scholarly journals 165 Effect of late lactation nutrition on milk production and composition in prolific sheep on an accelerated lambing system

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 171-171
Author(s):  
Richard A Ehrhardt ◽  
Jordan Moody ◽  
Barbara Makela ◽  
Veiga-Lopez Almudena
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Composition Analysis ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Milk Volume ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Treatment Measures ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract Late lactation nutrition is important in prolific sheep to ensure adequate lamb growth and in the context of accelerated production, to potentially improve reproductive outcomes. Therefore, the effect of plane of energy nutrition was evaluated in 24 (Dorset x Polypay) multiparous ewes randomly assigned to diets providing either 100% (C), 70% (Low) or 150% (High) of NRC energy requirements during the last 28 days of lactation (n = 4 single- and n = 4 twin-rearing ewes/group). Milk volume (MILK) was measured by hand milking following oxytocin treatment (20 I.U.) prior to and after 3 hours of removal from lambs with samples taken for composition analysis just prior and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) were followed throughout. A mixed statistical model accounting for rearing status and stage of lactation revealed that High ewes gained 4.0kg and 0.28BCS units and Low ewes lost 4.9kg and 0.21BCS units (P < 0.05, High vs. Low for both), but these outcomes did not differ by rearing status. C ewes maintained BCS, but lost 3.7kg relative to High ewes (P < 0.05). Ewes rearing twins produced greater MILK than singles (1.85L for singles vs. 2.32L for twins, P < 0.01). However, MILK in C ewes remained unchanged regardless of rearing status over the study period. MILK response to treatment differed according to rearing status (P < 0.01) with twin but not single-rearing ewes responding. After two weeks, twin-rearing High ewes increased MILK ~50% relative to pre-treatment measures (P < 0.01) and remained elevated until week 4, while C or Low ewes showed no treatment response. Milk fat percent increased over lactation in all ewes (P < 0.01). These data indicate that only twin-rearing ewes were able to respond in milk synthesis to increased energy intake demonstrating that current feeding standards for twin-rearing ewes limit milk production.

Effect of body condition at calving and level of feeding in early lactation on milk production of dairy cows

1982 ◽  
Vol 22 (115) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Grainger ◽  
GD Wilhelms ◽  
AA McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Feeding Management ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Degree Of Confidence

Two experiments were carried out to measure effects of body condition at calving and different levels of feeding after calving on milk and subsequent reproduction.In experiment 1, which was conducted in two consecutive years, 162 cows (77 in year 1 and 85 in year 2) were group feed so as to reach a target body condition (condition scores ranging from 3-6) four weeks before calving. During the last four weeks before calving, all cows were managed so as to maintain their individual condition scores. At calving, cows in similar condition of similar breed and with similar previous milk production were allocated to high and low levels of feeding at pasture for the first five weeks of lactation. Mean pasture intakes were 13.0 and 7.0kg dry matter (DM)/cow.d in year 1 and 15.0 and 8.5 kg DM/cow.d in year 2In experiment 2, 40 cows were offered pasture and hay from 20 weeks before calving to achieve a body condition score of either 4 or 6 by two weeks before calving. During the first five weeks of lactation, cows were individually fed in stalls on freshly cut pasture at one of three levels of intake, 7 or 10 kg DM/cow.d or .In both experiments cows were grazed as one group from week 6 to 20 of lactation.Improved body condition at calving resulted in an extra 4.0, 11.0 and 7.4 kg milk fat per unit condition score over 20 weeks of lactation, for year 1 and 2 of experiment 1, and experiment 2, respectively. Cows in poorer condition partitioned a higher proportion of feed energy to liveweight at the expense of milk production than did the cows in better condition. However, increasing the plane of nutrition in early lactation resulted in higher levels of milk production and reduced the need for cows to mobilize bodyreserves. Improved body condition at calving had a positive effect on milk fat percentage, particularly in early lactation, but did not affect milk protein percentage. Input-output relations calculated from the experimental data showed that the benefit sf to improve body condition before calving was less than that of additional feeding after calvin changes in the condition of the cows were taken into consideration (25.8 vs 1 4.6 kg DM to yi kilogram of milkfat). Improvements in condition and feeding in early lactation reduced the anoestrus interval after calving by 5.7 d for each additional condition score at calving and 1. d for each additional kgDM/cow.d fed over weeks 1-5 of lactation. The input-output relations resented will enable farmers to assess the likely consequenes of changes in their feeding management in the crucial peripartum period with a greater degree of confidence than in the past.

