Physiological Impact of an Aqueous Solution of Spirulina Algae with or without Folic Acid on Local Awassi Ewes Within Medium and Late Pregnancy Stages and Indicators of Growth in Newborn Lambs

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, Kirkuk University, Kirkuk, Iraq

10.21608/ejvs.2024.284770.2029

Abstract

This study was carried out from September 1, 2023, to December 25, 2023, at the University of Kirkuk, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Production. The purpose of the study was to determine how folic acid and spirulina algae affected the physiological characteristics of Awassi ewes in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. A total of sixteen pregnant ewes weighing an average of 56.6 kg were selected. The animals were split up into four groups randomly, with four pregnant ewes in each group. The first treatment group was the control group, the second group received an oral dose of 0.625 mg of spirulina solution per ewe; the third group received an oral dose of 65 mg of folic acid solution per ewe; and the fourth group received an oral dose of both 0.625 mg of spirulina and 65 mg of folic acid solution per ewe. Spirulina algae and folic acid showed a significant enhancement in glucose and total protein in Awassi ewes blood serum during the medium and late pregnancy stages, with no significant impact on other physiological traits.

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