The role of olive leaves and saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation in enhancing the performance and economic feasibility of fattening lambs.

Objectives were to assess the use of olive leaves (OL) to replace wheat straw, the forage source, and the supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on nutritional intake, growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass quality in lambs. A total of twenty-one newly weaned Awassi lambs, weighing an average of 19 ± 0.6 kg, were randomly distributed to three groups. These three diets were: CON: 0% OL control diet; OL diet of 25%; and OL plus 0.4 g SC/head/d (OLSC) diet of 25% of dietary dry matter (DM). The first seven days were devoted to adaptation and the next sixty days were devoted to gathering data. Daily records of nutrient intake were made. On the 49th day of data collection, four animals were randomly selected from each group and kept in individual metabolism cages (1.0 × 0.8 m) with slatted mash for eight days (four days for data collection and four days for cage adaptation) to evaluate N balance and nutrient digestibility. All lambs were slaughtered after the study to assess the quality of the meat and the carcass features. No difference in DM consumption (P > 0.05) between the treatment groups. When OL-containing diets were compared to the CON diet, the consumption of acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was lower (P ≤ 0.0002), whereas metabolizable energy and ether extract were higher (P < 0.0001). While the OL diet was intermediate, the final BW, total gain, and average daily gain for the OLSC diet tended to be higher (P < 0.087) than the CON diet. Lambs fed the OL-containing diets had a lower (P = 0.0020) cost of growth ($US/kg) than lambs in the CON group. All other nutrient digestibilities were comparable between the treatment diets, except NDF digestibility, which was greater (P = 0.045) in the OLSC group than in the CON group. The N balance variables showed a similarity between the various diets (P > 0.05). Lambs fed the OLSC diet tended to have higher weights (P ≤ 0.098) for fasting live weight, hot carcass weight, carcass cuts weights, and cold carcass weight than lambs on the CON diet. The OLSC diet resulted in higher (P < 0.025) loin weight and intermuscular fat in comparison to the CON and OL diets. No difference (P ≥ 0.05) in the dissected tissues between diets. The longissimus dorsi muscle's dimensions and physicochemical characteristics did not alter (P > 0.05) across the treatment diets. In comparison to the CON and OL diets, the OLSC diet resulted in higher serum glucose levels (P = 0.044). Nonetheless, there were similarities (P ≥ 0.05) in various serum blood parameters between the treatment diets. In conclusion, using OL or/and supplemented SC is positively associated with nutrient intake, growth performance, some carcass parameters, and loin cut tissue, and the most effective aspect is decreasing production cost ($US/kg gain), which makes it a good solution to pass inflation feedstuff prices and cover animal needs.

Effects of chickpea grain feeding on the growth and carcass features of growing lambs.

