Alternative Approaches to Feeding Small Ruminants and Their Potential Benefits
Sofiane Boudalia,
Samir Smeti,
Mahilet Dawit,
Ewonetu Kebede Senbeta,
Yassine Gueroui,
Vassilios Dotas,
Aissam Bousbia,
George K. Symeon
Affiliations
Sofiane Boudalia
Laboratory of Biology, Water and Environment, Faculty of Nature and Life and Earth Sciences and the Universes, 8 Mai 1945 University Guelma, BP 401, Guelma 24000, Algeria
Samir Smeti
Laboratory of Animal Production and Forages, National Institute of Agronomic Research of Tunis University of Carthage, Rue Hédi Karray, Ariana 2049, Tunisia
Mahilet Dawit
School of Animal and Range Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia
Ewonetu Kebede Senbeta
Department of Animal Production Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Yassine Gueroui
Laboratory of Biology, Water and Environment, Faculty of Nature and Life and Earth Sciences and the Universes, 8 Mai 1945 University Guelma, BP 401, Guelma 24000, Algeria
Vassilios Dotas
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Aissam Bousbia
Laboratory of Biology, Water and Environment, Faculty of Nature and Life and Earth Sciences and the Universes, 8 Mai 1945 University Guelma, BP 401, Guelma 24000, Algeria
George K. Symeon
Research Institute of Animal Science, HAO-Demeter, 58100 Giannitsa, Greece
Small ruminants, such as sheep (Ovisaries) and goats (Capra hircus), contribute to approximately 475 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 6.5% of the global emissions in the agriculture sector. Crop residues, silage, grasses, hay, browse, plant leaves, shrubs, agro-industrial by-products, poultry litter, and other alternative feed sources are frequently utilized for small ruminant production. The use of these valuable alternative feeds can significantly improve animal productivity and reduce carbon footprints and GHG fluxes, making it both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, these alternative feeds possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties that can enhance the quality of the meat and milk produced. By impacting the bacteria involved in ruminal biohydrogenation, alternative feeds can reduce methane emissions and contribute to a decrease in the carbon footprint. Overall, the use of alternative feed sources for small ruminants generally improves their apparent nutrient digestibility and productivity, and has an impact on the production of greenhouse gases, especially methane. Finally, this review recommends evaluating the economic analysis of reducing methane emissions in small ruminants by utilizing different feed sources and feeding techniques.
