Short communication: Cocoa husks can effectively replace soybean hulls in dairy sheep diets—Effects on milk production traits and hematological parameters

摘要

The aim of this study was to test the effect of replacingsoybean hulls with different doses of cocoa husk(CH) on milk production traits and the hematologicalprofile of dairy ewes. Twenty-four mid-lactating Sardadairy ewes were allotted to 3 homogeneous experimentalgroups (8 animals per group divided into 4 pens).Each group received a total mixed ration as a basal dietand a supplement that differed among groups. The firstgroup was supplemented with 100 g of soybean hulls/dper head (SBH group). In the second group, soybeanhulls were replaced with 50 g of CH/d (CH50 group).In the third group, soybean hulls were replaced with100 g of CH/d per head (CH100 group). The studylasted 8 wk, with 3 wk of adaptation and 5 wk forthe experimental period. The replacement of soybeanhulls with 50 and 100 g of CH/d did not affect drymatter intake, milk production, and milk coagulationproperties. Milk fat, protein, casein, and somatic cellcount concentration and curd-firming time showed asignificant interaction between treatment and samplingdate. During the experiment, the somatic cell countswere lower in both the CH50 and CH100 groups than inthe SBH group. Most of the hematological parameterswere not affected by treatments except for basophiles,which were significantly higher in the SBH group thanin the CH50 and CH100 groups. In conclusion, CH canbe substituted for soybean hulls in the diet of dairysheep without adverse effects on milk production orapparent negative effects on animal health conditions.