Effect of Unsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Ram Lambs

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary unsaturated fatty acids supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of ram lambs. In this study, 15 crossbred ram lambs (½Finnish × ½Rhamni) at 7 months of age with an average live body weight of 24.3±1.4 kg were used and divided into three groups (5 lambs each). The first group was fed the control diet (G1). While, fish oil was added to the control diet at level of 1.5 and 3% of total dry matter (DM) intake for G2 and G3, respectively. Results indicated that the average live body weight of ram lambs at the end of the experimental period was 34.2; 37 and 37 kg for G1(control), G2 and G3, respectively (P<0.05). Also, average daily gain of ram lambs was the highest level (P<0.05) in G3 (93.3 g/day) followed by G2 (90.3 g/day) and G1 (73.3 g/day). The scrotal circumferences of ram lambs significantly increased (P<0.05) in G2 and G3 (27.0 and 27.3 cm, respectively) by given dietary fish oil than control diet (24.5 cm). Body growth weight in ram lambs at 1st ejaculation was 33.4, 36.0 and 35.4 kg for control, G2 and G3, respectively (P<0.05). Testosterone concentration of ram lambs was recorded the highest level (P<0.05) in G3 (5.028 ng/ml) followed by G2 (2.542 ng/ ml) and G1 (0.664 ng/ml). In conclusion, addition of fish oil at rate of 1.5 and 3% to growing lambs improved semen characteristics and had beneficial effects on productive and reproductive performances.