Influence of majorana hortonsimas by-product as feed supplementation on ewes milk production and the growth performance and them off spring [electronic resource].

Includes references.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Majorena Hortonsimas by¬product (MHBP) as feed supplementation on digestibility, milk yield and their offspring performance. Fifteen ewes before lambing averaged 45.3 kg live body weight (LB W) and aged 3-4 years were divided randomly into three similar groups. The first ration (Rl) consisted of concentrate feed mixture (CFM) (2% of live body weight) and been straw without feed supplementation as control group whereas the second and third groups received the control ration with 50 or 100 gm /head/daily of Majorena Hortonsimas by-product (MHBP) as feed supplementation as group R2 and R3 groups, respectively. Results showed that significant (p<005) improvement in digestibility coefficients of OM; CP; CF; NFE and nutritive values as TDN and DCP for supplementation groups compared with control group. Group R3, showed the highest value for the digestion coefficients and mutritive value. Meanwhile there were no significant differences between R2 and R3 groups. Milk production was estimated by measuring the production of one day once a week for each ewe. Lambs were weighed at birth and afterwards every two weeks until weaning. The results showed that milk production was higher (P<0.05) for R2 and R3 groups. Also results showed that milk production was higher (P<O. 05) for R3 group as compare with R2 group during the first 8 weeks. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences between tested groups concerning birth weight. On the meantime the average body weight at the weaning was higher {P<0.05) for R3 as compare with control group. Also, the average daily gain for lambs from birth up to weaning for R3 group was higher (P<0.05) as compared with Rl group. In conclusion, Majorena Hortonsimas by¬ product (MHBP) supplementation to ewes rations could be recommended for lactating ewes rations which can improve ewes to enhance milk production and lambs growth.

Summary in Arabic.

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