Supplementation of Underfed Twin-Bearing Ewes with Herbal Vitamins C and E: Impacts on Birth Weight Postnatal Growth and Pre-Weaning Survival of the Lambs

摘要

In twin-bearing ewes, undernourishment during pregnancy lowers the birth weight and increases morbidity and mortality of lambs. One of the causes is oxidative stress, which can be prevented by supplementing antioxidant vitamins. In the present study we tested the effect of supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate on pregnancy outcomes and growth and survival of lambs during early postnatal stages (lactation). The results showed that vitamin supplementation increased offspring birth weight and antioxidant capacity, with a trend towards higher body weight (BW) at weaning. Nutritional supplementation only had a positive effect on birth weight, meanwhile combined supplementation of vitamins and concentrate improves the lamb response. Lambs’ survival was not affected by the treatment, although absolute values of survival were higher in vitamin-treated groups. It is concluded that supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate during pregnancy may constitute a good nutritional strategy to improve productivity in sheep herds reared in harsh environmental conditions.