Dietary strategies to enrich milk with healthy fatty acids – a review

A Review of the Nutritional Aspects and Composition of the Meat, Liver and Fat of Buffaloes in the Amazon

Thus, this review aims to deepen the understanding of buffalo farming in the Amazon, presenting the quality and nutritional value of buffalo meat and liver. This information serves as a subsidy to improve practices related to the breeding system, nutrition, health and sustainability associated with aquatic buffaloes. For this, a review of the databases was carried out using the descriptors "nutritional value of buffalo meat", "nutritional value of buffalo liver" and "buffalo breeding in the Amazon". Thus, the consumption of foods derived from aquatic buffaloes has important nutritional value for human consumption. In view of this, it is possible to conclude that the nutrition of these animals is influenced by the biodiversity of the Amazon, giving unique characteristics to its products, also highlighting the importance of carrying out research that aims to value the potential use of this species and strengthen the economy of the region.

Effects of Brown Seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) Supplementation on Enteric Methane Emissions, Metabolic Status and Milk Composition in Peak-Lactating Holstein Cows

The dairy industry contributes significantly to anthropogenic methane emissions, which have an impact on global warming. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary inclusion of brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on enteric methane emissions (EMEs), hematological and blood biochemical profiles, and milk composition in dairy cows. Eighteen Holstein cows were divided into three groups: CON (non-supplemented cows), BS50 (50 mL of 10% A. nodosum), and BS100 (100 mL of 10% A. nodosum). In each cow, measurements of EME, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk yield (MY), as well as blood and milk sampling with respective analyzes, were performed before supplementation (P1), after 15 (P2) days, and after 30 (P3) days of supplementation. A. nodosum reduced (p < 0.05) methane production, methane yield, and methane intensity in both BS50 and BS100, and raised DMI (p < 0.05) only in BS50. Total bilirubin (p < 0.05) was higher in BS50 compared to CON cows in P2, and triacylglycerols were lower (p < 0.05) in BS50 than in CON cows in P3. Higher milk fat content was found in BS50 than in CON cows in P3. C16:0 proportions were higher (p < 0.05) in BS50 and BS100 than in CON cows, while C18:3n-3 was higher (p < 0.05) in BS100 than in BS50 and CON cows in P3. Dietary treatment with A. nodosum reduced EMEs and showed the potential to increase DMI and to improve energy status as well as milk composition in peak-lactating dairy cows.

Composition and fatty acid profile of milk from cows fed diets supplemented with raw and n-3 PUFA-enriched fish oil

Dietary supplementation of ruminants with fish oil is a strategy for favorably modifying the fatty acid composition of milk fat. This study investigated the effect of supplementing cows' diet with fish oil after low-temperature crystallisation (LTC-FO) compared to its raw form (FO) on milk yield, milk components (fat, protein, and lactose), and milk fatty acid profile. Twenty-four mid-lactating multiparous Polish Holstein-Friesian cows fed a total-mix ration were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups (n = 12 cows each) and supplemented with LTC-FO or FO at 1% of dry matter. Milk samples were collected on days 14 and 30 of the 30-day experiment. No significant differences between the groups in terms of milk yield, milk protein, and lactose content were found, however, the fat yield and content decreased in the LTC-FO group. Milk fat from cows in the LTC-FO group contained significantly higher levels of C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11, C18:3n - 3, C20:5, and C22:6, and lower levels of saturated fatty acids compared to the FO group (p < 0.05). Therefore, LTC-FO may be a more efficient feed additive than FO and may serve as a practical way to modify the fatty acid composition of milk fat.

Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) as a source of bioactive compounds in dairy products

Recently, the interest in improving livestock product nutraceutical profiles through sustainable feeding systems has increased. In this context, the overall quality and nutraceutical profiles were examined in dairy products obtained from 16 lactating Cinisara cows given an integrated feed in dry season with Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. Two homogeneous groups of cows (milk yield: 6.3 ± 1.5 kg; body weight: 213 ± 55 kg) were fed with 2 different diets (CON: pasture and wheat bran; OFI: pasture, wheat bran, and cladodes), according to a 2 × 2 Latin square design. The bulk milk produced during the study was used to make Caciotta cheese and was analyzed at 0, 15, and 30 storage days. Milk and cheese samples were analyzed for chemical, physical, and microbiological traits. The nutraceutical and sensorial profiles, as well as the antioxidant capacity, were also determined in the final products. For milk, the urea content in individual samples was reduced in OFI but not in CON. In the cheese, integration of cladodes did not influence the starter cultures development with 2 strains of Streptococcus thermophilus, but it caused a higher content of polyphenols and a consequent greater antioxidant capacity and a change in the fatty acids profile. In particular, the caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, and palmitic fatty acids were higher, as were the petroselinic, vaccenic, rumenic, and α-linolenic fatty acids. In contrast, the oleic and the γ-linolenic fatty acids were lower for OFI. The cheese from the OFI group showed better overall acceptability, and a higher yellow color, odor intensity, and butter flavor. The multivariate analysis well distinguished the cheeses belonging to the 2 groups. Further investigations should be conducted to formulate well-balanced diets that include cladodes for Cinisara lactating cows, but also to determine the content of other important bioactive compounds in fresh and treated cladodes, as well as their effects on animal welfare and production.

Partial replacement of corn with chocolate byproducts or protected fat in diets of early lactating Holstein cows: feed utilization and lactational performance

This study determined the effects of the partial replacement of corn with chocolate byproducts or protected fat on the performance of cows. Forty multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 d. The control diet was a complete diet containing 41.2% concentrate feed mixture, 41.2% corn silage, and 17.6% berseem hay. In the other experimental diets, each kg of crushed corn grain in the control diet (DM basis) was replaced with 600 g chocolate byproducts (CH), 400 g protected fat (PF), or 500 g of a mixture of chocolate byproducts and protected fat (1:1 DM basis) (CHPF). Both amounts of PF and CH had the same energy concentration as 1 kg of corn. The experimental treatments did not affect total intake; however, they increased (p < 0.001) daily production of milk, milk fat content, and feed efficiency. Moreover, treatments increased (p < 0.05) blood total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride. The CH, PF, and CHPF treatments increased (p < 0.01) nutrient digestibility. It is concluded that replacing 1 kg of corn in the diet of lactating Holstein cows with PF at 400 g, followed by CHPF at 500 g, and CH at 600 g enhanced milk production and feed efficiency.

Chocolate byproducts and protected fats enriched with chromium to replace corn in diets of early lactation Holstein cows: feed utilization, blood profile, and lactational performance

The present experiment aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of corn with chocolate byproducts or protected fats in the diet of lactating cows on feed utilization, blood profile and lactation performance. Fifty multiparous Holstein cows (560±22 kg BW, 3±1 parity, 7±1 days in milk, and previous milk production of 34±3 kg/d), were randomly assigned to 5 treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 days. The control diet contained a concentrate feed mixture containing (per kg DM 412 g concentrate feed mixture, 412 g corn silage, and 176 g berseem hay). The control diet contained 17.6% crushed corn (DM basis). In another treatment, the control diet was supplemented with 1 g chromium daily (Chromium diet). In the other diets, each kg of crushed corn grain was replaced with 600 g chocolate byproducts (CH diet), 400 g protected fats (PF diet), or 500 g of chocolate byproducts and protected fats mixture (1:1 DM basis) (CHPF diet), DM basis, and each of the diets was also supplemented with 1 g chromium daily. Both amounts of protected fats and chocolate byproducts had the same energy concentration as 1 kg of corn. Without affecting feed intake, the replacement increased (P<0.01) milk production, milk fat concentration, and feed efficiency. The replacement (P<0.05) increased the concentrations of serum total proteins, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and chromium in comparison with the control diet. Higher (P<0.001) nutrient digestibility was observed with CH, PF, and CHPF treatments. It is concluded that chromium supplementation did not affect feed utilization or cows performance; however, partial replacement of corn with chromium supplemented protected fat, chocolate byproducts or their mixture improved milk production and feed efficiency.

