Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Victoria CONSTANTIN, Livia VIDU, Ion RADUCUTA, Rodica CHETROIU, Roxana STEFAN (VASILIU), Mihaela Florentina SIMION, Monica Paula MARIN
The prepartum period (last 4-6 weeks of gestation) and the postpartum period (first 6-8 weeks after calving) are critical for the success of lactation. Sheep require adequate nutrition for optimal lamb development, preparation of the mammary glands for lactation, avoidance of metabolic problems (ketosis, hypocalcemia). A stimulation diet must provide: sufficient energy (through quality hay, organic cereals), good quality proteins (alfalfa, forage legumes, organic soybeans), essential vitamins and minerals (vitamin E, selenium, calcium, phosphorus). The aim of this study was to monitor the effect of administering a feed complex prepared in an organic dairy sheep farm and a supplement of organic concentrates and vitamin-mineral premix to determine the increase in production and quality of milk produced. Organically raised ewes fed with peripartum and postpartum stimulation diets achieved significantly higher milk production compared to ewes not receiving supplementary feed, the differences being highly statistically significant. The values of the physicochemical parameters analyzed in milk from ewes with supplementary feed indicated an improvement in milk quality, with an optimal milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, casein).
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