Effects of pistachio by- product biochar on performance, microbial protein, some of ruminal fermentation parameters and blood metabolites in fattening lambs

Biochar is a carbonaceous material obtained when types of biomass heated in a closed container with little or no available oxygen. Biochar combines a porous structure and large surface area for microbial adhere. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of feeding pistachio by-product biochar (PBPB) on growth performance, microbial protein, blood metabolites and some of ruminal fermentation parameters in fattening lambs. For this purpose, 12 Kermanian male lambs (21.70 ± 1.37 kg BW) were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 experimental diets containing 0 and 1 % of PBPB (DM basis) over an 84-days period. Experimental diets were fed twice daily in two equal portions as total mixed rations. Dry matter intake (DMI) and weight gain were recorded and blood, urine and rumen fluid samples were collected at different times. Result indicated that feeding 1% PBPB had no significant effect on dry matter intake, but average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and microbial protein production were improved (p