An investigation was conducted to find out how diet formulation of chickpea grains (CHPE) rather than soybean meal and barely grain affected the performance, blood metabolites, carcass, and meat quality features of Awassi lambs. Thirty lambs, with an average age of 73 ± 0.85 days and an initial body weight of 21.0 ± 1.29 kg, were randomly assigned into one of three diets, with 10 lambs per treatment diet. The diets were designed to replace a portion of the barley grain and soybean meal and included no CHPE (CON), 7.5% CHPE (CHPE7.5), and 15% CHPE (CHPE15). Lambs were individually housed, fed every day, and weighed every two weeks to measure performance characteristics over the 60-day study period. Four lambs per treatment were chosen at random on day 42 to participate in an N balance study and assess diet digestibility. All lambs were slaughtered at the termination of the trial period to measure the features of the carcass characteristics and meat quality. As the amount of CHPE included in the diets increased, the cost of diets reduced. As the amount of CHPE in the diets increased, so did the intake of ether extract (EE). The CON group's cost per kilogram of increase was higher (P = 0.017) than that of the CHPE7.5 and CHEP15 groups. The digestibility of EE was higher (P = 0.024) in the CHPE15 diet as opposed to the CHPE7.5 and CON diets. The various treatments did not impact blood metabolites, carcass features, or meat quality. Therefore, the present study suggested that chickpeas might be added to the diets of finishing lambs up to 15% of dry matter.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation during the suckling period on performance of Awassi ewes.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementing two levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during suckling period on performance and serum metabolites of Awassi ewes. The study comprised two experimental periods, for experimental period 1, 30 nursing Awassi ewes with their single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three equal treatment groups: a control diet (CON; n=10), low SC (LSC) diet (0.4 g SC/head/day; n=10), and high SC (HSC) diet (0.8 g SC/head/day; n=10) with 9-week experimental periods including 1 week for dietary and pen adaptation and 8 weeks for data and sample collection. For experimental period 2, 4 ewes from each group were randomly selected and were individually housed in metabolism crates with 7-day experimental periods including 3 days for crate adaptation and 4 days for data and sample collection. The results showed that the supplementation of SC improved dry matter (DM) intake of ewes (P = 0.03). Digestibility of DM was higher (P < 0.05) for SC treatment groups. The SC treatment groups had a tendency improvement in digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Addition of SC improved (P < 0.05) N balance parameters of ewes. A significant increase was observed for the rumen fluid pH of lactating ewe supplemented with SC. No difference was detected in the live weight change of lactating ewes in all treatment groups. The final body weight of the lambs tended to be greater for SC treatment groups vs CON group but average daily gain and total weight gain were significantly higher (P = 0.05) for SC treatment groups. Lactating ewes in the SC treatment groups produced more milk per day (P ≤ 0.05) than those in the CON diet. Milk fat % and yield in the SC treatment groups were also greater (P = 0.05). No differences were found in % of milk protein, lactose, and solid-not-fat (SNF) between all groups (P > 0.05) while lactose and SNF yields were greater (P < 0.05) for SC treatment groups. However, % of the total solids (TS) of milk was higher for HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets (P < 0.05) while TS yields were significantly higher for SC treatment groups. Energy-corrected milk values were greater (P < 0.05) in HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets. With the exception of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, no differences were detected in all other serum metabolite concentrations of lactating ewes in between treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicates that SC supplementation with varying levels in the diet had a similar positive effect on some performance and physiological parameters of lactating Awassi ewes and their lambs.

Fattening performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass traits of two fat-tailed sheep breeds.

Fat-tailed sheep breeds are the most widespread types of sheep in the Middle East. They are hardy and have acceptable growth and carcass traits. The purpose of this study is to compare the fattening performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of two fat-tailed sheep breeds, Awassi and Najdi. Thirty single-born Awassi and Najdi male lambs (15 lambs per breed) were examined for fattening and carcass characteristics. The study lasted 70 days (10 days adaptation period and 60 days for collecting the data). Feed consumption was monitored daily, and the body weight of lambs was recorded upon arrival to the trial area and biweekly afterward. Lambs were slaughtered at the end of the study to assess carcass and meat quality characteristics. Nitrogen intake and retained nitrogen were higher (P < 0.05) for Najdi lambs. The digestibility of nutrients was comparable between the two genetic groups. Initial body weight, final body weight, average daily gain, and dry matter intake were not affected (P > 0.05) by the lamb's breed. Furthermore, the feed-to-gain ratio, hot and cold carcass weights, and dressing percentage were not affected by breed type (P > 0.05). Breed type has no influence on the shoulder, loin, and rack percentages of the lamb. Moreover, meat quality traits were not affected by the lamb's breed (P > 0.05). In the dissected leg cut, no differences in the leg component were found among the two breed types (P > 0.05). Results of this study reveal that nitrogen intake and retained nitrogen were higher for Najdi lambs, but this was not reflected in fattening performance and carcass traits.

Impacts of substituting soybean meal with cold extraction sesame meal on growth accomplishment and health in growing Awassi lambs.

