Influence of feeding garlic plant either as powder or oil on reproductive performance of ewes

Abstract

Garlic as feed additives has been shown to favorably effects in in vitro studies, but there are a few in vivo studies that have examined female animal responses in different physiological stages (pregnant and lactating). Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of garlic powder and garlic oil additives on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites and reproductive performance of ewes. Eighteen pregnant ewes aged 2-3 years and weighed 40.86 kg body weight at late gestation were selected and randomly distributed into three similar groups (6 in each). The first group (G1) fed on concentrate feed mixture to cover 60% of their energy maintenance requirements + clover hay to cover the remain percentage (control ration). The second group (G2) fed control ration + garlic powder as 2% of dry matter intake. While the third group (G3) fed control ration + 2 ml/head/day of garlic oil. The trial lasted for 4 months (one month at late gestation followed by three months at lactation period). Data revealed the positive effect of garlic powder and their oil on rumen ammonia concentration and Protozoa number. While, ruminal pH levels, volatile fatty acids concentrations, dry matter intake, average milk yield and growth rate of lambs were not significantly affected by the experimental additives. Blood urea concentration was significantly decreased by adding garlic oil. Results cleared that triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations were significantly decreased in G2 and G3 compared to control treatment. In conclusion, garlic oil or garlic powder supplementation to ration of lactating ewes had beneficial effects on rumen fermentation and lipids metabolism.