Iraqi Awassi Lambs Performance Fed Nano Clay Minerals

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding natural and Nano clay minerals on the digestibility, rumen characteristics, blood parameters, and meat muscle in Iraqi Awassi lambs. The study was conducted at the animal farm of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, using 25 lambs aged between 3 and 4 months, with an average weight of 16 kg. The animals were divided into five groups, each containing five lambs. The first group served as the control group (T1) and did not receive any supplement to their food. The diets of the other groups (T2, T3, T4, and T5) contained clay minerals in proportions of 2% and 4% natural clay, and 2.4 g of nano-clay minerals per animal per day, respectively. To provide a balanced diet, alfalfa hay was introduced as a roughage feed, and concentrate feed was added at 3% of the lambs’ body weight. The feed intake was measured weekly for a duration of 90 days. The study showed significant differences in organic digestibility, no significant in the pH and concentration of ammonia. Volatile fatty acids showed significance (P≤0.05) in Group T3. Moreover, significant differences (P≤0.01) were found in glucose levels and (P≤0.05) in cholesterol and triglyceride levels (mg/dl). The chemical analysis of muscle indicated a significant increase (P≤0.01) in protein percentages.