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ABSTRACT


Background and Objectives The use of non-traditional oilseeds such as Moringa oleifera Lam seeds has being an attractive as feed resource for livestock production. The objective of this study was to evaluate moringa seed cake MSC as an alternative source of protein in lactating ewes ration. Materials and Methods The control diet consists of concentrate mix and Egyptian clover hay 5050. Cotton seed meal was substituted by MSC at two levels 2.5 and 5. Three trials were conducted. An in vitro true dry matter IVTDM and fiber fractions digestibility were determined using the batch culture system. In vitro gas production GP technique was used to determine the amount of gas produced over a 3, 6, 12 and 24 h incubation. For the lactation trial, twenty-one of lactating Ossimi ewes were assigned into three groups using complete random design to study the effect of MSC on animal performance. Results Total GP after 24 h and potential extent of GP were significantly p0.05 increased, while the rate of release was significantly p0.05 decreased for ewes fed MSC levels. The highest digestibility values were observed for the group fed MSC at a level of 2.5. Daily fat-corrected milk and composition were significantly p0.05 improved in ewes fed MSC at level 2.5. However, increasing levels to 5 significantly p0.05 decrease milk production and composition. Conclusion Moringa seed cake could be included in lactating ewes diets as a source of protein at a low level 2.5 to improve milk production performance without any adverse effect.

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