Effect of Thymus vulgaris or Peppermint on Lactating Sanjabi Ewe Performance, Milk Composition, Lamb Growing and Relevant Blood Metabolites

Milk production and composition, lamb growth, blood hematological profile and relevant blood metabolites were assayed in Sanjabi ewes and lambs as affected by supplementing basal diet by either thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.)(THY) or Peppermint (PEP). Twenty-one pregnant Sanjabi ewes of similar weight (BW around 50 Kg) and age (45-48 months) were equally divided into three dietary treatments. Group (1) served as a control group received a basal diet (BD) with no feed supplement. Groups  (2) THY and (3) PEP received 10 g/ewe/day THY or PEP, respectively. Lactation period and milk yield were higher (p <0.05) in ewes of THY supplement followed by that of PEP supplement than that of basal diet only, respectively. Whereas, weaning weight (WW) and average daily gain (ADG) of lambs were improved (p <0.05) by the addition of THY or PEP to the basal diet. The addition of THY and PEP increased (p <0.05) WBC’s and lymphocytes counts of these lactating ewes, while, monocytes count was higher (p <0.05) in ewes fed basal diet only. No significant effects were noticed on eosinophils, RBC’s count and Hb concentration in ewes fed the supplemented diets. RBC’s, WBC’s, lymphocytes counts and Hb concentration of suckling lambs were improved (p <0.05) by adding THY or PEP to the basal diet of ewes. The addition of THY or PEP to the basal diet increased (p <0.05) blood serum; total protein and globulin concentration of these ewes compared to those of the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in albumin, glucose, triglycerides and urea concentrations. Total serum cholesterol was decreased (p <0.05) by the addition of THY and PEP. Concerning suckling lambs, the addition of THY or PEP to the basal diet increased (p <0.05) total protein and globulin concentration, while, it decreased albumin: globulin ratio. No significant effects were noticed in albumin, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol of suckling lambs blood serum. It is concluded that THY and PEP diet supplements could be used as natural growth promoters in ewe diets to improve milk yield and composition and lamb growth.