doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.712-719
Share this article on [Facebook] [LinkedIn]
Article history: Received: 28-01-2018, Accepted: 27-04-2018, Published online: 28-05-2018
Corresponding author: A. Allaoui
E-mail: allaouiassia@yahoo.fr
Citation: Allaoui A, Safsaf B, Tlidjane M, Djaalab I, Mansour HD (2018) Effect of increasing levels of wasted date palm in concentrate diet on reproductive performance of Ouled Djellal breeding rams during flushing period, Veterinary World, 11(5): 712-719.Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of two levels of wasted date (WD) by replacing commercial concentrate on the reproductive performance of Ouled Djellal (OD) rams.
Materials and Methods: Eighteen mature (2-year-old) OD rams were equally allocated to three groups and fed during 11 weeks with one of three different experimental diets, that contained 0% (0 WD), 50% (50 WD), or 75% (75 WD) of WDs in concentrate diet. Live body weight (LBW), body condition scoring (BCS), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular weight (TW), sperm production and quality, plasma testosterone concentration (T), and sexual behavior (reaction time and number of mounts with ejaculation) were regularly recorded from every ram.
Results: LBW, SC, and TW changed significantly among diet groups and during the experimental period (p<0.001), the highest averages were recorded in (0 WD) group. LBW, BCS, SC, TW, semen volume, and percentage of the positive hypo-osmotic swelling test were (p<0.001) positively influenced by flushing period. Nevertheless, sperm concentration showed a significant (p<0.001) decrease at day 30, followed by a return to the initial values afterward. There were no differences (p>0.05) between diet groups for plasma testosterone concentration and semen attributes, except that (50 WD) group expressed the lowest overall value of semen concentration. Furthermore, neither time nor diet affected (p>0.05) sperm motility and reproductive behavior parameters.
Conclusion: It is possible to introduce WD as unconventional local feeding resources in flushing diet of breeding rams without disturbing their reproductive performance.
Keywords: body weight, flushing period, rams, semen, wasted date.
1. MADR (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). (2014) Agricultural Statistics (Areas and Productions Serie B). Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Algeria.
2. Djaout, A., Afri-Bouzebda, F., Chekal, F., El-Bouyahiaoui, R., Rabhi, A., Boubekeur, A., Benidir, M., Ameur, A.A. and Gaouar, S.B.S. (2017) Etat de la biodiversite des 'races' ovines algeriennes. Gen. Biodiv. J., 1: 11-26.
3. Ameur, A.A., Nezih, A., Benyoucef, M.T., Djaout, A., Azzi, N., Yilmaz, O., Cemal, I. and Gaouar, S.B.S. (2018) New genetic identification and characterisation of 12 Algerian sheep breeds by microsatellite markers. Ital. J. Anim. Sci. 17: 38-48. [Crossref]
4. Bengoumi, M. and Ameziane, T. (2014) Evolution and efficacy of transfer of technologies in small ruminant production systems in North Africa. In: Chentouf, M., Lopez-Francos, A., Bengoumi, M. and Gabina, D., editors. Technology Creation and Transfer in Small Ruminants: CIHEAM. Series a Mediterranean Seminars No. 108. p15 -24.
5. Arbouche, H.S., Arbouche, R., Arbouche, Y. and Arbouche, F. (2016) Effects of phenological stage of flood meadows Northeastern Algeria on their production and nutritional values. TASP Proc. 2: 151-154.
6. Rekik, M., Ben Salem, H. and Khbou-Khamassi, M. (2014) Challenges to generate adaptable technologies and to build up strategic alliances for small ruminants research in low input systems: Case of Tunisia. In: Chentouf, M., Lopez-Francos, A., Bengoumi, M., Gabina, D., editors. Technology Creation and Transfer in Small Ruminants: CIHEAM. Series A Mediterranean Seminars No. 108. p211-215.
7. Arbouche, R., Arbouche, Y., Mennani, A., Arbouche, H.S. and Arbouche, F. (2017) Valorisation des issues de meunerie de quelques varietes de ble tendre endemiques a Algerie pour l'alimentation des ruminants. J. Adv. Res. Sci. Technol. 4: 529-545.
