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Nutrient adequacy during late gestation and early lactation in ewes is critical for reproductive success, metabolic adaptation, and neonatal vitality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of flushing concentrates containing different fatty acid sources administered during late gestation on reproductive performance, colostrum composition, neonatal behavior, and blood metabolites of ewes and lambs. Fifteen ewes at the fourth month of gestation (35.70 ± 5.32 kg) were assigned to a randomized block design based on body weight to three treatments: R1 (palm oil; rich in palmitic acid, saturated fatty acids), R2 (lemuru fish oil; rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and R3 (soybean oil; rich in linoleic and α-linolenic acids, UFA). The flushing diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous, with equivalent omega-3 levels in treatments R2 and R3, and were provided during 2–3 weeks of late gestation and 2 weeks of early lactation. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s test. The fat source of each diet did not significantly affect litter size, birth weight, sex ratio, and colostrum composition. Colostrum yield was affected by treatments (p<0.05), with the highest udder volume in R1 and exhibited higher IgG levels (10%) in R2. The mean plasma concentrations of glucose and cholesterol in ewes were within normal ranges, indicating sufficient metabolic adaptation. Lambs from ewes fed the UFA diet stood earlier (p<0.05), but suckling time was not affected. In conclusion, flushing concentrate supported normal reproductive performance, metabolic status, and neonatal vitality in ewes. The lack of significant differences among fatty acid sources suggests that UFA did not confer additional benefits, likely due to ruminal biohydrogenation.

This study was conducted in two experiments with the objectives: (1) to evaluate nutrient intake, physiological status, and performance of pre-weaning goat kids fed with milk replacer containing cricket meal, and (2) to evaluate nutrient intake, rumen fermentation characteristics, blood profiles, and production performance of post-weaning etawah crossbred goats fed with cricket meal as a substitution of soybean meal. Twelve pre-weaning goat kids (3.78±0.50 kg BW) were divided into 3 treatments (4 replicates per treatment), i.e., kids fed with goat milk (GM), cow milk (CM), and milk replacer containing cricket meal (MR). In the second experiment, 12 post-weaning goats (12-14 kg BW) were fed with 3 dietary treatments, i.e., control ration (CM-0), ration containing 15% cricket meal (CM-15), and ration containing 30% cricket meal (CM-30). Parameters measured during 2 months observations were nutrient intake, physiological status, fermentation profiles, blood profiles, and performance. Both experiments used a completely randomized design. Results showed that there were no significant differences in physiological status parameters in pre-weaning goat kids fed with GM, CM or MR. The performance of kids fed with GM was significantly higher (120 g/d) than those fed with CM and MR treatments (p<0.05). In the second experiment, results showed that fat intake in CM-30 was higher than the other treatments (p<0.05), meanwhile dry matter and nutrient intakes were similar. The average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and rumen fermentation profiles were similar in all treatments. It is concluded that cricket meal can be used in milk replacer without any negative effect on health status. CM-30 ration has good palatability without any negative effect on the rumen fermentation profiles.