Blood metabolites and growing performing were evaluated in lambs (15.7 ± 0.33 kg; initial body weight) fed diets containing either soybean meal or cold extraction sesame meal (SM). The design of the study was a complete randomized design. Twenty-two lambs were divided into two diets, 0% SM (CON) or 12.5% SM (SM12.5) of dietary dry matter (DM), raised for 84 days (7 and 77 days for adaptation and data collection, respectively) and fed ad libitum diets (crude protein (CP) content 15.6% DM). Parameters that were measured included nutrient intake, average daily gain (ADG), digestibility, N balance, and blood parameters. Excluding ether extract (EE) and metabolizable energy intake which were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the SM12.5 group versus the CON group, no differences in other nutrient intakes were detected (P ≥ 0.05) between the two diets. Lambs fed the SM12.5 diet had more digestibility for DM, CP, neutral detergent fiber, and EE. Nitrogen in feces was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the SM12.5 group versus the CON group. However, retained N (g/day) increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the SM12.5 group versus the CON group. Final body weight and ADG improved (P ≤ 0.05) in the SM12.5 diet. Cost per kilogram of gain diminished (P ≤ 0.05) in the SM12.5 than the CON diet. Blood glucose increased while creatinine decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in lambs that consumed SM12.5. Results obtained herein proved that replacing soybean meal with sesame meal improved growth performance while reducing the cost of gain in addition to not affecting health negatively.

The effects of feeding chickpea grains on the lactating performance and blood metabolites of ewes.

An experiment was conducted to see how replacing soybean meal with chickpea grains (CHPE) affected the performance, milk production, digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, and blood metabolites of Awassi ewes. Thirty Awassi ewes with an initial body weight of 53.2 ± 2.31 kg and aged between 4 and 5 years were selected and randomly assigned to different feeding treatments (10 ewes per diet). Dietary dry matter (DM) was (1) 0 g/kg CHPE (CON); (2) 150 g/kg CHPE (CHPE150); and (3) 300 g/kg CHPE (CHPE300). The costs of these diets were determined using current ingredient prices. The experiment lasted 9 weeks. During the trial, ewes and their lambs were kept in individual pens. Daily nutrient intake was monitored. Every 2 weeks, the body weight (BW), milk output, and composition of the ewes were measured. In comparison to the CON diet, adding the CHPE to the experimental diets lowered feed costs (US$) per ton by 11% for CHPE150 and 21% for CHPE300. The CHPE300 group had a lower (P < 0.05) consumption of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than the CHPE150 group, while the CON group had the highest (P < 0.05) intake of NDF. The intake of ether extract (EE) (g/d) was higher (P < 0.05) in the ewes fed the CHPE300 compared to the ewes fed CHPE150, and it was lowest in ewes fed the CON diet. When the ewes were fed the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets, the total solids (g/kg) in each kg of milk produced per day was higher (P < 0.05) than when they were fed the CON diet. The cost per kg of milk produced by the ewes was lowered (P < 0.05) when the CHPE was added to their diets. When the ewes on the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets were compared to the ewes on the CON diet, crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher (P < 0.05). The EE digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for the CHPE300 group, while the CHPE150 group had an intermediate outcome. The CHPE300 group had lower amounts of N in their feces and urine (P < 0.05) than the other groups. The retention of N (g/100 g) in the ewes fed the CHPE300, and the CHPE150 diets was higher (P < 0.05) than in the ewes fed the CON diet. As a result, the current research demonstrates that part of soybean meal and barley grain could be replaced with chickpeas in the diets of lactating Awassi ewes.

Dietary inclusion of alternative feedstuffs had no negative effects on hematological and biochemical parameters of growing Awassi lambs.

