Fattening performance, blood parameters and slaughter traits of Karya lambs consuming blend of essential oil compounds

Abstract

The effects of feeds containing a blend of essential oil compounds on fattening performance, some blood parameters, the slaughter traits, and internal organ weights of Karya lambs were researched. The lambs were divided into 2 treatment groups: the first group (control, C) consumed mixed feed without blend of essential oil compounds, while the other group (BEOC) consumed mixed feed with blend of essential oil compounds. The mixed feed of BEOC group contained 1 g blend of essential oil compounds per kg. Karya lambs weighed an average of approximately 19.05 +/- 1.65 kg and aged 5.5 months. Each lamb was housed in the individual pen and consumed alfalfa hay at 0.2 kg/lamb/day and mixed feed ad libitum. During a period of 56 days, the body weights (BW), body weight gains (BWG), total dry matter intake and feed conversion ratios (FCR) of males and females of BEOC group showed better results, but they were not important statistically (P>0.05). Blood parameters of male and female lambs between group C and group BEOC were similar values, but the values of blood parameters in favour of group BEOC were noticed recovery, numerically. It was determined that only the conformation score and lung weight of female lambs were significant (P<0.05). All the other slaughter traits and internal organs weights were not significantly observed the effect depending on the feeding diet containing a blend of essential oil compounds.