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Research
2.
Effect of dietary energy and
phosphorus on nutrients digestibility, blood
constituents, and ovarian structures in ewes -
G. M. Mosaad and D. R. Derar
Veterinary World
2(12):456-461
Abstract
Forty five mixed breed ewes of 3-3.5 years of age
and 40-50 Kg live body weight were used in this
study. The ewes were housed inside an open yard with
shade and concrete floor. They were fed on the
control diet for one month before the beginning of
the experiment. At the onset of the breeding season,
the animals were classified randomly into nine
groups five, per each. Nine diets including the
control one were formulated with three levels of
digestible energy (DE, 2.2, 2.5 and 2.8 Mcal/Kg
diet), each at three levels of phosphorus (low,
normal and high) in a 3x3 factorial design. The nine
diets were designates as NENP, NELP, NEHP, HENP,
HELP, HEHP, LENP, LELP and LEHP. First litter in
each diet designates the energy level while, the
third litter designates the phosphorus level (H,
high, N, normal and L, low). The litters E and P
stand for energy and phosphorus, respectively. The
animals were fed the respective experimental diets
and water ad-libitum for
one month after the beginning of the breeding
season. A metabolism trial was carried out during
the last week of the experiment. Blood samples were
taken regularly twice weekly for biochemical
examination. Throughout the period of the
experiment, the animals were examined regularly by
using ultrasonography.
The results of this study indicated that, levels of
energy and phosphorus affect significantly (P<0.05)
nutrients digestibility, some blood constituents and
ovarian structure.
Keywords:
Energy, Phosphorus, Digestibility, Ovarian activity,
Ewe.
