Impact of supplementation with different protein sources on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and development of lambs

Abstract

The aim was to evaluate the impact of supplementation with different protein sources from agro-industrial production on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and the development of their offspring. The protein sources used were: soybean bran, cotton pie, babassu pie, and coconut pie. A total of 60 ovine matrices were used, with confirmed pregnancy and supplemented in the final third of gestation at 0.5% of live weight in pastures of deferred Marandu grass. The evaluations occurred from the final third of gestation and in the lactation phase until weaning. The data collected in the matrices were: counting of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and identification of infective larvae (Faecal test), evaluation of the degree of anemia by the FAMACHA© method, body weight (kg), and body condition score (BCS). In the lambs, the biometric measurements were taken from the 30 days of life until weaning. In Faecal test, the prevalence was 98% of Haemonchus spp. There was no effect of the protein sources for EPG (3476.0) and FAMACHA©. However, in the mats supplemented with coconut pie were observed the lowest body weights (36.9 kg) and lower BCS (2.7). Babassu, coconut and cotton cakes, and soybean meal used as a protein source in the supplementation of ovine matrices kept in deferred pastures of Marandu grass at the 0.5% level of live weight maintain the production indexes consistent with the physiology stage of the matrices even with a high endo-parasitic load.

Productive and Reproductive Performance of Ewes at 60 and 90 Days Postpartum Treated by Different Weaning System

“…Pre-and postpartum ewes are highly susceptible to worm infections; for this reason, the number of eggs eliminated in their feces increases, contaminating the rearing environment (Chaparro et al, 2016;Zvinorovaa et al, 2016). The use of supplementation for ewes and lambs also contributes, in this regard, to the elevation of their resistances that eventually reduces the occurrence of worm infection (Melo et al, 2017;Gurgel et al, 2020). Moreover, supplementing suckling lambs with creep feeding reduces their suckling intensity and the energy requirements from milk, which benefits the ewe in terms of body condition score, ovulation, conception, and lambing rates, as well as the occurrence of estrus (Valente et al, 2012;Valente et al, 2014;Lopes et al, 2014;Lopes et al, 2017).…”

“…Particularly during this period, it is of utmost importance that feed be supplied in sufficient quantity and quality-as was done in the present study-to minimize weight losses. Weight loss can be influenced by the quality and quantity of available feed, the number of animals fed, environmental factors, and productive potential of the ewe (Campos et al, 2019;Santarosa et al, 2019;Gurgel et al, 2020). The similar performance of the ewes in the different treatment groups indicates that age at weaning is not an influential factor; i.e., they may accompany their lambs for 60 or 90 days (Table 3).…”

“…Likewise, there were no differences in parasite control (EPG). Parasitic infestation by nematodes compromises animal performance (Melo et al, 2017;Gurgel et al, 2020), as it leads to inefficient use of dietary nutrients, decreased food intake, and reduced absorption and mineral retention (Rosalinski-Moraes et al, 2012;Beasley et al, 2012). In the work of Heimback et al (2019) the age of weaning (60 or 90 days) did not influence the occurrence of diseases.…”

Suplementación de caprinos con harina de vaina de mezquite en una pradera diferida de pasto (Urochloa mosambicensis) en la región semiárida

“…Goats breeding for meat production in the northeast region of Brazil is predominantly extensive and seasonal because the rainfall distribution is irregular and the adverse edaphoclimatic characteristics affect the forage production (1) . The quantity and the quality of the food become obstacles to the productive chain, especially during the dry season.…”

Ewe performance in the post-weaning phase and structural characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars in the dry season

“…For this reason, the production performance of animals reared on pasture is seasonal (Emerenciano Neto et al, 2018). It is, therefore, essential to seek forage cultivars able to maintain forage availability-even if low-quality-, since the use of supplementation can partly correct these deficiencies, in addition to improving the use of these pastures in the dry period of the year (Gurgel et al, 2020;Fernandes et al, 2020a).…”