ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was carried out to investigate the effect of
using bee bread extract (BBE) as feed additive on productive a
performance as milk yield and its composition of maternal goats during
suckling period. As well as the growth performance of suckling kids and
immunity status were studied. Eighteen Zaraibi goats averaged post–
partum live body weight (LBW) 38.73 kg and aged 3-4 years as well as a
number of born kids (twin) were divided randomly into three similar
groups, where each one was allocated on the following dietary
treatments. The control ration (T1) consisted of concentrate feed mixture
(CFM) 70% + roughage 30% were the roughage portion was consisted
of 25% berseem hay (BH) + 5% rice straw (RS), according to NRC
(2007), with 5.0 ml of distilled water / head / daily throughout 90 -d.
trial period. While the second and third groups (T2 and T3) were
received the same control ration plus orally a dose of BBE 2.5 and 5.0 ml
/ head / daily throughout the trial period days, respectively. Results
showed that the all digestibility coefficients and nutritive value as TDN
and DCP for T3 or T2 were significant (P < 0.05) improved as compared
with the T1 (control ration). Also, animals received BBE (T3 or T2)
recorded higher (P < 0.05) average changes of body weight, BCS of
maternal goats and enhance (P < 0.05) fed conversion and daily gain of
their kids, milk yield and its components, classification of
immunoglobulins in suckling milk, some blood serum parameters and
economic efficiency than those the control ration (T1). However,
differences were not significant (P>0.05) for both T3 and T2 among
them. The present study indicate that the animals fed BBE as fed
additives (T3 or T2) at concentrations of 2.5 and 5.0 ml / daily during
critical period of suckling months could be caused positively effect on
productive performance, suckling milk yield and it quality which
reflected on health and growth rate of kids.