Trial on use of a complete pelleted feed (Unipellet) in lactating ewes: metabolic profile results

A trial was carried out to examine the metabolic and productive effects of a complete pelleted feed (Unipellet) in dairy ewes feeding. 24 Sardinian lactating ewes were divided in 3 groups (A, B, C) and fed with: group A = pasture + pelleted concentrate; group B = alternatively either pasture + Unipellet ad libitum or only Unipellet ad libitum; group C = pasture + Unipellet ad libitum. The intake of concentrate was 756 g/d in the group A, whereas the intake of Unipellet was 998 g/d in the group C and 858 g/d in the group B when the ewes grazed and 2277 g/d when the Unipellet was the only fed. The milk yie1d of the 3 groups did not differ significative1y (g/d 906 vs 1044 vs 975); the milk fat content was highest in the group B (6.42% vs 7.08% vs 6.33%); the milk protein content was highest in the group A and lowest in the group B (6.32% vs 5.55% vs 5.92%). The body weight increased more in the group B. The metabolic profile showed that the Unipellet did not seem to have an adverse effect on the alimentary canal, whereas the function of the liver appeared to be slight1y impaired.