The enrichment of chocolate byproducts and protected fats with zinc to partially replace corn in diets of early lactation Holstein cows

The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of corn with chocolate byproducts, protected fats, or their mixture supplemented with zinc in the diet of lactating cows on feed utilization and lactation performance for 90 days. Fifty multiparous Holstein cows (565±25 kg BW, 3±1 parity, 7±1 days in milk, a previous milk production of 35±2.9 kg/d), were randomly assigned to 5 treatments in a completely randomized design. The control diet contained (per kg DM): 412 g concentrate feed mixture, 412 g corn silage, and 176 g berseem hay. The control diet was supplemented with 1 g of zinc daily (Zinc diet). In the other diets, each kg of crushed corn grain was replaced with (DM basis) 600 g chocolate byproducts (CH diet), 400 g protected fats (PF diet), or 500 g of chocolate byproducts and protected fats mixture (1:1 DM basis) (CHPF diet). Both amounts of protected fats and chocolate byproducts had the same energy concentration as 1 kg of corn. The total mixed ration was prepared and distributed using a horizontal mixer system after mixing for 20 min. Chemical analysis showed that the replacement minimally affected the composition of the total mixed rations. Additionally, treatments did not affect feed intake. Compared to the control treatment, the zinc treatment did not affect milk production, milk composition, or feed efficiency. Increased (P<0.05) daily production of milk and component yields, and feed efficiency as well as fat concentration were observed by the CH, PF and CHPF treatments. Without affecting other measured blood parameters or hematocrit, treatments increased (P<0.05) the concentrations of total proteins, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and zinc in the blood of cows. Additionally, the CH, PF and CHPF treatments increased (P<0.01) the digestibility of nutrients compared to the control treatment. It is concluded that the addition of zinc to the control did not affect cow performance; however, its addition to chocolate byproducts, protected fats, or their mixture to partially replace corn improved the performance of cows.

Effects of PUFA-Rich Dietary Strategies on Ruminants' Mammary Gland Gene Network: A Nutrigenomics Review

Although the inclusion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in ruminants' diets appears to be a well-documented strategy to enrich milk with PUFAs, several gene networks that regulate milk synthesis and mammary gland homeostasis could be impaired. The objective of this literature review is to assess the effects of nutritional strategies focused on enriching milk with PUFAs on gene networks regulating mammary gland function and lipogenesis, as well as the impact of feed additives and bioactive compounds with prominent antioxidant potential on immune-oxidative transcriptional profiling, as a part of mammary gland homeostasis and health. The findings support the conclusion that PUFAs' inclusion in ruminants' diets more strongly downregulate the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene compared to other key genes involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland. Additionally, it was revealed that seed oils rich in linoleic and linolenic acids have no such strong impact on networks that regulate lipogenic homeostasis compared to marine oils rich in eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Furthermore, ample evidence supports that cows and sheep are more prone to the suppression of lipogenesis pathways compared to goats under the impact of dietary marine PUFAs. On the other hand, the inclusion of feed additives and bioactive compounds with prominent antioxidant potential in ruminants' diets can strengthen mammary gland immune-oxidative status. Considering that PUFA's high propensity to oxidation can induce a cascade of pro-oxidant incidences, the simultaneous supplementation of antioxidant compounds and especially polyphenols may alleviate any side effects caused by PUFA overload in the mammary gland. In conclusion, future studies should deeply investigate the effects of PUFAs on mammary gland gene networks in an effort to holistically understand their impact on both milk fat depression syndrome and homeostatic disturbance.

Quality of milk fat obtained from cows and buffaloes fed a diet supplemented with flaxseed or soybean oils

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the quality of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) of cows and buffaloes supplemented with flaxseed oil (FO), soybean oil (SO), or their mixture (FSO). Lactating crossbred cows and buffaloes were fed with control diet or with one of three supplements: 2% FO, 2% SO, and 2% FSO according to a double 4 x 4 Latin Square Design. The diets with FO, SO, or FSO reduced saturated FA, mainly C4:0, C14:0 and C16:0, while increased the unsaturated FA C18:1 and C18:2 in milk from cows and buffaloes. Cholesterol content decreased in cow's AMF while increased in buffalo's AMF when a diet supplemented with FO, SO, or FSO. The diet with SO or FSO increased the content of vitamin E in AMF obtained from cows (25.06 and 17.89 mg 100 g-1) and buffaloes (28.48 and 30.32 mg 100 g-1) compared with the control diet (11.02 and 15.68 mg 100 g-1), respectively, which correlated positively with scavenging activity for DPPH• (r2 = 0.66) and ABTS• (r2 = 0.67) radicals. Solid fat content (SFC) was high for cow’s AMF, with 58.12-60.37% at 5°C compared to that of buffalo's AMF, with 52.37-56.98%, but was low for cow's AMF at >15°C. Finally, supplementing a diet with vegetable oils, particularly SO, improves the quality of AMF; increases USFA/SFA ratio, vitamin E content, and antioxidant activities