Dietary inclusion of alternative feedstuffs (AF) could impact animal performance, ruminal ecosystem, and/or blood parameters. The objective of the current trial was to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of mixed AF on hematological and biochemical parameters of growing lambs. Male Awassi lambs (n = 27, average BW = 20.0 ± 0.5 kg and average age of 90 days) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary groups (9 lambs/group). Diets were formulated to contain (on DM basis) 0 (CTL; conventional diet without AF), 25% (25AF), or 50% (50AF) of mixed AF (dry bread, carob pods, olive cake, and sesame meal). Blood samples were collected from each lamb before morning feeding at the beginning (7 days after the start), middle (day 35), and end (68 day) of the study. Hematological parameters were not affected (P ≥ 0.11) by treatment diets. Except for urea N and cortisol, dietary treatments had no significant (P ≥ 0.07) effects on serum levels of all of the measured metabolites and enzymes. Lambs fed the 50AF diet had the lowest blood level of urea N and cortisol. The current study demonstrates that dietary inclusion of AF up to 50% did not negatively impact lambs' health assessed with changes in hematological and biochemical parameters.

Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites and Carcass Characteristics of Black Goat Kids Fed Diets Containing Olive Cake.

This study investigated the dietary effect of incorporating different levels of olive cake (OC) on the metabolic responses, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of black goat male kids. Thirty kids (body weight = 17.3 ± 0.40 kg) were randomly distributed into one of three equally sized dietary groups: a control diet (CON), OC at 75 g/kg (OC75), and OC at 150 g/kg (OC150) of dietary dry matter (DM). The results revealed that the intake of DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was similar (p ≥ 0.11) among the three treatment groups. However, the OC150 group had the greatest (p < 0.0001) ether extract (EE) intake compared to the OC75 and CON groups. The growth measurements were similar (p ≥ 0.13) among the three groups. Feed efficiency was not affected by the inclusion of OC. In contrast to the CON diet, the cost of gain was, however, reduced (p = 0.004) in the OC diets. All three treatment groups' digestibility of DM, CP, and ADF was similar. However, when compared to the OC75 and CON groups, the digestibility of NDF was better (p < 0.05) in the OC150 group. The N intake did not differ among the three experimental groups. Nitrogen retained as g/d was higher (p = 0.04) in the OC150 and OC75 groups compared to the CON group, while retention as a percentage (g/100 g) was similar among the three groups. Except for intermuscular fat, total fat, leg fat depth, and tissue depth, the inclusion of OC did not result in any discernible treatment effects on the carcass and meat quality parameters. Only alanine aminotransferase enzyme activity was lower (p < 0.0001) in OC-treated groups compared to the CON group. In summary, incorporating OC at 75 g/kg and 150 g/kg levels into the diets of black goat kids had positive comparable effects on some parameters related to growth performance, carcass attributes, and meat quality. Importantly, utilizing olive cake led to cost savings in production and may serve as a viable alternative feed source in goat nutrition.

Effects of feeding pomegranate seed pulp and coconut meal by-products on milk yield, milk quality, and metabolic responses of Awassi ewes and pre-weaning growth.

Background and Aim: Feeding by-products, such as pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) and coconut meal (COC), to livestock may enhance production efficiency and increase profits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PSP and COC on milk production, body weight change, metabolic response (Exp. 1), digestibility, and N balance (Exp. 2). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four ewes nursing single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Control (CON) (n = 8), 7.5% PSP (n = 8), and 7.5% COC (n = 8) of dry matter (DM). Every sheep was born 3-4 days before the start of the experiment. The 1st week of the experiment was devoted to diet adaptation, while the data were collected during the following 8 weeks (Exp. 1). Nine lambs were randomly assigned to one of the three diets for intensive data collection to evaluate the diet digestibility and animal nitrogen (N) balance (Exp. 2). The data were analyzed using the MIXED SAS procedures. Results: The PSP group consumed more DM, followed by the COC and CON groups. For lambs, the final BW, total gain, and average daily gain in the PSP group were greater (p < 0.05) than those in the COC and CON groups. The CON group had lower milk output, total solids, protein, fat, and lactose levels than the PSP and COC groups (p < 0.05). The cost of milk production was lower (p < 0.05) in the PSP and COC diet groups than in the CON group. Blood serum parameters were similar among the dietary groups, except for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, which were higher in the COC group than in the CON group. No differences were observed in nutrient digestibility and N balance. Conclusion: Feeding PSP and COC to nursing ewes appears beneficial because it increases milk production and pre-weaning lamb growth and reduces milk production cost.