8. Cordova-Izquierdo, A. (2016) Best Practices in Animal Reproduction: Impact of Nutrition on Reproductive Performance Livestock. J Adv Dairy Res., 4: 152.
9. Allaoui, A., Safsaf, B., Djaalab, I., Laghrour, W., Haffaf, S. and Tlidjane, M. (2014) Efficiency of ovine artificial insemination in Ouled Djellal breed. In: Chentouf, M., Lopez-Francos, A., Bengoumi, M., Gabina, D., editors. Technology Creation and Transfer in Small Ruminants: CIHEAM. Series a Mediterranean seminars No. 108. p61-65.
10. Taherti, M. and Kaidi, R. (2016) Body condition variations and sheep breeding systems in the region of Chlef, Algeria. Rev. Elev. Med. Vet. Pays Trop., 69: 105-109. [Crossref]
11. Martin, G.B., Blache, D., Miller, D.W. and Vercoe, P.E. (2010) Interactions between nutrition and reproduction in the management of the mature male ruminant. Animal, 4: 1214-1226. [Crossref] [PubMed]
12. Blache, D., Maloney, S. and Revell, D. (2008) Use and limitations of alternative feed resources to sustain and improve reproductive performance in sheep and goats. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 147: 140-157. [Crossref]
13. MADR. (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development). (2015). Agricultural Statistics in 3rd edition of the International Exhibition of Biskra Dates; Ziban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Algeria.
14. FAO. (2012) Food and Agricultural Organization Corporate Statistical Database. FAO, Rome.
15. Lakhdara, N., Bererhi, H., Dib, A.L. and Bouaziz, O. (2013) Effect of the incorporation of date pits in a diet composed of wheat straw and concentrate on daily gain weight of local sheep (Ouled Djellal). Arch. Appl. Sci. Res. 5: 164-166.
16. Mebirouk-Boudechiche, L., Araba, A. and Ouzrout, R. (2008) Influence of the type of energy supplementation (date stones vs Barley) on fattening performances and carcass characteristics of fattening berber lambs (Influence du type de complement energetique (rebuts de dattes vs orge) sur les performances d'engraissement et caracteristiques des carcasses d'agneaux Berberes a l'engraissement). Rev. Elev. Med. Vet. Pays Trop., 61: 209-214. [Crossref]
17. Meradi, S., Arbouche, F. and Arbouche, R. (2016) Fattening of the ovine Hamra breed with date by-products (Valorisation de l'engraissement de la race ovine Hamra par les sous-produits de la datte). Livestock Res. Rural Dev. 28: 70.
18. Boudechiche, L., Aissaoui, C. and Ouzrout, R. (2011) Effect of date refuse as a supplement booster for milk production from sheep (Effet des rebuts de dattes comme complement d'appoint sur la production laitiere de brebis). Algerian J. Arid Environ. 1: 61-66.
19. Djaalab, I., Bouaziz, O., Lakhdara, N., Djaalab, H., Haffaf, S. and Allaoui, A. (2016) Effect of the ratio of incorporation of the date wastes at the end of gestation on the blood biochemical parameters in Oueld Djellal ewes. Arch. Appl. Sci. Res. 8: 22-26.
20. INRA Tables. (2007) in Alimentation Des Bovins, Ovins Et Caprins, Besoins Des Animaux-Valeurs Des Aliments. Editions Quac, France. p307.
21. Elalfy, M.M., Aboumosalam, M.S. and Ali, F.R. (2017) Biochemical, hematological and pathological effects of bispyribac sodium in female albino rats. J. Vet. Sci. Technol., 8: 467. [Crossref]
22. Maurya, V.P., Sejian, V., Kumar, D. and Naqvi, S.M.K. (2010) Effect of induced body condition score differences on sexual behavior, scrotal measurements, semen attributes and endocrine responses in Malpura rams under hot semi-arid environment. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 94: e308-e317. [Crossref]
23. Belkhiri, Y., Bouzebda-Afri, F., Bouzebda, Z. and Mouffok, C. (2017) Age and Season effects on sexual parameters in mature rams used in artificial insemination centre (Algeria). Glob. Vet. 18: 31-40.
