In order to use olive pulp as alternate source for cheap energy in the new reclaimed lands in Egypt, two experiments were carried out. In the 1st experiment, 18 pregnant Awassi ewes (at 6-8 weeks before the expected date of parturition) were divided into three equal groups. The 1st group (control) was fed on concentrate feed mixture, soybean meal and rice straw. The 2nd and 3rd groups received 20% and 40% of their TDN requirements (control diet) as olive pulp (OP).
In the 2nd experiment, 12 lambs were divided randomly into two equal groups of 6 each. The 1st group (control) was fed on concentrate feed mixture, soybean meal and rice straw, while group 2 received 25% of TDN requirements as OP.
The obtained results could be summarized as follows:
In experiment 1, there were no significant effects on birth weight and body weight (at 1st and 2nd months) of Awassi lambs due to feeding their mothers on OP up to 40% of their nutrient requirements. However, lambs body weight (BW) at the 3rd month, weaning weight (WW), daily weight gain (DWG) and daily milk yield during suckling period were reduced significantly in ewes fed 40% olive pulp whereas changes in these traits when OP was given at level of 20% were not significant. Milk intake per lamb was significantly correlated with total weight gain, DWG and WW.
In experiment 2, DWG and feed efficiency and adrenal, liver and kidney functions as well as serum total protein, albumin and globulin did not change significantly by feeding the growing lambs 25% OP of their TDN requirements. However, blood total lipids and cholesterol increased significantly (P<0.05) by 15 and 23%, respectively in growing lambs fed 25% OP than the control group.
It could be concluded that olive pulp could be used efficiently up to 20% of the recommended requirements for growing, pregnant and lactating sheep without any adverse effects on their health, productivity or reproductivity.