Effects of Saponins on Rumen Fermentation, Nutrients Digestibility, Performance, and Plasma Metabolites in Sheep and Goat Kids.

ABSTRACT

Aims: Two in vivo experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of saponins on rumen fermentation, plasma metabolites, nutrients digestibility, and performance in small ruminant. Study Design: In the experiment 1, three Baluchi sheep (48± 4.3 kg, body weight) were randomly assigned to three experimental diets in a 3×3 Latin square design to determine the effects of saponins on digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics and plasma metabolites. Saponins were added at levels of 0, 100 and 200 mg/kg dry matter intake to diet. In the experiment 2, eighteen Saanen kids (6–7-month) were used in a completely randomized design to determine the effects of saponins on ruminal fermentation, plasma metabolites, and body measurements. Saponins were added at levels of 0, 36 and 54 mg/kg dry matter intake. Place and Duration of Study The trials were conducted at the Research Farm of Agriculture Faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran), between February 2011 and October 2011.