ABSTRACT
This study carried out to investigate the effect of using Echinacea extract as natural supplement on improvement of immune response and performance of Zaraibi does and their kids. Zaribi does, at the last month of pregnancy, were divided into 3 groups (A, B and C).Group A was kept as control, while Echinacea purpurea extract (as pills)were given orally once daily till kidding to goats in group B (350 mg/ day/ head) and C (525 mg/ day/ head).
Results showed that milk yield throughout the suckling period (12 weeks) were significantly higher in treated does of groups B and C (21.05 and 21.63 kg, respectively) than in the control group A (19.81 kg).
Body weight of kids born from treated does in groups B and C were significantly heavier during suckling (1- 12 weeks) than kids of the control group, where kids in-group C had the highest body weight. Moreover, male kids were significantly heavier than the female ones.
Concentrations of milk albumin and globulin were significantly higher in treated does in-group C compared to those in group A and B. Milk total protein and globulin tended to increase during the first 3 days of suckling, reaching the highest levels after 24 hours. Moreover, concentration of serum globulin of kids born from treated does in group C were significantly higher than those in groups A and B, while serum total protein levels were significantly higher in both treated groups than in the control ones. Milk globulin level was significantly of positive correlation with milk total protein, while serum total protein and globulin levels for kids were positively correlated to those in doe' milk. Treated doe of groups B and C had significantly higher globulin concentrations (4.68 g/ml) than control group (A, 4.32 g/ml) during suckling. Moreover, serum globulin for kids positively correlated with total protein and followed the same previous trend. Results also showed that kids in- group C had the highest levels of total protein and globulin comparing to other groups. Serum glucose level in Zaraibi kids was not significantly differed among groups (A, B and C), while, its level significantly affected by weeks. All kids showed a drop in glucose levels at week 6 (42 days) followed by an increase at weeks 7 and 8 (49 and 56 days, respectively).
In conclusion, the use of Echinacea extract as immuno-stimulating additive considered useful for improving goat immune response and kid's growth performance. Prenatal supplementation of Zaraibi goats ration with 525 mg /day/head of Echinacea extract are recommended for improving goats immune response and performance, as healthy does produced good colostrum rich in protein and immunoglobulin.