The effect of different levels of Mentha pulegium on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumination behavior, blood and rumen parameters of dalagh ewes

The effect of different levels of Oji plant powder on performance, nutrient digestibility, rumination behavior, blood and rumen parameters of Dalagh ewes, using 18 ewes with an average weight of 38±3.5 kg in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six Repetition was investigated. The treatments included 1- control (without Oji powder), 2- 25 gr of Oji powder per day and 3- 50 gr of Oji powder per day. Different levels of Oji powder in ewes had no effect on the weight at the end of the period, daily weight gain, cholesterol, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and blood albumin/globulin ratio. Feeding ewes with different levels of Oji powder decreased the apparent digestibility of dry matter, increased nutritional consumption behavior and rumination activity, and increased blood urea and triglyceride levels(P<0.05). Feeding ewes with different levels of Oji powder caused a significant decrease in protozoan population three hours after feeding and an increase in rumen pH three hours after morning feeding(P<0.05). Ruminal ammonia concentration in ewes that received 50 gr of Oji powder per day was higher than other treatments(P<0.05). According to the results of this research, adding the powder of Oji plant up to the level of 50 gr per day to the ration of Dalagh ewes does not have a significant effect on the functional traits of the animal, and it also shows a positive effect on the protozoan population and rumen pH.