EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RUMINALL Y UNDEGRADABLE PROTEIN SOURCES ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RAMS

El-Harairy,, M. A.; EI-Saidy, B. E.; Abdel-Khalek, A. E.; Abou Ammou, Faten M.

doi:10.21608/jappmu.2002.255890

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RUMINALL Y UNDEGRADABLE PROTEIN SOURCES ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RAMS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University.

² Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

³ Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/jappmu.2002.255890

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of 50%
concentrate feed mixture protein (CFM) by either Nigel/a sativa meal protein (NSM) or
fish meal protein (FM) as plant and animal protein sources, respectively, on
reproductive performance of rams. A total of 15 sexually mature Rahmani x Finn rams
was divided into three groups, five animals in each. The 1^s^t group was fed berseem
hay ad libitum along with concentrate feed mixture' (Control). In the 2^nd and 3'd group,
SO% of CFM protein was replaced by equal amount of protein from NSM or FM,
respectively. Two successive semen ejaculates were collected twice weekly for two
months as a preliminary period and also throughout a main collection period of three
months. Semen physical characteristics were determin,d and total sperm output was
calculated in the collected fresh semen. Sexual behavior of each ram was evaluated
over 30 minutes once monthly through the entire length of the experimental period
using an induced oestral ewe. Relative testicular volume was measured and monthly
blood samples were taken for testosterone determination in blood plasma. ReslJts
show that ejaculate volume increased (P<O.OS) by about 29 and 34% in FM and
NSM, respectively. Sperm cell concentration increased significantly (P<O.OS) only in
FM group by about 3% and insignificantly about 2.3% in NSM group as compared to
the control group. Percentages of sperm motility, live sperm and sperm abnormality
improved (P<O.OS) in the two groups as compared to the control one. Total sperm
output, normal and live sperm output Significantly (P<O.OS) increased by about 33.S,
34.8 and 36.7% in rams fed FM diet and about 36.8,38.4 and 39.0% in rams fed
NSM diet. respectively, as compared to the control rams. No significant differences
were found among treated groups in the number of mounts, number of ejaculates and
in the reaction time. Rams fed FM and NSM needed longer (P<O.OS) time to be
exhausted than the controls by about 1S and 22.4%, respectively. Rams fed NSM ~d
the highest (P<O.OS) values of testosterone concentration (1.09S ng/ml) in blood
plasma, followed by FM group (0.690 nglml). The lowest values, however, were
recorded in the control (0.588 ng/ml).
In conclusion, the obtained results indicated beneficial effects of feeding
rams on NSM and FM on their reproductive performances.

Keywords