Effect of supplementing som medicinal herbs and plants on the performance of lactating goats [electronic resource]: 1- productive and reproductive performance.

Includes reference.

This study aimed to evaluate supplementation effects of four types of medicinal herbs on productive and reproductive performance of Zaraibi goat does. Thirty fife pregnant does (38.2±O.58 kg LBW, 3 years old) during the last two months of pregnancy were allocated to fife treatment groups (7 in each). All groups were fed similar basal diet consisted of concentrate feed mixture (CFM), berseem hay and rice straw. Does in the 1st group was fed on basal diet without supplementation (control), while CFM in diets of the 2nd , 3rd , 4th , and 5th group was supplemented with 100 mg/kg LBW, of ginger powder (GIN), curcumin or turmeric powder (TUR), oregano leaves crushed (ORE)' or crushed Nigella sativa seeds (NSS). Live body weight of dams were recorded dUring pre- and post-partum, milk yield and composition were recorded during suckling period. Postpartum 1st oestrus was detected; litter size and Viability of kids were calculated at birth and weaning. Blood components of does were estimated at weaning. Results showed insignificant differences in LBW of dams during pre-partum period. LBW of does increased (P<0.05) in all treated groups as compared to control, being higher (P<0.05) in ORE, TUR and NSS than in GIN group, respectively. Similar trend was found after kidding, but the difference in LBW of does between GIN and control group was not significant. Total litter weight at birth/doe was higher (P<0.05) only for TUR and NSS as compared to control.

Summary in Arabic.

1