Effect of feeding pomegranate seed pulp on Awassi lambs' nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and carcass quality.

Background and Aim: The use of alternative feeds in feeding livestock as an alternative to traditional feeds has been used for many years, on the one hand, to lower the price of feed and, on the other hand, to raise the profitability of raising livestock. The study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) on the growth performance and carcass characteristics and the health of Awassi lambs. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male lambs (16.9 ± 0.42 kg) were assigned randomly to one of two isonitrogenous (160 g/kg crude protein of dietary dry matter [DM]) treatment diets. The diets were the control (CON) and PSP-containing diet (100 g/kg of dietary DM; PSP100). The experimental period was 70 days preceded by 7 days of adaptation to diets. Feed intake was measured and lambs were weighed on day one and then biweekly. On day 49, eight lambs (four lambs per treatment) were chosen randomly and placed in metabolic cages for a digestibility trial. At the end of the trial, lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. The data were analyzed using Proc Mixed procedures of SAS. Results: The results revealed that nutrient intake was greater (p < 0.05) in lambs fed PSP100 than those fed the CON diet. Nitrogen intake and nitrogen retention were greater (p < 0.05) for lambs who consumed the PSP100 diet compared to CON. Final weight, total gain, and average daily gain were greater (p < 0.05) with lambs fed PSP100. Hot and cold carcass weights were higher (p < 0.05) by the PSP100 group than by the CON group. Carcass cut weight increased (p < 0.05) with feeding PSP100 diet. No differences were detected in blood parameters except high-density lipoprotein content, which was greater (p < 0.05) in the PSP100 group compared with the CON group. Conclusion: It could be concluded that adding PSP to lambs' diets improved growth and carcass measurements positively and did not negatively affect lambs' health; therefore, it is recommended to use PSP as an alternative to traditional feeds in lambs formulated rations.

Fish Oil Supplementation as an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Source during Gestation: Effects on the Performance of Awassi Ewes and Their Offspring.

The primary aim of this research was to assess the impact of supplementing fish oil into the diet of pregnant Awassi ewes on various aspects of the dam's productive performance, offspring birth weight, colostrum yield and quality, milk production and composition, postpartum offspring performance, and the composition of fatty acids in milk. In this study, two different fat sources, namely palm oil (PO) and fish oil (FO), were utilized, with both being included at a rate of 2.4% of dietary dry matter (DM) during the initial 65 days of gestation (early gestation stage), and then at 2.1% DM from day 65 of gestation until lambing (late gestation stage). The study subjects were Awassi ewes with a body weight (BW) averaging 57 ± 1.5 kg and an age of 3.5 ± 1.2 years. These ewes were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: (i) a diet containing only palm oil from day 0 to day 150 of pregnancy (PO, n = 15); (ii) a diet containing palm oil from day 0 to day 65 of pregnancy, followed by a diet containing fish oil from day 66 to day 150 of pregnancy (POFO, n = 16); (iii) a diet containing fish oil from day 0 to day 65 of pregnancy, followed by a diet containing palm oil from day 66 to day 150 of pregnancy (FOPO, n = 16); (iv) a diet containing only fish oil from day 0 to day 150 of pregnancy (FO, n = 16). Within each treatment, ewes were housed in three replicates, with each replicate further divided into three subgroups. The first two subgroups each contained eight ewes, while the third subgroup contained nine ewes. In addition, each treatment contained 10 primiparous and 15 multiparous ewes. The results indicated that the POFO treatment led to significant increases (p < 0.05) in birth weight, gestation length, and colostrum IgG concentration. However, it also resulted in a decrease (p < 0.001) in colostrum production and a reduction (p < 0.001) in the percentage of milk fat and milk protein. Furthermore, the milk from the POFO treatment exhibited higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (p < 0.001) compared to the PO and FOPO treatments, while the milk saturated fatty acids (SFA) were lower (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the addition of fish oil at a rate of 2.1% DM during the late pregnancy period showed promise for enhancing birth weight, colostrum IgG concentration, and the PUFA content in the milk.

