EFFECT OF ADDING GINGER POWDER OR GINGER OIL ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EWES DURING LACTATION PERIOD

This experiment was carried out at Research Station of Maryout belonging to Desert Research Center to assess the effect of ginger forms (Zingiber officinale) on productive performance, rumen and blood parameters of Barki ewes. Forty Barki ewes at last pregnant stage, aged 3-4 year and average weighed 40.47 kg ± 0.99, were fed concentrate mixture and alfalfa hay (as traditional ration) and divided into four equal groups. 1st group (T1) fed traditional ration without any supplementation as control group, the 2nd (T2) and 3rd (T3) groups fed control ration with 3 or 6 gm. Ginger powder (GP)/head/day, respectively. The 4st (T4) fed control ration plus 2 ml/head/days of ginger oil (GO). Rations offered were adjusted according to ewe's weight and nutrient requirements. Results revealed that treatments had no significant effect on live body weight changes and total dry matter intake. Milk yield affect significantly (P<0.05) of adding ginger forms. T2 (Low GP) recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of milk production compared to experimental groups and control which recorded the lowest value. Experimental treatments significantly (P<0.05) affect milk fat and total soiled percentage. Ewes in T2 (3 gm. GP/h/d.) group recorded the highest values of milk component except fat. Feeding ewes on experimental treated rations led to decrease saturated fatty acids (C 12:0 and C16:0), While, the experimental groups (except T2) insignificantly increased milk unsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids. Treatments of ginger forms insignificantly affect pH and total volatile fatty acids. While, T4 decreased (P<0.05) ammonia concentration and protozoa population compared to other groups. Results of blood biochemical were differ significantly (P<0.05) as affected by experimental treatments. T3 recorded the highest values of total proteins and globulin as compared to other groups. Total lipids and triglyceride values were higher for T4 than other groups. Data of lamb's performance showed that birth and weaning weights of kids didn’t appear any significant differences among groups. On the other hand, T3 and T2 lambs recorded the highest (P<0.05) daily gain. Finally, T3 was better economic evaluation than other groups, where recoded the best feed conversion and net revenue for farmers.