Modulatory Effect of Dietary Allicin Supplementation on Productivity, Health, and Antioxidant Status of Ewes and their Offspring During May Breeding Season in Egypt

Abstract

This study evaluated the dietary allicin supplementation on reproductive performance, milk production, blood parameters, and antioxidant status of ewes and the performance of their lambs during May breeding season. Crossbred ewes (n=48, 1/2 Finish Landrace x 1/2 Ossimi) with 2-5 y old at late pregnancy were distributed into four groups, 12 ewes in each. The controls were fed a control diet without supplementation. The other three groups were fed the same diet supplemented with allicin at the level of 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 g/kg, respectively. The experimental period lasted 150 days (45 d prepartum, 60 d suckling, and 45 d post-partum. Results showed that allicin (0.8 and 1.2 g/kg) had positive impacts (P<0.05) on ewe weight prepartum, and at lambing, suckling, and mating. Milk yield as 6% fat corrected milk, and fat and total solids per cent in milk increased (P<0.05) by allicin levels. Allicin (1.2 g/kg) improved (P<0.05) rates of estrus, pregnancy, lambing, and litter size. RBCs, hemoglobin, and neutrophils increased (P<0.05) by allicin (0.8 or 1.2 g/kg). WBCs increased (P<0.05) by allicin (1.2 g/kg), but lymphocytes and monocytes increased (P<0.5) by all levels. Allicin (0.8 and 1.2 g/kg) increased (P<0.05) total proteins and globulin, while decreased (P<0.05) creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Allicin supplementation reduced MDA and increased GSH, SOD, Gxp, catalase, and GPx. Allicin treatment of ewes (0.8 and 1.2 g/kg) increased (P<0.05) LBW and weight gain (total and daily) from birth to weaning, IgG, GSH, SOD, catalase, and GPx, while decreased MDA in blood serum of their lambs. Allicin dietary supplementation (1.2 g/kg) pre-May breeding season enhanced the productivity and general health of crossbred ewes and their lambs. Allicin exerts these positive impacts via its ability as a scavenger of free radicals by enhancing the endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, metabolism, immunity, and reproduction.