EFFECT OF THE COW'S BODY CONDITION AND STAGE OF LACTATION ON DEVELOPMENT OF MILK RANCIDITY1

1970 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 339-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Ortiz ◽  
E. M. Kesler ◽  
G. H. Watrous ◽  
W. H. Cloninger
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Stage Of Lactation ◽  
Skeletal Size ◽  
Milk Flow ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Times

An objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between body condition of the dairy cow and susceptibility of milk to rancidity. Initial milk samples were obtained from 166 cows in Spring, 1969, and all animals were retested after an interval of two months. Additional observations included the effects of stage of lactation, level of milk production, and herd effects. Each cow was evaluated for body condition, at the times when milk samples were obtained, by a method based on measures of weight and skeletal size and by a subjective scoring system. Spontaneous rancidity of the milk fat was allowed to develop upon storage for 48 hr; and induced rancidity was brought about by controlled agitation. As measured by acid degree values (ADV) the treatments imposed on the milk samples were successful in simulating development of spontaneous and induced lipolysis of the milk fat. However, the magnitude of the ADV was not related to body condition score. It is concluded that in well-fed herds, such as those used in this experiment, body condition of the cow does not influence the susceptibility of her milk to rancidity. These data may not apply under conditions of poor feeding and management. Advancing stage of lactation was associated with increases in both spontaneous and induced rancidity. This was indicated by positive correlations between days in milk and ADV, and by significantly higher values in the second sampling period than in the first. There was a negative correlation between the amount of milk produced and ADV. This may have been related to the decline in milk flow which accompanied advancing lactation. An unexplained herd difference existed with respect to the susceptibility of milk to induced rancidity.

scholarly journals Responses to inclusion of fat of different saturation degrees in concentrates offered to lactating grazing cows

1969 ◽  
Vol 89 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 39-49
Author(s):  
José Pantoja ◽  
Paul Randel ◽  
Teodoro Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Saturation Level ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Fat Supplementation ◽  
Fat Saturation ◽  
Pre Treatment

Forty cows were supplemented with concentrate feed containing added fat with different degrees of saturation, offered individually twice daily at a rate of 0.5 kg/kg of milk produced. For two weeks, beginning the second week of lactation, they received a pre-treatment diet to obtain data for use in subsequent analyses of covariance. The cows were assigned to blocks according to parity (1st or ≥ 2nd), date of calving, previous milk production (multiparous) or milk production during the pre-treatment period (primiparous). For the 6-wk comparison period the cows were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: concentrate with no added fat (C); or with 5.9% fat from added tallow (T, low saturation level); a 50:50 mixture of tallow and partially hydrogenated tallow (T-PHT, intermediate saturation level); or all partially hydrogenated tallow (PHT, high saturation level). A forage dry matter intake of 5 kg/day was assumed for all treatments. The fat-supplemented diets partially replaced ground corn. Estimated net energy content of the experimental diets was 1.54 and 1.63 Meal NEL/kg for the control and fat supplemented diets, respectively. Daily intake of concentrate feed tended to be higher in the cows supplemented with fat (P = 0.09; 12.4, 13.1, 12.5 and 13.1 kg for C, T, T-PHT and PHT, respectively) and responded in a quadratic manner to the level of fat saturation (P < 0.05). The treatments did not significantly affect milk production (25.5, 24.9, 25.1 and 25.6 kg/day). Milk fat percentage was in general low and not affected by treatments (2.71, 2.69, 2.79, and 2.69%), whereas milk protein percentage tended (P = 0.09) to be lower in the fat-supplemented cows than in the control (2.87, 2.75, 2.74, and 2.69%). The partial efficiency of 4% fat-corrected milk production was not affected by fat supplementation (P > 0.05), but responded in a quadratic manner (P < 0.05) to level of fat saturation, reflecting the lower daily concentrate consumption in the cows supplemented with the T-PHT (1.61, 1.55, 1.77, 1.56 kg of milk/kg of concentrate intake, respectively). No differences were detected in visual body condition score of the cows on different treatments. Body weight change of the cows was not affected by fat supplementation; however, among those supplemented it tended (P = 0.07) to vary inversely with level of fat saturation. The inclusion of fat in the concentrate feed of cows under grazing conditions showed evidence of exerting beneficial effects on consumption of concentrates with minor effects on performance. 

scholarly journals Influence of Body Condition Score on Milk Production Parameters of Murrah Buffaloes

2020 ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
Anitha Alapati ◽  
Sarjan Rao Kapa ◽  
Suresh Jeepalyam
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Production Parameters ◽  
Murrah Buffaloes ◽  
Total Milk ◽  
Condition Score

