Effect of Adding Selenium Vitamin E to Feed Containing Acetic Acid on Milk Production and its Fat Content in Awassi Ewes

Abstract

Abstract The study was conducted in the animal barn of the Agricultural Research Department/ Nineveh Research Department / Ministry of Agriculture during the period of 1/3-15/4/ 2022, using 18 Awassi ewes in the last stage of milk production (after weaning). The ages of the ewes ranged between 3-4 years and their average weight (46.80 ± 1.33 kg) The ewes were divided into three groups. The first group considered control (T1) and was fed on the standard ration without addition, the second group (T2) was fed on the standard ration with the addition of 10 glacial acetic acid (99.85%) food grade for each ewe, the acid was added to the feed after diluting it with tab water in a ratio of (1:1), while the third group (T3) was fed on the standard ration and acid with the addition of 0.4 gram of selenium-vitamin E. Results were showed no effect of additives in body weight while, the response was clear in enhancing milk production significantly with selenium vitamin E addition. Milk components as percentage and yield were close between T1 and T2 with except solid non-fat that decreased (p≤0.05) in T2 8.76% as compared T1 9.18%. on other hand all milk components significantly higher in T3 as compared t1 and T2. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL were higher (p≤0.05) in T3 as compared T1.