This study evaluated the effect of a flushing diet containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from lemuru fish oil in ewe ration on colostrum quality and lamb performance. Twenty Garut ewes were divided into four treatments of flushing concentrate: control concentrate (P1), flushing concentrate containing 6% palm oil (P2), flushing concentrate containing 3% lemuru oil and 3% palm oil (P3), flushing concentrate containing 6% lemuru oil (P4). The animal consumed Napier grass and concentrate with a diet ratio of 30%:70% based on dry matter. The experimental ewes were fed flushing rations two weeks before and two weeks after mating continued with 2 weeks before and two weeks after lambing. The ewes and their lambs were put together until weaning time with around two months. The parameters observed in ewes were nutrient consumption and their colostrum qualities. Meanwhile, the lamb parameters measured were nutrient consumption, lamb blood metabolites at birth, and lamb performance. The experimental design used a randomized blocked design (RBD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan test was used to analyze data. The results showed that treatment did not significantly affect dry matter consumption in ewe and lamb, ewe’s colostrum quality, and lamb’s blood metabolites. However, the treatment significantly improved (p<0.05) average daily gain and weaning weights of lambs. In conclusion, the flushing ration did not affect the quality of colostrum produced. Feeding of experimental ewes 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after mating continued with 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after parturition with flushing rations of 6% lemuru oil containing EPA and DHA can produce twin lambs with good growth performances such as daily gain and weaning weight similar to the control, which has single litter size.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets with different energy sources on physiological responses in sheep. This study used 16 sheep which were allocated into completely randomized block design with four treatments and four replicates. The treatments were T1 = Ration contained forages 100%, T2 = Ration contained forages 40% + concentrate 30% + cassava flour 30%, T3 = Ration contained forages 40% + concentrate 50.3% + palm oil 9.7%, and T4 = Ration contained forages 40% + concentrate 50.3% + canola oil 9.7%. The variables measured were rectal temperature, respiration rate, heart rate, hematocrit, water intake and fecal dry matter. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and any significant results were further tested using Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed that different energy sources in the diet significantly affected (p<0.05) respiration rate, but did not affect heart rate, rectal temperature, water intake, fecal dry matter and hematocrit value. It is concluded that cassava flour increase respiration rate of sheep higher than those supplemented with palm oil and canola oil. There are no differences in other physiological responses among the three treatments.

This research aimed to analyze the effect of different level crude protein (CP) rations on estrus characteristics, percentage of gestation, hematological profile, and blood metabolites of Garut ewes. This study used 20 Garut ewes (I1-I2) with an average body weight of 36.37 ± 4.04 kg and 4 Dorper male sheep. This study used a randomized block design (RBD) with 2 treatments and 5 groups. The treatments used were P0 = grass+commercial concentrate (60:40) with 11% CP and P1 = grass+standardized concentrate (60:40) with 14% CP. Variables measured were estrus characteristics, number of fetuses, percentage of gestation, hematology (erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and leukocyte differentiation), and blood metabolites (glucose, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and cholesterol). Data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. The results showed that the use of ration with protein level 14% significantly decreased (P<0.05) vulvar temperature, but tended to increase (P<0.1) vulvar mucus. Vulvar color and shape were relatively similar between treatments. Higher levels of CP significantly increased (P<0.05) hemoglobin, hematocrit, total protein, and albumin levels in gestation sheep. Feeding ration with 14% crude protein can increase the percentage of successful gestation from 70% to 90% and improve hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in Garut ewes.

Energy has an important role in metabolic processes. Dietary energy sources can be in the form of carbohydrates or fat. This study aimed to elaborate the performance and blood metabolites of ewes fed cassava, palm oil or canola oil. Sixteen ewes were divided into four groups of four treatments, namely T1 = 100% grass; T2 = 40% grass + 30% concentrate + 30% cassava; T3 = 40% grass + 50.3% concentrate + 9.7% palm oil; T4 = 40% grass + 50.3% concentrate + 9.7% canola oil. Randomized block design was used and data were analyzed using analysis of variance and any differences were furthered tested by Duncan multiple range test. The results showed that feeding with different energy sources significantly (P<0.05) had a significant effect on feed consumption and digestibility, weight gain, and feed utilization efficiency. The feed consumption of 100% grass ration (T1) was significantly higher than the other treatments. Diet with 30% cassava (T2) had significantly different feed digestibility and performance from the 100% grass and oil treatment. The blood cholesterol content of sheep fed with oil (T3 and T4) was higher than that given 100% grass (T1) and 30% cassava (T2). However, there were no differences among the treatment on blood glucose and protein concentration. It is concluded that the provision of 30% cassava resulted in better sheep performance and lower blood cholesterol levels compared to feeding with an energy source in the form of oil.

