Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and carcass characteristics by lambs fed an oregano and cobalt blend.
Animal
; 15(10): 100365, 2021 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34543994
ABSTRACT
Shifting ruminal fermentation via feeding a blend of oregano (Organum vulgare L.) essential oils and Co-lactate (EOC; Rum-A-Fresh, Ralco, Inc. Marshall, MN) could improve lamb growth and carcass performance. Eighteen Suffolk × Little Han Tail F1 male lambs (20.3 ± 0.23 kg BW and approximately 3 months old) were randomly assigned using a completely random design to one of three treatments. Treatments were (1) EOC0 basal ration without EOC, (2) EOC4 basal ration plus 4 g/d EOC, and (3) EOC7 basal ration plus 7 g/d EOC. Initial and 24 d BW was similar (P > 0.10), but at 48 and 72 d, lambs fed EOC7 demonstrated greater (P = 0.01) BW compared with EOC0 fed lambs, while lambs fed EOC4 were intermediate and similar (P > 0.05). Average daily gains (ADGs) for 0-24 and 0-72 d were greater (P < 0.05) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0, while DM intake was similar (P > 0.10). Feed conversions for 0-24 d were improved (P < 0.02) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. However, 0-72-d feed conversions were greater (P < 0.01) for lambs fed EOC7 compared to lambs fed EOC0, with lambs fed EOC4 being intermediate and similar (P > 0.05). DM, NDF, and ADF digestibilities were similar (P > 0.10) among treatments, while CP digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. Carcass weight and dressing percentages were improved (P < 0.01) for lambs fed EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0 and EOC4. Head width was greater (P > 0.01) for lambs fed EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0 and EOC4, while rump width was greater (P > 0.01) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. Plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0, while albumin, total serum protein, and glucose concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for lambs fed EOC4 and EOC7 compared with lambs fed EOC0. Feeding an EOC blend as an alternative antibiotic growth promoter at 4 and 7 g/d linearly improved lamb growth performance, feed conversions, frame growth, carcass weights, dressing percentages, and immunity.
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Texto completo:
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Origanum
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Animal
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article