Effect of Feeding Graded Levels of Dried Acacia Saligna Leaves During Late Pregnancy on Ewes Performance and Lambs Birth Weight

Abstract

he study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding graded levels of dried Acacia saligna leaves (ALH) on the performance and some blood parameters of pregnant Barki ewes during late pregnancy. Forty ewes aged 3-5 years old at the last third of pregnancy (ten in each group, 38.0±1.2 kg body weight) were fed 0, 20, 40 and 60% of ALH as replacement of berseem hay in a completely randomize design for 75 days. The results showed non-significant differences in daily DM intake and digestibility coefficients of DM, EE, NFE and cellulose. Diets of 40% and 60% ALH showed higher (P<0.05) OM, CF digestibility comparing to 20% ALH and control diets. Diets of 20%, 40% and 60% ALH showed higher (P<0.05) of CP digestibility comparing to control diet. The highest (P<0.05) nitrogen balance was recorded for ewes fed 60% followed by 40% ALH. The incorporation of ALH at levels 20, 40 and 60% resulted in non-significant differences in live body weight at all periods of the late pregnancy. Pregnant ewes fed 60% ALH diet recorded the highest (P<0.05) total body weight gain (Kg) and daily gain (g/day) and the lowest (P<0.05) weight loss at lambing. Birth weight of lambs were not significantly affected. Blood urea concentrations were decreased (P<0.05) with the graded percentage of ALH inclusion. The results of this study revealed that inclusion of dried Acacia saligna leaves up to 60% replacement of dietary berseem hay was better for improving nutrient utilization and ewe's performance during late pregnancy stage.