Dietary Intake Is Not Associated with Body Composition nor with Biochemical Tests but with Psychological Status of Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy can negatively affect cancer patients' eating patterns, psychological status, body composition, and quality of life. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlations between dietary intake/care and the psychological status of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. An observational study was conducted on 75 participants during their first cycle of chemotherapy treatment, and they were followed up for three cycles. Each participant completed a reliable validated questionnaire, psychological questionnaire, quality of life questionnaire, and three-day food records. Dietary intake was considered adequate if there was an adherence of participants to dietary recommendations offered by the dietitian and was confirmed by ESHA analysis software (version 10.6.3). Seventy-five percent of participants had inadequate nutrition intake. All anthropometric measurements decreased after 2 months of chemotherapy regardless of patients' dietary intake. Approximately half of the participants reported depression and anxiety. There were significant differences between all nutrient intake levels when compared to the recommended dietary allowance except for fat, unsaturated fatty acids, and iron. Also, there were associations between nutritional intake and life quality and depression. In conclusion, poor dietary intake was associated with depression and insufficient macro- and micronutrient intake. Emotional and nutritional support from healthcare providers and family are highly necessary.

The Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Black Baladi Kids Fed Diets with Graded Quantities of Sweet Lupin Grain (Lupinus angustifolius).

A study was conducted to examine how lupin grains (LUPs) feeding affected nutritional intake, digestibility, growth, and carcass characteristics in kids. A total of 24 growing black kids (initial body weight (BW) = 16.4 ± 0.49 kg) were allocated to one of three diets at random. Lupin was included in the diet at a rate of 0 (control; CON), 100 (LUP100), or 200 g/kg (LUP200) of total dry matter (DM). The trial lasted for 91 days divided into 7 and 84 days to be used for adaptation and data collection, respectively. Feed intake was evaluated daily throughout the study. At the commencement and the end of the study, each kid's body weight was measured to determine its average daily gain (ADG). On day 70, 5 kids were chosen at random from each group to investigate nutrient in vivo digestibility and N balance. At the end of the study, all of the kids were slaughtered to examine carcass features. Nutrient intakes (neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and ether extract) were higher (p ≤ 0.01) in LUP-containing diets than in the CON diet. The average daily gain was greater (p ≤ 0.03) in diets containing lupin grains than in the CON diet. Cost of gain ($US/kg growth) was lower (p = 0.004) in kids fed diets containing lupin than the CON diet. Dry matter and CP digestibility rates were greater (p ≤ 0.03) in lupin diets. Retained N was higher (p = 0.04) in lupin-containing diets than in the CON diet. Cold carcass weight was higher (p < 0.05) for kids consuming the LUP100 diet than the CON diet. In lupin diets, carcass cut weights were higher (p < 0.05). Results of the current study indicate that feeding black kids diets containing lupin grains at 100 or 200 g/kg DM basis is cost effective and would increase profitability.

Feeding of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) enhances the growth performance of lambs.

Background and Aim: The high price of conventional diet ingredients led livestock producers to search for alternative feed sources such as faba beans (Vicia faba L.; FB). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding FB on the growth performance of lambs. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 male lambs were distributed randomly into two groups and fed a control diet (CON; n=12) and 200 g/kg FB (FB200; n=12) dietary dry matter (DM). The study lasted for 70 days. The first 7 days were used for acclimatization, followed by 63 days of data collection (i.e., nutrient intake and digestibility and growth performance). A complete randomized design was used for the statistical analysis. Results: The average initial body weight (BW) (20.54±0.798 kg) was similar between the diet treatment groups. Lambs fed the FB200 diet demonstrated higher (p≤0.008) nutrient intake than lambs fed the CON diet. The FB200 diet tended to improve the digestibility of DM, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber more than the CON diet (p≤0.072). Neutral detergent fiber and ether extract digestibility were higher (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than those fed the CON diet. Next, nitrogen retention increased (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet compared with the CON diet. Final BW did not differ (p=0.221) between the two groups. However, the average daily gain was higher (p=0.028) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than in lambs fed the CON diet. Furthermore, the cost of gain decreased more (p=0.04) with the FB200 diet than with the CON diet. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study demonstrate the feasibility of using FB in feeding growing lambs, as it was shown to improve growth performance and reduce the cost of diet and gain.