The postpartum changes in Body Condition Score (BCS) studied from calving to four months of lactation in 40 Murrah buffaloes showed that BCS decreased from calving to two months of lactation and then gradually increased. Significant (P < 0.05) inverse relationship (r = -0.96) was observed between BCS and milk yield. The effect of BCS at calving (BCSc) on the milk production parameters were studied in 40 Murrah buffaloes divided into 4 groups of 10 buffaloes each based on BCSc (G1 – 2.5 to 2.99, G2- 3.0 to 3.49, G3- 3.5to 3.99 and G4- 4.0 to4.49). The total milk production (kg) upto 4 months of lactation, peak milk yield (kg), persistence, milk fat per cent, milk protein per cent and SNF per cent were 1030.93, 9.50, 1.65, 6.44, 3.39 and 8.99, respectively for G1 group, 1197.12, 11.60, 1.69, 7.54, 3.74 and 9.34 respectively for G2 group, 1658.67,16.50,1.77,8.62, 4.24 and 9.84, respectively for G3 and 1359.92, 13.75, 1.68, 9.37, 3.97 and 9.57, respectively for G4 group. Buffaloes of G3 group had significantly (p<0.01) more milk yield, peak milk yield, milk protein and SNF compared to the other groups where as buffaloes of G4 group had significantly (P<0.01) more milk fat.

Risk assessment of postpartum uterine disease and consequences of puerperal metritis for subsequent metabolic status, reproduction and milk yield in dairy cows

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
László Könyves ◽  
Ottó Szenci ◽  
Viktor Jurkovich ◽  
Lászlóné Tegzes ◽  
Attila Tirián ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Metabolic Status ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acid ◽  
Uterine Disease ◽  
Ovarian Activity ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Uterine Diseases

The objective of this study was to determine some metabolic and other factors predicting the risk of postpartum uterine disease (PUD), and the effects of puerperal metritis (PM) on metabolic status, reproduction and milk yield were analysed. A total of 105 Holstein-Friesian cows were included, and sampled on day < −14 prepartum and days 4, 10–14, 28–35 and 56–63 postpartum for metabolic tests. From day 4 the development of PUD, and from days 28–35 the ovarian activity was monitored. When grade ≥ 1 + ketonuria was present on day 4 postpartum, this indicated a higher probability of PUD [odds ratio (OR) 2.64; P < 0.05] including PM occurring on days 10–14 (OR: 2.65; P < 0.05). Plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations > 0.200 mmol/l on days < −14 prepartum indicated a higher risk of uterine diseases (OR: 3.44; P < 0.05). The odds of PUD increased, depending on whether a body condition score (BCS) loss of ≥ 1.0 occurred between days < −14 and 28–35 (OR: 2.82; P < 0.05), between days < −14 and 10–14 (OR: 4.79; P < 0.01) or between days 10–14 and 28–35 (OR: 10.81; P < 0.01). PM was more probable (OR: 27.3; P < 0.001) in cows with retained placenta. The risk of uterine diseases was lower in multiparous than in primiparous cows (OR: 0.29; P < 0.01). PM increased the risk of ovarian inactivity between days 28 and 35 (OR: 2.83; P < 0.05). Cows affected with PM (PM+ cows) showed lower milk production on day 4 (kg; P < 0.05) and lower milk production (P < 0.05), milk fat and milk protein production (kg; P < 0.01; P < 0.01) in the first 100 days of lactation than did PM− cows.

scholarly journals Supplementing Dairy Ewes Grazing Low Quality Pastures with Plant-Derived Oils and Rumen-Protected EPA+DHA Pellets Improves Lactation Traits and Body Condition Score

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quang V. Nguyen ◽  
Hung V. Le ◽  
Don V. Nguyen ◽  
Peter Nish ◽  
John R. Otto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Rice Bran Oil ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plant Oil ◽  
Condition Score