24. Shipley, C.F.B., Brian, C., Buckrell, M.J.A., Pollard, M.J. and Hunton, J.R. (2007) Artificial insemination and embryo transfer in sheep chapter 86-in current therapy. In: Large Animal Theriogenology. 2nd ed. WB Saunders, Philadelphia.
25. Chella, L., Kunene, N. and Lehloenya, K. (2017) A comparative study on the quality of semen from Zulu rams at various ages and during different seasons in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Small Ruminant Res. 151: 104-109. [Crossref]
26. Hafez, B. and Hafez, E.S.E. (2000) Reproduction in Farm Animals. Semen Evaluation. Ch. 25. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, USA. p368-369. [Crossref]
27. Benhenia, K., Lamara, A., Fatmi, S. and Iguer-Ouada, M. (2016) Effect of cyclodextrins, cholesterol and vitamin E and their complexation on cryopreserved epididymal ram semen. Small Ruminant Res, 6: 9. [Crossref]
28. Arrebola, F. and Abecia, J.A. (2017) Effects of season and artificial photoperiod on semen and seminal plasma characteristics in bucks of two goat breeds maintained in a semen collection center. Vet. World, 10: 521-525. [Crossref]
29. Fernandez, M., Giraldez, F.J., Frutos, P., Lavin, P. and Mantecon A.R. (2004) Effect of undegradable protein supply on testicular size, spermiogram parameters and sexual behavior of mature Assaf rams. Theriogenology, 62: 299-310. [Crossref] [PubMed]
30. Alhamada, M., Debus, N., Gonzalez-Garcia, E. and Bocquier, F. (2017) Sexual behaviour in sheep is driven by body condition and the related nutritional and metabolic status. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 191: 24-30M. [Crossref]
31. Khlil, Z.B., Khnissi, S., Rekik, M. and Lassoued, N. (2017) Feed supplementation improves estrus response and increases fertility of sheep induced to breed out of season. Trop. Anim. Health Prod., 49: 607-612. [Crossref] [PubMed]
32. Safdar, A.H.A., Sadeghi, A.A. and Chamani, M.D. (2017) Effects of different fat sources (saturated and unsaturated) on reproductive performance and biological indices of ewes during flushing period. Trop. Anim. Health Prod., 49: 1447-1453. [Crossref] [PubMed]
33. Tufarelli, V., Lacalandra, G.M., Aiudi, G., Binetti, F. and Laudadio, V. (2011) Influence of feeding level on live body weight and semen characteristics of Sardinian rams reared under intensive conditions. Trop. Anim. Health Prod., 43: 339-345. [Crossref] [PubMed]
34. Sakly, C., Rekik, M., Fabre, C. and Scaramuzzi, R.J. (2013) Sexual behavior of Il-de-France rams receiving a short-term flushing with lupins. In: Salem, H.B., Lopez-Francos, A., editors. Feeding and Management Strategies to Improve Livestock Productivity, Welfare and Product Quality Under Climate Change. CIHEAM / INRAT / OEP / IRESA / FAO, (Options Mediterraneennes: Serie A. Seminaires Mediterraneens; n. 1 07), Zaragoza. p115-119.
35. Argot, C., Mc, G., Smith, J.S. and Kay, R.N.B. (1999) Seasonal changes of metabolism and appetite in Soay rams. Anim. Sci. 69: 191-202. [Crossref]
36. Maurya, V.P., Sejian, V., Singh, G., Samad, H.A., Domple, V., Dangi, S.S., Sarkar, M., Kumar, P. and Naqvi, S.M.K. (2017) In: Sejian, V., Bhatta, R., Gaughan, J., Malik, P.K., Naqvi, S.M.K., Lal, R., editors. Significance of Body Condition Scoring System to Optimize Sheep Production (Chapter 19) in Sheep Production Adapting to Climate Change. Springer Nature Singapore Pvt Ltd., Singapore.
37. Rekik, M., Lassoued, N., Ben Salem, H. and Mahouachi, M. (2008) Effects of incorporating wasted dates in the diet on reproductive traits and digestion of prolific D'Man ewes. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 147: 193-205. [Crossref]
38. Mebirouk-Boudechiche, L. and Araba, A. (2011) Effet d'une addition de rebuts de dattes au paturage sur les performances zootechniques de brebis berberes et de leurs agneaux. Rev. Med. Vet., 162: 111-117.
