ABSTRACT
This study was performed to investigate the effect of using Echinacea extract, as
immuno-stimulating feed additive, on milk production, milk composition, udder health and
immune response of Zaraibi goats. Milk samples were collected at mid-lactation from half udder
of Zaraibi goats flock. Animals with high somatic cell counts (SCC > 1.5 × 10-6) were diagnosed
as sub-clinically infected with mastitis. Forty lactating does were chosen out of the flock and
grouped equally (20 does in each) according to health status of the udder. Each group was
divided into 2 sub- groups (A and B) as healthy and (C and D) as infected. Immulant pills
containing Echinacea purpurea extract were given orally once daily over two weeks to the does
in groups B and C (525 mg/day) and twice daily to the does in group D (1050 mg/ day). Milk
and blood samples were collected from all animals before, during and after the treatment.
Results showed that the overall LS mean of log SCC in infected does (6.2) was
significantly higher than that in non-infected one (5.8). Log SCC decreased significantly during
supplementation with Echinacea extract. LSM of milk protein, total solid and solid not fat%
were significantly affected by parity number with the highest levels observed in the sixth parity.
LSM of fat, protein, total solid and solid not fat % were significantly higher in milk of does
received different doses of Echinacea extract (B, C and D) than those of the control group (A).
However, their levels remained within the normal ranges recorded for goats.
Serum albumin and γ-globulin levels were significantly affected by health status of
udder half and supplementation with Echinacea extract. All treated groups (B, C and D) showed
higher globulin level during the experimental period than the non-treated group. Serum total
protein and globulin levels increased significantly at the 2nd week during the treatment.
Electrophoresis pattern of goats' serum total protein showed that changes of serum γ-globulin
levels were parallel to those of serum total protein and globulin.
The use of Echinacea extract as immuno-stimulating feed additive to achieve beneficial
changes in health of the mammary gland, improves goat immune response, and improves the
hygienic and health- promoting quality of milk is recommended. The results suggest the use of
the lower level of Echinacea extract (525 mg/day/ head) in order to get better economic return.