STUDYING THE EFFECT OF ADDING SOME MINERAL SALTS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GRAZING DARSHAWY EWES DURING LATE PREGNANCY IN HADRABA VALLEY, SOUTH EGYPT
El-Rayes M. A-H.*
ABSTRACT
The plants dominant in the range at south desert of Egypt could not ensure a mineral balanced diet to the local animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of providing ewes, during critical physiological statues, with some minerals in either inorganic or organic form on physiological and productive performance. The mineral additives included copper, zinc, manganese and cobalt. The study was carried out in the Valley of Hadraba in – El-Shalateen – Aboramad – Halayib triangle, south east of Egypt. A total of 45 Darshawy ewes, a local sheep breed, were divided into three groups (15 ewes for each). Ewes of the first group (control) were fed normal diet. Ewes of the second group were provided with some mineral elements in the inorganic form, while ewes of the third group were provided with the same minerals in the organic form. Minerals were added to the concentrated feed mixture. The experiment lasted for a full breeding season. Data were recorded during the last three months of pregnancy. Physiological parameters included complete blood picture and electron microscopy swabs to measure the size and shape of erythrocytes. As well, cardio-thermo respiratory response, erythrocytes and leucocytes indices, antioxidant, oxidant and immune-cell-mediator (cytokine) indices, liver and kidney functions and some plasma mineral contents were assessed. It was found that using mineral additives to pregnant Darshawy ewes help in improving many physiological characteristics such as reducing cardio-thermo-respiratory responses, increasing blood O2, increasing Ht, MCV, MCH, WBCs and secretion of T3 and cortisone. Organic minerals additive was more efficient than inorganic in increasing blood TP, plasma IgG, K, Ca, P and reproductive efficiency.
Keywords: Darshawy ewes, mineral salts, immunity, blood parameters, some plasma chemicals.
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