Responses of skin and coat fibres in barki ewes to the nutrition on salt plants and propionibacteriaunder the arid conditions

Abstract EN

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of using Barki sheep ewes.

Forty-two animals were utilized in the experiment.

14 ewes served as control (given berseem hay as a basal roughage diet), 14 ewes were designed to be given mixture of salt plants at a percentage of (50% Atriplex Halimus and Nummularia and 50% Pearl Millet) and 14 ewes were fed the same diet with propionibacteria (1gm/h/day).

Skin samples were taken from different feed trials and prepared for histological and histochemical studies.

Wool fibre samples were also examined illustrating some wool traits under the same different feeding treatments.

Results indicated a significant enhancement of the follicle activity due to the follicle dimensions, primary follicles exhibited less reaction than secondary follicles (P<0.05).

The addition of propionibacteria decreased disturbances caused by salt plants on follicle dimensions.

It also enhanced (P<0.05) the production of protein contents in both primary and secondary wool follicle sheathes.

There were no differences in carbohydrate contents in the wool follicles of animals in the control group and those fed propionibacteria.

Administration of propionibacteria resulted in an increased fibre diameter and wool traits.

In conclusion, giving Barki ewes propionibacteria as feed additive enhanced the metabolic activity resulting in an increased wool follicle activity and decreased the negative effect of salt plants on their performance