Effects of Feeding ACP® as a Bio-supplement to Ewes Pre- and Postpartum on Energy Profile and Offspring Growth Weight

Abstract

During the transition period in sheep, which consists of pre-partum and the beginning of lactation, the demands for glucose are extremely high and its absence or reduction causes several metabolic problems to arise leading to economic losses. Looking for alternative sources to growth promoters, sources of energy precursors of natural origin are being studied. This study aims to evaluate the effects and influence on plasma levels of Glucose, BHB and NEFA in pregnant ewes supplemented with coconut powder (ACP®) during the transition period. Two groups of ewes were used, totaling 13 animals of the Santa Inês breed that were supplemented with 30 g of powder coconut water (ACP) per day from 110 days before calving to 60 days after calving. Blood samples were taken on the day of delivery, 7, 21, 30 and 60 days after delivery. It was possible to observe that the test group (ACPg) remained stable with animals maintaining glucose levels without showing changes, even on the day of delivery, despite the fact that 80% of the ewes had twin births. The levels of BHB and NEFA were also better compared to the control group (Cg). The Cg showed greater instability throughout the experiment, with moments of hyper and hypoglycemia, BHB and NEFA also showed alterations. Lambs from ACPg showed better carcass growth compared to Cg. Therefore, the collection of results support the idea that, supplementation of ACP to pregnant ewes could be an important tool to reduce negative energy balance and offspring development in pregnant ewes.