Growth performance and carcass traits of two commercial broiler strains fed diet supplemented with essential oils.

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using essential oils (EOs) on growth, carcass, and meat quality traits of two commercial broiler strains raised to 35 days of age. A total of 384 chicks were obtained upon hatching from a local hatchery (192 Indian River and 192 Hubbard). Birds were allocated randomly according to their strain into three groups: control, EOs, and EOs grower. Body weight was recorded at the beginning of the trial and then at the end of each phase diet as well as for the feed intake. Sixteen birds from the combination of each strain-essential oil were chosen randomly to evaluate carcass characteristics at the end. Hubbard consumed more feed during the grower stage (p = 0.02) and overall (p = 0.002) compared to Indian River. Carcass cuts percentages were affected by strain (p < 0.01). Shear force was lower for the Hubbard (p = 0.002). Essential oils showed a significant effect on cooking loss (p = 0.03). A significant strain by essential oil interactions was obtained for cooking loss, shear force, and meat redness (color coordinate ∗a) Cooking loss was greater for the Indian river with the EOs grower treatment. Briefly, growth and carcass traits were affected by strain. The inclusion of EOs had slightly improved meat quality traits.

Effect of feeding calcium salts on performance of nursing Awassi ewes.

Twenty nursing Awassi ewes (BW = 50 ± 2.35 kg, age = 4.5 ± 1.2 years) with their lambs were used to evaluate the effects of feeding calcium salts in lactation diets on performance and pre-weaning growth of their lambs. Treatments were 0% calcium salts (CON) or 5% calcium salts (FAT). At the end of the study, a digestibility experiment was performed. Milk yield was greater (P < 0.05) for ewes fed the FAT diet than the CON diet. Milk composition was similar (P > 0.05) between diets. However, milk energy value (kcal/day) tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for the FAT diet than the CON diet. Concentrations of milk C18:1c9 and C20:0 were greater (P < 0.05) in ewes fed the FAT diet than the CON diet. However, concentration of trans-10, cis-12 CLA was lower (P = 0.05) in the FAT diet than in the CON diet. No differences in feed intake and body weight change were detected between diets. Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were similar (P > 0.05) for diets. For lambs, weaning weight was not affected by treatments. However, average daily gain and total gain were greater (P = 0.053) for the FAT diet than the CON diet. Results suggest that supplementing lactating ewes with calcium salts at the beginning of lactation phase improves daily milk yield of ewes and pre-weaning growth of their lambs with no major negative impact on feed intake and digestibility.

The inclusion of black cumin meal improves the carcass characteristics of growing Awassi lambs.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Black cumin meal (BCM) is the principal by-product that can be obtained from black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L) after the oil is removed from the fruit and represents 70-75% of the fruit weight. The aim of this experiment was to assess the influence of feeding BCM on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of growing lambs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Awassi lambs were randomly divided into two dietary treatments. The lambs were penned individually in single pens and provided access to ad libitum feed and water. The dietary treatments were no BCM (control [CON]; n=12) or 150 g BCM/kg (BCM 150; n=12) of dietary dry matter. RESULTS: Lambs fed BCM had greater (p≤0.01) fasting live BW, and hot and cold carcass weights. Leg fat and eye muscle depth were lower (p≤0.05) in CON versus BCM lambs. Meat whiteness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness did not differ between lambs fed the two diets. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of BCM improves lamb carcass characteristics, but does not affect lamb meat quality.