A newly developed strain of Enterococcus faecium isolated from fresh dairy products to be used as a probiotic in lactating Holstein cows

The objective of this study was to determine the ability of an isolated strain (EGY_NRC1) or commercial (NCIMB 11181) Enterococcus faecium as a probiotic for lactating cows. Two experiments were conducted: In Experiment 1, the effects of three levels (1, 2, and 3 g/kg diet, DM basis) of isolated and commercial E. faecium on in vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics, gas, methane (CH₄) and nutrient degradability were determined. In Experiment 2, thirty multiparous Holstein cows (633 ± 25.4 kg body weight) with 7 days in milk, were randomly assigned to 3 treatments in a completely randomized design in a 60-day experiment. Cows were fed without any additives (control treatment) or supplemented with 2 g/kg feed daily of E. faecium EGY_NRC1 (contain 1.1 × 10⁹ CFU/g) or commercial E. faecium NCIMB 11181 (contain 2 × 10¹² CFU/g). Diets were prepared to meet cow's nutrient requirements according to NRC recommendations. Probiotic doses were based on the in vitro Experiment 1. Feed intake, digestibility, blood parameters and lactation performance were evaluated. In Experiment 1, the isolated E. faecium linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.001) in vitro total gas production (TGP), the degradability of dry matter (dDM) and organic matter (dOM) while decreased (P < 0.05) methane (CH₄) percent of TGP, NH₃CH₄ production, and pH. The commercial E. faecium increased TGP and decreased (P < 0.01) CH₄ production, pH and increased the dDM and dOM, short chain fatty acids and ruminal NH₃-N concentration. In Experiment 2, the isolated E. faecium increased (P < 0.01) total tract digestibility of DM, neutral and acid detergent fiber, daily milk production and feed efficiency compared to the control treatment without affecting feed intake and milk composition. Moreover, the isolated E. faecium increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of C18:1 trans-9, C18:2 cis-9-12 and C18:2 trans-10 cis-12. Both isolated and commercial E. faecium improved (P < 0.01) organic matter, crude protein and nonstructural carbohydrates digestibility, increased serum glucose (P = 0.002) and decreased serum cholesterol (P = 0.002). Additionally, both E. faecium strains decreased C23:0 (P = 0.005) in milk. In conclusion, the use of E. faecium (isolated and commercial) at 2 g/kg DM of feed improved feed efficiency and production performance, with superior effects on animal performance from isolated E. faecium compared to the commercial one.

Potential of Moringa oleifera silage to replace concentrate feed mixture in diet of lactating Damascus goats

The present study evaluates the effect of partial replacement of concentrate with Moringa oleifera silage (MOS) in the diet of lactating Damascus goats on milk production, nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation. Fifteen lactating ewes were stratified in a quintuplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design (3 diets × 3 periods) for 90 days and fed a diet composed of a concentrate mixture and rice straw in 60:40 (DM basis) in the control group for 30 days in each period. In the other two diets, MOS was included in the control diet at 20 (MOS20 diet) or 40% (MOS40 diet) replacing the same amounts of concentrate on DM basis. Feeding MOS containing diets linearly (P<0.05) decreased non-structural carbohydrates intake, while it increased the intakes of crude protein and acid detergent fiber as well as the digestibility of the nutrients compared to the control. Moreover, MOS diets linearly increased (P<0.01) ruminal pH, concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate, and concentrations of serum glucose and high-density lipoprotein. Increased milk production, concentrations of milk fat and total conjugated linoleic acid, and feed efficiency were observed with feeding MOS diets. It is concluded that concentrate feed mixture in diets of lactating Damascus goats can be replaced with M. oleifera silage up to 40% to improve their lactational performance.

