Effect of supplementation with vegetable oil on performance of lactating Awassi ewes, growth of their lambs and on fatty acid profile of milk and blood of lambs

The present study investigated the effects of supplementing soybean oil (SBO) and sunflower oil (SFO) on the performance of early lactating Awassi ewes, growth of their sucking lambs and on the concentration of total fatty acids in milk and blood of suckling lambs. One hundred and twenty five ewes were randomly assigned into five equal sized treatment groups involved; a control total mixed ration (TMR) without added oil and four diets supplemented with 3 % SBO, 5 % SBO, 3 % SFO or 5 % SFO. Milk yield increased (P<0.05) in ewes fed 3 % SBO and 5 % SFO compared to control ewes. Milk protein content increased (P<0.05) in 3 % SBO, 3 % SFO and 5 % SFO groups in comparison to the control and 5 % SBO groups, whereas crude protein yield increased ((P<0.05) in 3 % and 5 % SFO groups compared to the control group. Plasma content of cholesterol in lamb was increased (P<0.05), while that of triglycerides was reduced (P<0.05). Supplementation with both oils reduced (P<0.05) short and medium chain fatty acids in milk fat but increased (P<0.05) C16:0, C17:1 and C18:0 content in milk fat. Supplementation also increased (P<0.05) the cis-9 trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk fat. However, SFO produced higher (P<0.05) values than SBO. Both oils led to more (P<0.05) total CLA in the plasma of suckling lambs. In conclusion, supplementing a moderate dose of SBO or SFO to the diets increased CLA concentration in milk fat. Nevertheless, supplementation with SFO was more effective than that with SBO in increasing CLA concentration in milk fat and improving milk quality from the human health standpoint.