The impact of lamb diets containing either barley or corn on growth performance and carcass quality.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Grains, such as barley (BAR) and corn (CORN), are major energy sources for small ruminants. This study aimed to assess the impact of feeding either BAR or CORN-based diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Awassi male lambs, average body weight of 20.4±0.49 kg, were chosen randomly. Lambs were acclimated for 10 days and assigned to one of two diets (1) BAR and (2) CORN. Feeding continued for 70 days with 60 days of data collection. Daily intake was recorded. Measurements of body weight were taken starting from day 1 then once per week throughout the study period. On day 40, six lambs were randomly chosen from each group and placed in metabolism cages to assess digestibility and N balance. Lambs were slaughtered on the last day of the study to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. RESULTS: Neutral and acid detergent fiber and ether extract intake were greater (p≤0.05) for lambs fed the BAR diets. Nitrogen loss in feces tended to be greater (p=0.09) for the CORN diet. Eye muscle depth (mm) tended to be greater (p=0.07) for the BAR diet. Nutrient digestibility, daily weight gain, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were not different (p≥0.1) between diets. CONCLUSION: The results herein demonstrate that feeding BAR grain improved nutrient intake efficiency and consistency and did not affect weight gain and carcass traits. BAR-based diets might be a useful alternative to CORN for feeding growing lambs.

The Inclusion of Black Cumin Meal Improves Growth Performance of Growing Awassi Lambs.

Twenty-four Awassi lambs were randomly divided into two dietary treatments to assess the influence of black cumin meal (BCM; Nigella sativa L.) feeding on growth performance. Diets were no BCM (CON) or 150 g BCM/kg DM (BCM150)). Lambs were fed the experimental diets for 80 days. Lambs were housed randomly in individual pens that were fitted with water and feed containers. During the study, nutrient intake was measured daily. Body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated biweekly. Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance were evaluated on days 49-59. Intakes of dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE) and metabolizable energy were greater (p ≤ 0.05) in the BCM150 diet than in the CON diet. The digestibility of DM, CP and EE (p ≤ 0.04) was improved in the BCM150 diet compared to the CON diet. However, NDF and ADF digestibility did not differ between the two diets. Nitrogen retained (g/d; p = 0.01) and N retention (%; p = 0.05) was greater in the BCM150 compared with CON diet. Final BW, ADG, and feed efficiency (DM intake: kg of gain) was greater (p ≤ 0.002) in BCM150 lambs than the CON lambs. However, cost/kg of BW gain was lower in the BCM150 diet than in the CON diet. In conclusion, the inclusion of black cumin meal improved the growth performance and profits in diets of growing lambs. Therefore, it could be used as an alternative to soybean meal and barley as a protein and energy supplement, respectively.

Fattening performance and carcass traits of Baladi and Shami-Baladi kids.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Goat is considered very important ruminant animals that are raised in Jordan; however, the production of the local breeds is low to moderate, and thus, some genetic improvement programs could have a positive effect on the performance of the local breeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of crossing Baladi (BB) goat with Shami. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 newly weaned goat kids (15 BB and 15Shami-Baladi [SB] kids) were evaluated for growth performance and carcass traits. The trial lasted for 77 days (7 days for adaptation and 70 days for data collection). Feed intake was measured on a daily basis; body weight of kids was measured at the beginning of the study and biweekly thereafter. At the end of the trial, kids were slaughtered to examine carcass traits. RESULTS: Dry matter intake, initial weight, final weight, and average daily gain (ADG) were not affected by kid's breed type. In addition, breed type of kids showed no significant effect on feed efficiency (feed:gain). Hot and cold carcass weight and dressing percentage were also not affected by kid's breed type. Kid breed type had no significant effect on shoulder, rack, and legs percentages. However, SB kids had a higher loin cut percentage compared to BB kids. In addition, Musculus longissimus depth was higher for SB kids. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that crossing SB goat breeds did not have a significant effect on either growth performance or carcass traits. Further studies using reciprocal cross may reveal different results.