The Australian dairy sheep industry is small and mostly based on a natural grass grazing system which can limit productivity. The current study tested different plant oil-infused and rumen protected polyunsaturated fats and their interactions with sire breeds to improve lactation traits and body condition score (BCS) of ewes grazing low quality pastures. It was hypothesised that supplementing lactating ewe diets plant-derived polyunsaturated oils will improve milk production and composition without compromising BCS. Sixty ewes (n=10/treatment) in mid-lactation, balanced by sire breed, parity, milk yield, body condition score, and liveweight were supplemented with: 1) control: wheat-based pellets without oil inclusion; wheat-based pellets including 2) canola oil (CO); 3) rice bran oil (RBO); 4) flaxseed oil (FSO), 5); safflower oil (SFO) and 6) rumen protected fat containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (RPO).&nbsp; Except for the control group, all supplementary diets included the same level of 50 ml/kg DM of oil and all diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Experimental animals were grazed in the same paddock with ad libitum access to pasture, hay and water during the 10-week study. RPO was the most effective diet that enhanced milk, fat and protein yields by approximately 30, 13, and 31% respectively (P&lt;0.0001). Significant increase in milk production was also observed in CO, RBO, and SFO (P&lt;0.0001). Breed significantly influenced animal performance with higher milk yield recorded for crossbred Awassi x East Friesian (AW x EF) (578 g/day) vs purebred Awassi (452 g/day) (P&lt;0.0001). This study provides empirical evidence for the use of rumen-protected and plant-derived oil-infused pellets as supplements under low quality pasture grazing conditions, to improve production performance of purebred Awassi and crossbred AW x EF ewes.

scholarly journals Effects of dietary sunflower seeds on lactation performance and conjugated linoleic acid content of milk

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. He ◽  
P. S. Mir ◽  
K. A. Beauchemin ◽  
M. Ivan ◽  
Z. Mir
Keyword(s):  
Linoleic Acid ◽  
Conjugated Linoleic Acid ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Sunflower Seed ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Linoleic Acid Content ◽  
Cow Milk ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Condition Score

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration in milk and the lactation performance of cows fed either a control (CON) or a sunflower seed [SS; 7% of dietary dry matter (DM)] containing diet were compared in a 12-wk lactation trial, starting from week 3 after calving, with 17 multiparous and 8 primiparous cows. The CON and SS diets were isonitrogenous and provided 4 and 6% crude fat in the total mixed rations and were fed to 13 and 12 cows, respectively. Daily DM intake (DMI ), milk production and weekly body weights were recorded. Milk samples collected weekly at four consecutive milkings were individually analyzed for fat, protein and lactose content, and fatty acid composition. The DMI and milk production of the cows fed t he CON and SS diets were 20.5 ± 0.80 and 20.2 ± 0.80 kg d-1 (P > 0.05) and 38.2 ± 1.71 and 38.2 ± 1.71 kg d-1 (P > 0.05), respectively. No differences due to diet were observed for cow body weight, body condition score, or for content and yield of milk fat, protein and lactose. The CLA cis-9, trans-11 concentration in milk from cows fed the CON and SS diets was 3.9 and 7.9 mg g-1 fatty acids (P < 0.01), respectively. The average CLA cis-9, trans-11 yield in milk from cows fed CON and SS diets was 5.1 ± 0.07 and 10.9 ± 0.07 g d-1, respectively, or 114% greater (P < 0.05) for cows fed the SS diet. The study indicates that sunflower seed inclusion at 7% of dietary DM to dairy cows increases the CLA concentration and yield in milk, without affecting DMI, milk production or composition. Key words: Conjugated linoleic acids, cow, milk, sunflower seed

scholarly journals Effect of UMMB Supplementation during Winter on the Milk Production and Its Composition and Infertility in Dairy Cattle in Hill Management Production System

1970 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 71-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chet Raj Upreti ◽  
Bashanta Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Binaya Ghimire
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Rice Straw ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Management System ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Jersey Cows

Two groups, each containing 10 lactating cross bred Jersey cows were used to evaluate their feeding response on their milk production level and its quality in the mid hill’s livestock production and management system. Ten infertile Jersey cows were also selected for infertility study. The objective of the study was to evaluate on the response of Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) feed supplements in two management systems on the milk production, composition, and correction in infertility problem. Two sites of different management system, namely Saaradabatase and Naala in Kavrepalanchok district, were used to conduct the research for two years. Research was conducted during winter from February to April 2007 and 2008 for 60 with 7 days adjustment period in each site. Ten lactating dairy cows were supplemented with UMMB and ten without UMMB for 30 days. In each location, both groups were recorded for their milk yield and milk quality (milk fat and SNF %). After 30 days, group A was stopped to offer block group and B was started to supplement UMMB for 30 days. Two kg blocks were fed in UMMB feeder (wooden made) to control the intake. In Ugrachandi Nala site i.e site A 25% green grass was offered. But in Saaradabatase, site B, rice straw was used as basal diet with or without small amount of green grass as per availability. Among the total 8 repeatedly breeding Jersey cattle, 25% i.e. 2 animals, came into heat and conceived due to the positive effect of UMMB. Body condition score was improved from 3.5 to 4 due to the effect of UMMB supplementation. A simple economical calculation was done to find out the net income. A net daily profit of NRs 10.77 per animal in Saaradabatase and NRs 5.96 in Nala was recorded with the UMMB fed group compared to control group. Study has concluded that UMMB as a feed supplement in the mid hill management is economical for winter feeding. UMMB supplementation is one of the means to correct infertility problem and for better condition score in dairy cattle. Key words: infertility; management system; milk production; rice straw; UMMB DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4126Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 71-78

