Effects of dietary sepiolite usage on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters and rumen fluid metabolites in Merino cross breed lambs

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effects of dietary sepiolite supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters and rumen fluid metabolites in Merino cross breed lambs. For this purpose, a total of 21 weaned lambs, which were 3-3.5 months of age were allocated to one control group and two treatment groups each containing 7 lambs. The experiment lasted for a total of 90 days, of which the adaptation and experimental periods were 22 and 68 days, respectively. Pelleted alfalfa and concentrates were given to lambs individually. Concentrate diets of first and the second treatment groups were supplemented with 1 and 2% sepiolite as top dressed, respectively. There were no significant differences observed in body weights, body weight gains, hot and cold carcass yields, meat pH and meat composition among the groups. Relative weights of internal organs and carcass parts were also not affected by sepiolite supplementation. The addition of 1 and 2% sepiolite to the diets of animals increased the consumption of concentrates and total dry matter intake (P < .05). There were no differences among the groups in terms of consumption of dry matter of alfalfa, concentrates and total feed required for one kg body weight gain in lambs. However, body weight gain was increased by 4.22% and total feed conversion ratio was improved by 4.56% with 2% dietary sepiolite supplementation. Haematological and biochemical blood parameters and fecal dry matter were also not affected by the usage of sepiolite. Blood serum IgG levels were increased with sepiolite supplementation (P < .05). While the percentage of acetic acid in the total volatile fatty acids (VFA) in rumen fluid was decreased, neither the proportion of other volatile fatty acids nor the quantity of total volatile fatty acids were affected by dietary addition of sepiolite. It was concluded that 2% sepiolite supplementation in diets of Merinos cross bred lambs as top dressed may have economic benefits based on animal's immunity enhancement and some improvement in body weight gain and total feed conversion ratio without any negative effects on performance, carcass characteristics, rumen metabolites and blood parameters.