39. Djaalab, I. (2017) Influence of Feeding on Reproduction of Small Ruminants. Phd thesis. Institute of Veterinary Sciences. University Mentouri Constantine 1 Algeria.
40. Chehma, A., Longo, H.F. (2001) Valorisation des Sous-Produits du Palmier Dattier en Vue de leur Utilisation en Alimentation du Betail. Rev. Energ. Ren Prod. Valorisation Biomasse, 2001: 59-64.
41. Alhomidy, S.N., Basmaeil, S., Al- Owaimer, A.N., El-Waziry, A.M., Koohmaraie, M. (2011) Effect of feeding different amounts of discarded dates on growth and efficiency of digestion in sheep. Aust. J. Basic. Appl. Sci. 5: 636-64.
42. Khezri, A., Dayani, O. and Tahmasbi, R. (2017) Effect of increasing levels of wasted date palm on digestion, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in sheep. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr., 101: 53-60. [Crossref] [PubMed]
43. Danaa, N., Tegegneb, A. and Shenkorua, T. (2000) Feed intake, sperm output and seminal characteristics of Ethiopian highland sheep supplemented with different levels of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf hay. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 86: 239-249. [Crossref]
44. Kheradmand, A., Babaei, H. and Batavani, R.A. (2006) Effect of improved diet on semen quality and scrotal circumference in the ram. Vet. Arhiv., 76: 333-341.
45. Ghorbankhani, M., Souri, M.M., Moeini, R. and Mirmahmoudi, F. (2015) Effect of nutritional state on semen characteristics, testicular size and serum testosterone concentration in Sanjabi ram lambs during the natural breeding season. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 153: 22-28. [Crossref]
46. Blache, D., Zhang, S. and Martin, G.B. (2006) Dynamic and integrative aspects of the regulation of reproduction by metabolic status in male sheep. Reprod. Nutr. Dev., 46: 379-390. [Crossref] [PubMed]
47. Bester, N., Schwalbach, L.M.J., Merwe, H.J. van der., Greyling, J.P.C. and Fair, M.D. (2004) The influence of dietary energy concentrations on scrotal, testicular and semen characteristics of young Dorper rams. South Afri. J. Anim. Sci. 34: 53-55.
48. Maurya, V.P., Sejian, V., Kumar, D. and Naqvi, S.M.K. (2016) Impact of heat stress, nutritional restriction and combined stresses (heat and nutritional) on growth and reproductive performance of Malpura rams under semi-arid tropical environment. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr., 100: 938-946. [Crossref]
49. David, I., Kohnked, P., Lagriffoule, G., Praud, O., Plouarboue, F., Degond, P. and Druart, X. (2015) Mass sperm motility is associated with fertility in sheep. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 161: 75-81. [Crossref] [PubMed]
50. Belkadi, S., Safsaf, B., Heleili, N., Tlidjane, M., Belkacem, L. and Oucheriah, Y. (2017) Seasonal influence on sperm parameters, scrotal measurements, and serum testosterone in Ouled Djellal breed rams in Algeria. Vet. World, 10: 1486-1492. [Crossref] [PubMed] [PMC]
51. Benmoula, A., Badi, A., El Fadili, M., El Khalil, K., Allai, L., El Hilali, A. and El Amiri, B. (2017) Effect of season on scrotal circumference, semen characteristics, seminal plasma composition and spermatozoa motility during liquid storage in INRA180 rams. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 180: 17-22. [Crossref]
52. Luna-Palomera, C., Aguilar Cabrales, J.A., Peralta-Torres, J.A. and Velazquez Martinez, J.R. (2013) Effect of palm oil on growth and reproductive capacity in pubertal hair rams. Arch. Zootec. 62: 45-52. [Crossref]
53. Kumar, D., De1, K., Saxena, V.K. and Naqvi, S.M.K. (2015) The effect of nutritional stress on sperm motion characteristics and sexual behaviour of rams in a semi-arid tropical environment. J. Anim. Feed Sci., 24: 107-112. [Crossref]