Effect of increasing doses of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed oil on feed intake, nutrients digestibility, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen utilization of Omani sheep. Issue 7 (12th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El-Zaiat, Hani M.; Alqaisi, Othman; Sallam, Sobhy M.; Al-Marzooqi, Waleed S.
• Is Part Of: Animal biotechnology. Volume 33:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1553
• Page End: 1561
• Publication Date: 2022-12-12
• Subjects: Neem seed oil -- rumen fermentation -- feed digestibility -- nitrogen balance -- Omani sheep; Animal biotechnology -- Periodicals; Animals, Domestic -- genetics -- Periodicals; Animals, Genetically Modified -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1917422
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-5398

Abstract

Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the effects of neem ( Azadirachta indica ) seed oil (NSO) on feed intake, ruminal fermentability, feed digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood parameters in Omani sheep. Nine Omani male sheep (BW; 54.44 ± 8 kg/sheep) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design with three dietary treatments and three periods, with each period lasting 21 days. The animals were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: basal diet without NSO (control); 20 mL/sheep per day NSO (low dose) or 40 mL/sheep per day NSO (high dose). Sheep fed with high dose presented lower ( p < 0.05) intake, fiber digestibility, and excreted N in urine. However, diet supplemented with high NSO dose had a lower ( p < 0.05) ruminal acetate proportion, while increased ( p < 0.05) ruminal propionate compared to the control group. Moreover, sheep offered with NSO showed a linear decrease ( p = 0.052) in ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) concentration. The high dose increased ( p < 0.05) blood glucose and cholesterol, while decreased urea nitrogen concentrations. Emission of predicted methane (CH4 ) reduced ( p = 0.007) by 13% for high dose compared to the control group. In conclusion, these results suggested that NSO is a potential feed additive with up to 20 ml/kg of DM alters rumen fermentation profile, decreased CH4 production, feed digestibility, and nitrogen metabolism for sheep.