Productive and reproductive performance and metabolic profile of barki ewes supplemented with two forms of probiotics as feed additives

Present study aimed to evaluate the impacts of probiotic mixtures as a biological feed additive on the reproductive and productive performance of Barki ewes under desert conditions. A total number of 100 Barki ewes were randomly assigned and divided into five equal groups (20 each) to evaluate the effect of different levels and forms of biological additives mixtures on Barki ewes productivity. The first mixture of probiotic added as liquid forms (Mixture Probiotic Liquid, MPL), while the second added as powder forms (Mixture Probiotic Powder, MPP). The two forms of enzymes used at two levels (6 and 10ml or g/h/d). The two additives formed of exogenous enzymes and obtained through an anaerobic fermentation process of Ruminococcus flavefaciens. The results indicated that feed intake was higher in MPL and MPP treated groups compared to control group. During pregnancy and lactation stages, MPL and MPP groups recorded significantly increase in ewes body weight. The conception and lambing rates were tended to differ between groups, but the number of lambs born alive was significantly higher in MPP groups [19 lambs for group 2 (G2) and 18 lambs for group 3 (G3)] followed by MPL groups (16 and 18 lambs for group 4 (G4) and group 5 (G5), respectively), while the control group recorded 18 lambs. The mortality rate from birth to weaning decreased (P<0.05) in treated groups with 5%, 5%, 0% and 5% for G2, G3, G4 and G5, respectively, while the mortality rate increased (P<0.05) by 11% in control group. The milk yield tended to increase in MPP then MPL groups. The birth and weaning weights as well as average daily gain increased (P<0.05) in MPL and MPP groups. Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 concentrations increased (P<0.05) with enzymes mixtures supplementations. In conclusion, under the semi-arid conditions, supplementation of exogenous enzyme preparations of MPL and MPP to sheep rations, may improve weaning weight and daily gain of lambs as much as live body weight and milk production of ewes.