Journal of Applied Animal Research (Dec 2023)

The impact of early and mid-pregnant Hu ewes’ dietary protein and energy levels on growth performance and serum biochemical indices

  • Xin Wang,
  • Yancan Wang,
  • Qiye Wang,
  • Chunpeng Dai,
  • Jianzhong Li,
  • Pengfei Huang,
  • Yali Li,
  • Xueqin Ding,
  • Jing Huang,
  • Tarique Hussain,
  • Huansheng Yang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2023.2170385
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 51, no. 1
pp. 174 – 181

Abstract

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This study explored the effects of different protein and energy levels on growth performance and serum biochemical indices of ewes during early and mid-pregnancy. A total of 132 ewes were assigned to 5 groups (P1, P2 = E2, P3, E1, E3) to dietary protein levels (P1: 9.22%, P2: 10.04%, P3: 10.86%) and dietary energy levels (E1: 9.04 MJ/kg, E2: 9.53 MJ/kg, E3: 10.02 MJ/kg). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased with an increase in protein levels in early pregnancy (P = .008). In the P2 group, creatinine, triglyceride, and lactate levels were lowest and total protein levels were highest in mid-pregnancy (P < .05). Final weight, total weight gain, and average daily weight gain increased with an increase in energy levels of ewes (P < .05). BUN, aspartate transaminase, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein decreased with an increase in energy levels in mid-pregnancy (P < .05). Alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose increased initially and then decreased with an increase in energy levels (P < .05). To sum up, we suggest that Hu sheep be fed diets with energy and protein levels of 10.02 MJ/kg and 10.04% in early and mid-pregnancy, respectively.

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