Effect of orange pulp with or without zeolite on productive performance, nitrogen utilization, and antioxidative status of growing rabbits.

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of dried orange pulp inclusion (OP diet), natural zeolite addition (Z diet), or both (OPZ diet) compared to control (CON diet) on digestibility, growth performance, nitrogen utilization, blood biochemical, antioxidative status, and cecum microbiota of growing rabbits. Seventy-two V-line male rabbits (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 balanced experimental groups. Results showed that administration of dried orange pulp or zeolite especially the OPZ diet significantly improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive values. Rabbits fed the experimental diets (OP, Z, or OPZ) recorded significantly higher values of average daily gain, N-retention, and N-balance compared with those fed the CON diet. Data on blood biochemical, showed non-significant differences in globulin concentrations, and significant decreases in levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), triglycerides, and MDA (malondialdehyde) as an antioxidant biomarker with OP, Z, or OPZ diets. Moreover, the incorporation of orange pulp or zeolite in diets significantly decreased the cecal count of E. coli, with no significant difference in total bacterial count among the experimental groups. It could be concluded that a combination between dried orange pulp and natural zeolite in the diet can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant and health status of rabbits.

Nutrient utilization, growth performance, and antioxidative status of Barki lambs fed diets supplemented with black (Nigella sativa) and rocket (Eruca sativa) seeds.

The current study aimed to determine the polyphenol compounds in Nigella sativa (NS) and Eruca sativa (ES) seeds, and evaluate the impact of their addition either as a sole additive or in combination on the growth performance, digestibility, some rumen and blood parameters and antioxidative status of Barki lambs. Forty-eight male lambs (27.18 ± 0.22 kg, 5-6 months), were divided into 4 balanced groups. The experimental diets were randomly distributed to the control group (CON); fed alfalfa hay plus concentrate feed mixture at a ratio of 30:70% without additives, while, NSD, ESD, and NESD groups: fed CON diet plus 2% NS, 2% ES or 1% NS + 1% ES, respectively as a ratio from total mixed ration (TMR). Results indicated that rutin and catechin were the most phenolic compounds observed either in NS or ES seeds. The NS and ES-supplemented groups recorded the highest (P < 0.05) values for dry matter digestibility, nutritive values, average daily gain, and the best feed conversion ratio. However, growth performance, nutritive value, and all nutrient digestibility except for dry matter were not significantly altered with the NESD group. Concentrations of ruminal NH3-N and TVFA were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced with the NESD group, with no significant differences in pH values among different groups. Values of blood parameters showed significant increases in WBCs, PCV, and T-AOC, and decreases in cholesterol, triglycerides, and MDA with the addition of NS and ES seeds or both. Therefore, the addition of NS and ES seeds is recommended to improve lambs' health and antioxidant status.

Impact of natural betaine supplementation on rumen fermentation and productive performance of lactating Damascus goats.

Two natural betaine sources; dehydrated condensed molasses fermentation solubles (Bet1) and Betafin®, a commercial anhydrous betaine extracted from sugar beet molasses and vinasses (Bet2); were used to investigate their impact on rumen fermentation parameters and lactation performance of lactating goats. Thirty-three lactating Damascus goats, with an average weight of 37 ± 0.7 kg and their age ranged from 22 to 30 months (2nd and 3rd lactation season), were divided into three groups, each group contained 11 animals. The control group (CON) was fed ration without betaine. While the other experimental groups were fed a control ration supplemented either with Bet1 or Bet2 to provide a 4 g betaine/kg diet. Results confirmed that betaine supplementation improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive value, and increased milk production and milk fat contents with both Bet1 and Bet2. Significant increases in concentration of ruminal acetate were observed in betaine-supplemented groups. Goats fed dietary betaine non-significantly recorded higher concentrations of short and medium-chain fatty acids (C4:0 to C12:0), and significant lower concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0 in milk. Also, both Bet1 and Bet2 non-significantly decreased the blood concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, it could be concluded that betaine can improve the lactation performance of lactating goats and produce healthy milk with beneficial characteristics.