EFFECT OF BENTONITE-GINGER COMBINATION ON OULED DJELLAL EWES' PRODUCTIVITY IN PERIPARTURIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL STAGE

Smaili, Abdelmadjid and Kaboul, Nourredine and Yousfi, Mohammed and Rekik, Fouad (2026) EFFECT OF BENTONITE-GINGER COMBINATION ON OULED DJELLAL EWES' PRODUCTIVITY IN PERIPARTURIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL STAGE. Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research. 198 - 205. ISSN 22287701

Text OJAFR16(4)198-205,2026.pdf - Published Version Download (501kB)

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with a combination of 5 bentonite (clay) and 2 ginger on the productive performance of Ouled Djellal ewes during the periparturient period, from eight weeks before lambing to twelve weeks after lambing. Twelve clinically healthy Ouled Djellal ewes, with a mean age of 3.75±1.22 years, an average body weight of 67.50±8.63 kg, and a mean body conditions score (BCS) of 2.54±0.54 were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 6 per group). Both groups received a basal diet consisting of alfalfa hay and wheat straw ad libitum supplemented with concentrate. The control group received the basal concentrate without additives, whereas the experimental group received concentrates supplemented with 5 bentonite and 2 ginger. The experiment was conducted at the demonstration station of the Technical Institute of Livestock Breeding, Ain M'lila, Algeria. The results showed that no statistical significant differences were observed in body condition score between the two groups throughout the experimental period. However, milk production was significantly higher in the supplemented group during the first and fifth weeks of lactation (P = 0.02), increasing by 30.10 and 14.10, respectively, compared with the control group. This effect was no longer significant during the eighth week of lactation (P > 0.05). Regarding milk composition, total protein and total solids did not differ significantly between treatments. In contrast, milk fat content was significantly higher (+36.91; P = 0.01) and lactose concentration was significantly lower (�22.38; P = 0.03) in the supplemented group during the first week of lactation. During the fourth week, lactose was the only milk component that differed significantly between treatments, showing a 14.44 increase (P = 0.04). No significant differences in milk composition were observed during the second and twelfth weeks of lactation. Dietary supplementation with the bentonite�ginger combination had no significant effect on lamb birth weight or average daily gain throughout the suckling period. The absence of significant effects on lamb growth may be related to the inclusion levels of the additives used in the present study. © The Author(s) 2026

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Feed efficiency; Gestation; Lactation; Natural additives; Prebiotic; Sheep
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research (OJAFR)
Page Range:	198 - 205
Journal or Publication Title:	Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research
Journal Index:	Scopus
Volume:	16
Number:	4
Publisher:	Scienceline Publications, Ltd
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2026.24
ISSN:	22287701
Depositing User:	Dr. Saeid Chekani-Azar
URI:	https://eprints.science-line.com/id/eprint/1779

Actions (login required)

View Item