Comparison of the quality of mountain sheep milk obtained from animals kept on a natural and organic mountain pasture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of mountain sheep milk obtained from animals kept on mountain pastures: natural and organic. The experimental procedure was conducted under production conditions, during annual grazing of mountain sheep on two mountain pastures in the region of the Polish Carpathians: on organic pasture certified for organic farming and natural mountain pasture belongs to the National Park. This study showed greater plant species diversity in the organic mountain pasture, but its yielding was lower than that of the natural pasture. The green growth of the natural pasture was characterised by lower dry matter and fibre content but contained more total protein. The type of pasture did not affect the basic composition of the milk of mountain sheep, while differences were found in terms of acidity, alcohol number, fatty acid profile of fat and milk protein fractions. Milk obtained from sheep grazed on organic pasture was characterized by a higher proportion of medium chain fatty acids, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, and also essential unsaturated fatty acids, both linoleic acid, α - linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. In milk originating from the natural mountain pasture, a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and the CLA c9-t11 isomer was found. The composition of milk protein fractions varied according to the location of grazing: milk from sheep grazing on natural pasture had a higher content of whey fractions, important for consumer health, milk from organic pasture had a higher content of κ-casein, of greatest importance in dairy processing technology. The floral composition of the pasture had an influence on the quality of sheep milk in relation to the fatty acid profile of fat and protein fractions of milk, which is important in terms of both the health-promoting and technological aspects of the raw material and may affect the quality of products made from it.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts on the Carcass Quality and Fatty Acid Composition of Lambs Fed High Forage Total Mixed Rations

There is an increased interest in the use of medicinal plants as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters and as agents for methane production mitigation. This study investigated the effects of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera feed additives on the carcass and meat quality of lambs. Forty South African Mutton Merino lambs, weighing between 29 and 43 kg, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10 lambs/treatment) and fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR) containing soybean meal (17%), yellow maize (28%), Alfalfa hay (20%), Eragrostis curvula hay (22.2%), molasses (6.0%), wheat offal (5%), urea (0.8%) and vitamin premix (0.5%) on a DM basis. The dietary treatments: TMR diet (control); TMR diet with A. indica leaf extract (A. indica leaf extract at a dosage of 50 mg per kg of feed: neem); TMR diet with M. oleifera leaf extract (M. oleifera leaf extract at a dosage of 50 mg per kg DM of feed: moringa); TMR diet with monensin (at a dosage of 50 mg monensin sodium per kg of feed: positive control). After an adaptation period of 10 days to the experimental conditions, the lambs from all treatment groups were fed ad libitum with the experimental diets. The lambs were slaughtered at a live weight of 60−65 kg after a 23 week trial period. The plant extract dietary additives had no significant effects on the carcass characteristics of the lambs. In comparison to monensin, supplementing with moringa leaf extracts resulted in a higher proportion of C18:1n9c (45.0% ± 0.57 vs. 40.5% ± 0.80; p < 0.05), total MUFAs (47.3% ± 0.66 vs. 42.6% ± 0.87; p < 0.05), and UFA:SFA ratio (1.01 ± 0.03 vs. 0.85 ± 0.03; p < 0.05), which may be beneficial for human health. Our results suggest that natural feed additives, such as A. indica and M. oleifera leaf extracts, can be included in lamb diets without compromising meat fatty acid composition. The negative economic impacts of such technologies on animal production and farm profitability should not be expected.

