1Sylvo-Pastoral Institute of Tabarka, University of Jandouba, BP. no 345, Tabarka, 8110, Tunisia
2Higher School of Agriculture of Mateur, University of Carthage, 7030, Mateur, Tunisia
*Corresponding Author: H. Selmi, Sylvo-Pastoral Institute of Tabarka, University of Jandouba, BP. no 345, Tabarka, 8110, Tunisia, Email: houcine_selmi@live.fr
Online published on 27 August, 2020.
The effect of Moringa oleifera essential oils supplementation on milk quality and fatty acid profile was studied in Sicilo-sarde sheep. Twenty-four Sicilo-Sarde ewes were divided into three homogeneous groups (8 animals per group): the control (C), O-M1 and O-M2 groups. The control group (C) received a basal diet of oats hay with complementation to the reason of 500 g/ewe/day of concentrate feed. While, ewes of the experimental batches (O-M1 and O-M2) received further to the basal diet and concentrate, 0.3 ml and 0.6 ml of Moringa oleifera essential oil (EO), respectively. The performance of the milk has been assigned (P<0.01) by the incorporation of essential oils (EO) of Moringa oleifera and the dose. The Fat content was significantly high (P<0.01) in favor of the group O-M2, while the protein content was statistically comparable (P>0.05) for the three groups. The concentration of urea nitrogen of the milk has been affected by the presence and the dose of EO of Moringa oleifera (P<0.01) in favor of the control group. Milk saturated fatty acids decreases (P<0.01) with the dose of EO, while PUFA, CLA and UFA/SFA were higher for the group (O-M2) (P<0.01). The supplementation of the essential oils of Moringa oleifera has improved milk production and quality of Sicilo-Sarde ewes during lactation period.
Essential oil, Milk, Moringa oleifera, Sheep
