive lipid metabolism compared with thin-tail breeds. This hypothesis was investigated evaluating the effects of two types of diets (high vs low concentrate diet - HC vs LC) fed to two sheep breeds (fat-tail or thin-tail sheep) on fatty acid (FA) composition of abomasal digesta and meat quality. Forty lambs (20 fat-tail lambs and 20 thin-tail lambs) distributed in a randomized complete block design and fed two diets with different roughage: concentrate proportion. Breed slightly modified the FA profile of abomasal digesta and meat, but the 18:3 n-3 rumen biohydrogenation was increased in fat-tail lambs, resulting in a reduction of 18:3 n-3 meat proportion of fat-tail lambs fed HC diet and increased it in meat from thin tail lambs fed LC diet. The HC diet increased dry matter intake, and consequently FA intake, changing extensively the FA abomasal content and profile and increased the fat and protein content in meat. However, breed did not affect the meat fat content and BCFA, as proposed, but the fat-tail lambs decreased n-3 PUFA content and increased n-6 PUFA and t10–18:1 content (mg/100 g fresh meat), reducing the nutritional value of meat.

Multinutrient Block Biological Test with the Addition of Green Betel Leaf Juice on Consumption, Digestibility, and Retention of N for Thin-tailed Sheep

Multinutrient block (MNB) is a supplement with a fairly high water content and included Intermediate Moisture. Thus, it needs to be added such preservatives ingredients, among others, green betel leaf. This also has antiprotozoal characters, so this green betel leaf has an impact on the fermentation process in the rumen. The purpose of this study is to examine the biological quality of MNB added green betel leaf in thin-tailed sheep in terms of consumption, feed digestibility, and nitrogen retention. This study used a randomized design group consisting of 3 treatments and 6 replications. The material used was MNB consisting of 50% molasses, 30% fermented rice straw, 6% clam shell flour, 3% salt, 4% urea, and 7% bentonite. This research involved 18 Thin-tailed Sheep with the weight of 11.94 ± 2,14. The addition of green betel leaf on MNB as much as 0% on T0, 3% on T1 and 6% on T2. Feeding process included commercial concentrate 65%, napier grass 25%, and MNB 10%. Each treatment was implemented on the 6 sheep as the test. The results revealed that the addition of green betel leaf juice in MNB had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the consumption of dry matter, consumption of agrie matter feed digestibility and N retention. Moreover, the provision of green betel leaf juice by 6% in MNB did not result in the consumption, digestibility, and the retention of N value in thin-tailed sheep. This research was conducted and obtained permission from the Faculty of Animal and Agriculture, Diponegoro University Semarang.