Effects of Tithonia diversifolia Extract on Lambs
Author Information
Author(s): Barreto-Cruz Olga Teresa, Henao Zambrano Juan Carlos, Ospina Barrero Maria Alejandra, Castañeda-Serrano Román David
Primary Institution: Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the effects of Tithonia diversifolia extract on performance, intake, digestibility, and blood metabolites in crossbreed hair lambs.
Conclusion
Supplementing lambs with Tithonia diversifolia extract at 10 g/day improved digestibility but did not enhance growth performance.
Supporting Evidence
- Tithonia diversifolia extract improved in vitro dry matter digestibility at low levels.
- The TDE at 10 g/day improved NDF digestibility and reduced the acetate to propionate ratio.
- Blood parameters indicated no adverse effects on liver function with TDE supplementation.
Takeaway
This study tested a plant extract to see if it could help lambs digest food better. It worked for digestion, but the lambs didn't grow more.
Methodology
The study included an in vitro digestibility test followed by an in vivo experiment with 28 male crossbred hair lambs assigned to four treatment groups.
Limitations
The improvements in digestibility were not reflected in growth performance due to reduced dry matter intake.
Participant Demographics
Twenty-eight male crossbred hair lambs with an average weight of 18.52 kg and age of 3 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website