Effect of rumen undegradable protein on quantity and quality of colostrum and blood parameters in pregnant Lori-Bakhtiari ewes

In this study effect of fish meal and soybean meal supplementation was investigated on quantity and quality of colostrum and blood parameters in pregnant ewes. A total of 40 multiparous ewes (average body weight of 68 ± 6.3 kg) during last month of gestation were fed with one of the four experimental diets including basal diet (CON), basal diet + 5% fish meal (T1), basal diet + 5% soybean meal (T2) and basal diet + 2.5% soybean meal + 2.5% fish meal (T3). The quantity of colostrum production was determined at six h post-partum using oxytocin injection method. The quantity of colostrum in T1, T2 and T3 was higher (P<0.05) than that in CON and the highest amount of colostrum production was obtained from group receiving basal diet + 2.5% soybean meal+2.5% fish meal (T3). Ewes in 5% fish meal group (T1) had higher (P<0.05) colostrum IgG concentration than ewes in other groups. The experimental treatments reduced the glucose concentration of the blood in pre-partum ewes (P<0.05). The addition of undegradable protein sources decreased the BHBA concentration and increased IgG concentration in the post- partum ewes (P<0.05). The lowest concentrations of glucose and NEFA in post-partum ewes were in the 5% soybean group (P <0.05). In conclusion, undegradable protein supplementation during late gestation increased serum IgG concentrations and improved colostrum quantity and quality in pregnant ewes.