Effect of calcium soap of palm oil fatty acids on milk composition, ewe and lamb performance in a crossbred sheep

Abstract EN

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ca soap of palm oil fatty acids (CSFA), as a protected fat, on milk composition and the performance of both ewes and lambs.

Thirty-three crossbred ewes aged 2-3 years and weighed 41-44 kg were allocated in three unequal groups for A, B &C (10, 12 &11 ewes, respectively).

Group A was fed a diet free from protected fat and kept as a control.

Group B was fed a diet containing 4 % fat and group C was given a diet containing 8 % fat.

The ewes were in the last month of pregnancy and the experiment extended till the end of late lactation (4.5 months).

Milk composition was tested, and body change in ewes and nursing lambs was traced.

Moreover, the effect of fat addition on dry matter intake of ewes was analyzed.

Results revealed a decrease in dry matter intake in the late gestation and an increase in early lactation, with no significant differences in the late lactation.

The effect followed the amount of fat added.

There was no effect on ewe’s body weight change or lamb’s growth rate from birth to weaning.

On milk composition, there was an increase in fat %, higher in group B and total solids%, while percentage of protein was decreased.

Concerning fat supplementation, no effect on lactose, urea milk nitrogen, and somatic cell counts was detected.

There was a decreased level of solids-not-fat in group B, while group C showed no detectable alterations.

In conclusion CSFA supplementation was effective to increase the fat % and yield in milk of sheep especially at the rate of 4% of addition.