Replacing the Concentrate Feed Mixture with Moringa oleifera Leaves Silage and Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae Mixture in Diets of Damascus Goats: Lactation Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Ruminal Fermentation

Exploring suitable alternatives for high-cost concentrate feeds is a critical factor for successful livestock production. The present experiment aimed to evaluate the dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera silage and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae (at 1% of total diet, DM basis) in a quintuplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design for milk production performance, nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation in Damascus goats. Fifteen lactating Damascus goats were divided into three groups to be fed a diet composed of a concentrate mixture and rice straw at 60:40 (DM basis) in the control group and fed for 30 days in each period. The concentrate mixture in the control treatment was replaced with M. oleifera silage and C. vulgaris microalgae at 20% (MA20 treatment) or 40% (MA40 treatment). Treatments did not affect total feed intake but increased (p < 0.01) crude protein (CP) and fiber intakes while decreasing nonstructural carbohydrates intake. The digestibility of CP and acid detergent fiber increased due to silage supplementation compared to the control treatment. Treatments increased (p < 0.05) ruminal pH and the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate; however, they decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of ammonia-N. Treatments increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of serum glucose and antioxidant capacity. Both MA20 and MA40 treatments increased the daily milk production, the concentrations of milk fat and lactose, and feed efficiency compared to the control treatment. Additionally, MA20 and MA40 treatments increased the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids. It is concluded that the concentrate feed mixture in the diet of lactating goats can be replaced up to 40% (equals to 24% of total diet) with M. oleifera silage to improve feed intake and nutrient utilization, and milk production performance.

Utilization of Waste Date Palm Leaves Biomass Ensiled with Malic or Lactic Acids in Diets of Farafra Ewes under Tropical Conditions

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ensiling of date palm leaves (DPL) with organic acids (lactic or malic acid) for 45 day as a feed for lactating ewes under desert conditions. Two weeks before expected parturition, 50 multiparous lactating Farafra ewes (mean ± SD: 2 ± 0.3 parity, 34 ± 1.9 kg bodyweight, 25 ± 2.4 months of age, and 555 ± 13.0 g/day of previous milk production) were equally divided into five treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 day. The ewes in the control treatment were offered a diet composed of a concentrate feed mixture and DPL at 60:40 on a dry matter (DM) basis ensiled without additive. In the other treatments, DPL (ensiled without organic acids) in the control treatment was replaced with DPL ensiled with lactic or malic acid (at 5 g/kg DM) at 50 or 100% levels. Organic acids linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) DPL and total intakes and digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and nonstructural carbohydrates without affecting fiber digestibility. Malic and lactic acid treatment also increased the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and ammonia-N. Additionally, malic and lactic acid-treated DPL increased serum glucose concentration and total antioxidant capacity. Without affecting daily actual milk production, treatments increased (p < 0.001) the daily production of energy-corrected milk (ECM), fat-corrected milk (FCM), milk energy output, milk contents of fats, and feed efficiency. Organic acid-treated DPL increased (p < 0.05) the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids and the unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. It is concluded that feeding DPL ensiled with malic or lactic acid at 20 or 40% of total diet DM increased daily ECM and FCM production, nutrient utilization efficiency, and milk quality. No differences were observed between lactic and malic acid treatment of DPL during ensiling; therefore, both of them are recommended to treat DPL for silage preparation.

Feeding Date-Palm Leaves Ensiled with Fibrolytic Enzymes or Multi-Species Probiotics to Farafra Ewes: Intake, Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation, Blood Chemistry, Milk Production and Milk Fatty Acid Profile

The present experiment evaluated the feeding of date palm leaves (DPL) ensiled with fibrolytic enzymes (ENZ) or multi-species probiotics (MSP) on nutrient utilization and lactational performance of ewes. Fifty multiparous lactating Farafra ewes were used in a completely randomized design for 90 d. The treatments consisted of the control diet with a concentrate feed mixture and date palm leaves (at 60:40, DM basis) ensiled without additive (control) or DPL ensiled with ENZ or MSP replacing control DPL at 50 or 100%. Both ENZ and MSP increased (p < 0.01) DPL and total intakes, digestibility of all nutrients, concentrations of ammonia, total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate in the rumen. Increased milk production, concentrations of fat, lactose and energy in milk, and feed efficiency were observed with MSP and ENZ compared to the control treatment. Moreover, ENZ and MSP increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of total n3, n6 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids and decreased (p < 0.001) the atherogenicity. The differences between ENZ and MSP and between the low and high replacement levels were minor for all measured parameters. Ensiling of DPL with MSP or fibrolytic enzymes is recommended to improve feed efficiency and improve lactational performance of ewes.