Indonesia has many types of plants that have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants. This study aims to characterize natural sources of antioxidants from five plants species: jackfruit leaves, turmeric, black tea, soursop peels, and aloe vera. The method used involved an analysis of phytochemicals in the form of polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids. As well as analysis of antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. The data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Duncan’s test. Based on these data, the highest yields were found in jackfruit leaves, turmeric, black tea, and aloe vera (P<0.05), while the lowest yields were found in soursop peels. Based on phytochemical data, the highest total phenol was found in jackfruit leaves and soursop skin (P<0.05). While the highest flavonoid content was found in black tea and aloe vera (P<0.05), and the highest tannin content was found in black tea and soursop skin. Based on the method of measuring antioxidant activity, it was found that jackfruit leaves and black tea had the highest antioxidant activity.

Starch is an important nutrient in ruminants as an energy source. Utilizing organic acids to reduce starch bioavailability offers a safer approach to sustainable ruminant health and productivity. However, the inconsistent results obtained from published studies necessitate integration through meta-analysis to determine the actual effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of reducing starch bioavailability using organic acids on rumen fermentation and ruminant performance by meta-analysis. Hedges’ meta-analysis was conducted by using a random effect. A total of 14 articles were selected from the Scopus platform, with 23 comparative studies. This meta-analysis revealed that starch modification using organic acids influenced rumen fermentation. In vitro studies demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.01) in rumen pH and a reduction in ammonia (NH3) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) levels (p<0.01). Partial VFA components, including butyrate, iso-butyrate, valerate, and iso-valerate, also showed significant decreases (p<0.01). Total protozoa also obtained a significant decrease (p<0.001). Moreover, in vivo trials indicated ruminant performance with increased milk fat content (p<0.05). In conclusion, the intervention of organic acids for reducing the bioavailability starch in rumen is effectively optimizes rumen health by maintaining fermented products within the normal range and increasing ruminant productivity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary Lemuru fish oil (LFO) and palm oil (PO) on the blood lipid and fatty acids profile in broiler chicken meat. A total of 200 day-old chick broiler chickens were fed four different diets. T0 = ration containing 0% LFO + 3% PO; T1 = ration containing 1% LFO + 2% PO; T2 = ration containing 2% LFO + 1% PO; and T3 = ration containing 3% LFO + 0% PO. The study found a significant increase (P<0.05) in omega-3 levels in broiler meat after consuming a diet containing 1% LFO, 2% PO, and 3% LFO. The levels of triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and omega-6 in broiler meat were not significantly different. The concentration of omega-3 in broiler meat can be raised by feeding up to 3% LFO.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of vitamin E (vit E) and black tea extract (BTE) as antioxidant sources in high poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) rations on blood malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and the performance of reproduction and lactation of Garut ewes. Twelve ewes on late pregnancy periods were divided into completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 4 replicates. The treatments were control: basal diet without antioxidant, vit E: basal diet supplemented with vit E, and BTE: basal diet supplemented with BTE. The results showed that vit E and BTE supplementation did not affect blood MDA concentration of ewes on late pregnancy, lactation periods, and weaning periods. Antioxidant sources supplementation had no effect on ewe’s nutrient intake, pre-lambing live weight change (LWC), and post-lambing average daily gain (ADG). Vit E supplementation had decreased the milk production, but both of antioxidant sources give positive effect on the milk composition. Nevertheless, the supplementation of vit E and BTE increased the twin type of birth. The vit E supplementation resulted higher lambing rate than BTE, although it had the highest mortality rate of twin lamb. BTE also had better lamb weaning weight than vit E. BTE and vit E gave similar results in ewes productivity on lactation period. In conclusion, this study confirmed that BTE was more effective used as antioxidant source than vit E to prevent the oxidative reaction of PUFA. Vit E supplementation on high PUFA ration reduced ewes milk production but it had similar reproduction performance with BTE.