Journal of Fisheries & Livestock Production
Open Access

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of different levels of BioSaf probiotic (yeast based) in diet containing medium concentrate (65%) on performance, carcass characteristics and blood factors of Zandi lambs, 27 male weaned lambs (29.9�±0.28 kg, 90�±5 days) were allocated to one of three treatment diets in a completely randomized design, including: Basal diet without probiotics (Control, C); Basal diet supplemented with 3 g probiotic per lamb (Low Probiotic, LP); Basal diet supplemented with 4.5 g probiotic per lamb (High Probiotic, HP). Basal diet was containing 2.59 MCal/Kg ME and 15.5% crude protein. Lambs live weights were measured at the beginning of the experiment and every two weeks interval. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily. Water consumption offered ad lib. Blood sample were collected at the beginning of the trial, 42 and 84 days and analyzed for total protein, globulin, albumin, BUN, white blood cells and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio according to standard methods. At the end of experiment three lambs from each treatment were slaughtered, carcass characteristics were recorded and meat samples were taken between 9 to 11 ribs. Result shown DMI was unaffected by treatments (P>0.05). ADG was greater in HP group at first 4 weeks but total ADG was unaffected among treatment. Carcass traits and chemical composition of meat were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). Blood parameters were not significantly different among treatments (P>0.05) except BUN and total protein on 84 day which was highest in control group (P<0.05). It is concluded that addition of probiotic at the dose 3 gr/lamb is enough to enhanced growth performance, carcass characteristics and immune response of Zandi lambs.

Biography

Najafgholi Dabiri has completed his PhD from Massey University, New Zealand in 1994 and had a sabbatical leave in Cornell University in 2000. He has published more than 50 papers in Persian and English journals and has been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Journal of Agriculture. He had several administration activities in Chamran and Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources Universities and is currently a Professor of Animal Science in Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch.

Email: Najdabiri@hotmail.com