Productive performance and metabolism in saidi ewes and their lambs fed ration containing Nigella sativa seeds

Abstract

This study was carried out at Research Farm of Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University. The objective of this study was to invistigate the effects of dietary N. sativa seeds on growth performance, milk yield and some blood constituents in saidi sheep.

Forteen saidi ewes of about 3 - 4 years old and 41.5 Kg body weight were divided into two groups, similar in body weight and milk yield. A control group (7 animals) received a ration without N. sativa seeds, while a treated group (7 animals) receive freshly crushed N. sativa seeds added to concentrate diet at level of 100 mg/kg body weight per animal daily. Milk yield of ewes were recorded weekly. After weaning, lambs were divided into two treatment groups according to treatment of their mothers, i.e. lambs of each group reciving the same treatment as their mothers, a control group (7 animals) and supplemented one (7 animals). Body weight was recorded bi-weekly in ewes and their offspring. Also feed intake of lambs was recorded and daily gain and feed conversion oflambs were colculated.

Blood samples were taken (monthly) from ewes and lambs (bi­ weekly) for determination of hemoglobin, packed cell volume and serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, triiodothyromine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The results obtained could be summarized as follwoing:

1- Feed intake of rouphage and concentrates were similar in lambs fed N. sativa seeds (100 mg N. sativa seeds I kg BW daily) than those fed control diets.