Performance responses of lactating Rahmani ewes fed diet supplemented with Enterococcus faecium NRC-3 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Production of new types of probiotics for animal nutrition mainly depends on the appropriate bacterial strain and efficient substrate. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of two probiotic strains containing 1.2 × 108 (CFU/g), produced on permeate media on performance responses of Rahmani ewes. Thirty early lactating ewes (about 2-3 years old and weighting on average 43.2 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly divided into three groups of 10 animals each using a completely randomized design. The 1st group was fed the basal diet (60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 30% Egyptian clover + 10% bean straw). While the ewes in 2nd and 3rd groups were fed the basal diet + 2 g of Enterococcus faecium NRC-3(EF) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR), respectively for 9 weeks. Ewes' diet supplementation with EF or LR increased (p < 0.05) dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and non-structural carbohydrates digestibility compared to ewes of the control group. Glucose, total protein, and albumin concentrations significantly increased in the blood of EF ewes than those of LR and control. Probiotics increased ewes' milk yield as well as milk protein, fat, and lactose yields, but no differences were observed between treatments when milk components were expressed as percentage. Milk fatty acids profile not changed due to EF or LR supplementation. Probiotics (E. faecium and L. rhamnosus) produced on cheese industry waste (permeate) have proven their ability to improve the productive performance of the lactating Rahmani ewes.

Effect of Xylanase and Phytase Supplementation on Goat's Performance in Early Lactation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Supplementing diets of dairy animals with phytase and xylanase can enhance phosphorus availability and fiber degradation in the rumen and positively affect animal's health and productivity. In vitro and in vivo trials have been conducted to define the optimal addition level of xylanase and phytase to lactating Baldi goat's rations and investigate effects of these enzymes on animal's nutrients digestibility, blood chemistry, milk production and milk composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro batch culture technique was used to evaluate the effect of phytase and xylanase supplementation at different levels (0, 1, 2 and 3 g kg-1 DM) on rumen fermentation characteristics. Eighteen early lactating Baldi goats were randomly assigned into three groups and fed 4% dry matter according to their body weight. The first group was fed control ration (35% yellow corn, 20% corn stalks, 20% berseem hay, 12.5% soybean meal and 12.5% wheat bran), the second group fed control ration+Penizyme at 2 g kg-1 DM (R1), while the third group fed control ration+Phtase-Plus® at 1 g kg-1 DM (R2). RESULTS: Xylanase and phytase supplementation increased the in vitro DM and OM degradability and ruminal NH3-N and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentrations, with no effect on total gas production (TGP) volume. All nutrients digestibility (except CP), blood serum glucose concentration, milk production and milk components yields were increased for enzymes supplemented goats than control. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of xylanase and phytase in lactating goat's rations improved their productive performance with no deleterious effects on their health.