Effects of level of feeding of concentrates during early lactation on the yield and composition of milk from grazing dairy cows with varying body condition score at calving

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Stockdale
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Grazing Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition Scores

An experiment was undertaken to establish the influence of body condition at calving on milk production and composition using diets typical of those currently used in Victoria. Seventy-two cows were fed differently from April 2001 to achieve target body condition scores (BCS) by 1 month before calving of about 4�(3.5–4.5), 5 (4.5–5.5) or 6 (5.5–6.5) units on an 8-point scale. The actual mean BCS at calving for the 3 treatments were 3.8, 5.2 and 5.7 units (P<0.05). After calving, cows grazed at pasture allowances of about 35 kg DM/cow.day and received 1 of 2 levels of supplementation (1 or 6 kg DM of pelleted concentrates per day) for about the first 10�weeks of lactation. The low BCS cows lost less body condition (0.35 v. 1.27 units; P<0.05) for a shorter period (4.8 v. 7.9 weeks; P<0.05) than did the medium and high BCS cows. The low BCS cows also ate more pasture than the other 2 BCS groups, but only when expressed as a percentage of liveweight (2.91 v. 2.73%; P<0.05). Improvements in BCS at calving resulted in higher milk fat percentages in early lactation (3.31% for low BCS cows v. 3.60% for the 2 higher BCS groups; P<0.05), while milk protein and lactose were not affected (P>0.05). At the lower level of feeding in early lactation, milk production increased (P<0.05) linearly as BCS at calving increased, by 1.0 kg milk per unit of body condition per day. However, when energy intake was increased by feeding 6 kg of concentrates, milk production increased as body condition increased (P<0.05) from the low to medium BCS, but there was no significant benefit beyond the medium BCS. Therefore, the hypothesis, that providing that cows are fed well with grazed pasture supplemented with high-energy concentrates in early lactation, BCS at calving will have no effect on subsequent milk production, was at least partially disproved, and it may be that it is never possible for cows at pasture to be sufficiently well fed.

scholarly journals Supplementing Dairy Ewes Grazing Low Quality Pastures with Plant-Derived and Rumen-Protected Oils Containing Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Pellets Increases Body Condition Score and Milk, Fat, and Protein Yields

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Quang Nguyen ◽  
Hung Le ◽  
Don Nguyen ◽  
Peter Nish ◽  
John Otto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Eicosapentaenoic Acid ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plant Oil ◽  
Condition Score

The Australian dairy sheep industry is small and mostly based on a natural grass grazing system, which can limit productivity. The current study tested different plant oil-infused and rumen protected polyunsaturated fats and their interactions with sire breeds to improve lactation traits and body condition scores (BCS) of ewes grazing low quality pastures. It was hypothesised that supplementing lactating ewe’s diets with plant-derived polyunsaturated oils would improve milk production and composition without compromising BCS. Sixty ewes (n = 10/treatment) in mid-lactation, balanced by sire breed, parity, milk yield, body condition score, and liveweight, were supplemented with: (1) control: wheat-based pellets without oil inclusion; wheat-based pellets including; (2) canola oil (CO); (3) rice bran oil (RBO); (4) flaxseed oil (FSO); (5); safflower oil (SFO); and (6) rumen protected marine oil containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (RPO). Except for the control group, all supplementary diets included the same level of 50 mL/kg DM of oil and all diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Experimental animals were grazed in the same paddock with ad libitum access to pasture, hay, and water during the 10-week study. RPO was the most effective diet that enhanced milk, fat, and protein yields by approximately 30%, 13%, and 31%, respectively (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in milk production was also observed with CO, RBO, and SFO treatments (p < 0.0001). Breed significantly influenced animal performance with higher milk yields recorded for crossbred Awassi × East Friesian (AW × EF) (578 g/day) vs. purebred Awassi (452 g/day) (p < 0.0001). This study provides empirical evidence for the use of rumen-protected and plant-derived oil-infused pellets as supplements under low quality pasture grazing conditions to improve the production performance of purebred Awassi and crossbred AW × EF ewes.

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