Search Results (627)

This study evaluated the effects of liquid oregano oil, chitosan nanoparticles with encapsulated liquid oregano oil, and a negative control of empty chitosan nanoparticles on in vitro ruminal fermentation. Three Boer goats were used as ruminal fluid donors, fed with a formulated ration for 21 d for inoculum adaptation. Treatments tested on in vitro assays were diet without oregano oil or nanoparticles (CON); diet with 100 ppm of oregano oil in nanoparticles (100N); diet with 300 ppm of liquid oregano oil (300L); diet with 300 ppm of oregano oil in nanoparticles (300N); and diet with 300 ppm of empty nanoparticles (300CHN). The variables studied were in vitro dry matter digestibility (ivDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (ivNDFD_om), total gas production (TGP), ammonia nitrogen concentration (NH₃), and pH. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. Linear and quadratic regressions were used to identify dependence and inflection points. The ivDMD increased at 12, 36, and 48 h, with 300N and with 300L exhibiting increased ivNDFD_om at 36 h. Ruminal pH was highest (p < 0.05) with 300CHN at 36 h. For first-order regression analysis of TGP, coefficients (β) were highest (p < 0.05) for 300N. In conclusion, 300N increased ruminal fermentation in vitro, as reflected by increases in ivDMD, ivNDFD_om, and TGP. Full article

Urochloa brizantha (Brizantha) is cultivated under varying altitudinal and management conditions. Twelve full-sun (monoculture) plots and twelve shaded (silvopastoral) plots were established, proportionally distributed at 170, 503, 661, and 1110 masl. Evaluations were conducted 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after establishment. The conservation and integration of trees in silvopastoral systems reflected a clear anthropogenic influence, evidenced by the preference for species of the Fabaceae family, likely due to their multipurpose nature. Although the altitudinal gradient did not show direct effects on soil properties, intermediate altitudes revealed a significant role of CaCO₃ in enhancing soil fertility. These edaphic conditions at mid-altitudes favored the leaf area development of Brizantha, particularly during the early growth stages, as indicated by significantly larger values (p < 0.05). However, at the harvest stage, no significant differences were observed in physiological or productive traits, nor in foliar chemical components, underscoring the species’ high hardiness and broad adaptation to both soil and altitude conditions. In Brizantha, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in stomatal size and density was observed under shade in silvopastoral areas, where solar radiation and air temperature decreased, while relative humidity increased. Nonetheless, these microclimatic variations did not lead to significant changes in foliar chemistry, growth variables, or biomass production, suggesting a high degree of adaptive plasticity to microclimatic fluctuations. Foliar ash content exhibited an increasing trend with altitude, indicating greater efficiency of Brizantha in absorbing calcium, phosphorus, and potassium at higher altitudes, possibly linked to more favorable edaphoclimatic conditions for nutrient uptake. Finally, forage quality declined with plant age, as evidenced by reductions in protein, ash, and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD), alongside increases in fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). These findings support the recommendation of cutting intervals between 30 and 45 days, during which Brizantha displays a more favorable nutritional profile, higher digestibility, and consequently, greater value for animal feeding. Full article

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) silage has high feeding value and has become an important roughage resource in China. To recognize the optimal fermentation time of the silage product, this study systematically evaluated the temporal dynamics of microbial communities and metabolic profiles in whole winter wheat silage at days 7, 14, 30, 50, and 70. The dry matter (DM) content slightly fluctuated with the extension of fermentation time, with 28.14% at 70 days of ensiling. The organic matter and neutral detergent fiber content gradually decreased with the extension of fermentation time. A significant decrease in pH was observed at days 30, 50, and 70 compared to days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05), with the lowest pH value of 4.4 recorded at day 70. The contents of lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and total volatile fatty acids gradually increased with the extension of fermentation time, reaching a maximum at 70 days of ensiling. The dominant bacteria were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level, and the predominant bacteria were Hafnia-Obesumbacterium, Enterobacter, and Lactobacillus at the genus level. The relative abundance of Hafnia-Obesumbacterium and Lactobacillus fluctuated slightly with the duration of fermentation, reaching a minimum for the former and a maximum for Lactobacillus at 50 days of ensiling. By day 70, Sporolactobacillus emerged as a distinct silage biomarker. The dominant fungi was Ascomycota at the phylum level, and the predominant fungi were Fusarium and an unidentified fungus at the genus level. The correlation analysis revealed significant pH–organic acid–microbe interactions, with pH negatively correlating with organic acids but positively with specific bacteria, while organic acids showed complex microbial associations. Collectively, under natural fermentation conditions, the optimal fermentation period for wheat silage exceeds 70 days, and Sporolactobacillus shows potential as a microbial inoculant for whole winter wheat silage. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing whole winter wheat silage utilization and enhancing fermentation quality. Full article

Enhancing quality traits is a primary objective in silage maize breeding programs. The use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for quality traits, in combination with the integration of genetic resources, presents an opportunity to identify crucial genomic regions and candidate genes influencing silage maize quality. In this study, a GWAS was conducted on 580 inbred lines of silage maize, and a meta-analysis was performed on 477 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from 34 studies. The analysis identified 27 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 87 consensus QTLs (cQTLs), with 7 cQTLs associated with multiple quality traits. By integrating the SNPs identified through association mapping, one SNP was found to overlap with the cQTL interval related to crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and starch content. Furthermore, enrichment analysis predicted 300 and 5669 candidate genes through GWAS and meta-analysis, respectively, highlighting pathways such as cellular metabolism, the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, ribosome function, carbon metabolism, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and amino acid biosynthesis. The examination of 13 candidate genes from three co-located regions revealed Zm00001d050977 as a cytochrome P450 family gene, while the other 2 genes primarily encode proteins involved in stress responses and other biological pathways. In conclusion, this research presents a methodology combining GWAS and meta-analysis to identify genomic regions and potential genes influencing quality traits in silage maize. These findings serve as a foundation for the identification of significant QTLs and candidate genes crucial for improving silage maize quality. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of different doses of limonene essential oil (LEO) and a blend of cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol (BCC) on the fermentative quality and chemical–bromatological composition of total mixed ration (TMR) silages. Two independent trials were conducted, each focused on one additive, using a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of dry matter), replicated across two seasons (summer and autumn), with five replicates per treatment per season. The silages were assessed for their chemical composition, fermentation profile, aerobic stability (AS), and storage losses. In the LEO trial, the dry matter (DM) content increased significantly by 0.047% for each mg/kg added. Dry matter recovery (DMR) peaked at 97.9% at 473 mg/kg (p < 0.01), while lactic acid (LA) production reached 5.87% DM at 456 mg/kg. Ethanol concentrations decreased to 0.13% DM at 392 mg/kg (p = 0.04). The highest AS value (114 h) was observed at 203.7 mg/kg, but AS declined slightly at the highest LEO dose (600 mg/kg). No significant effects were observed for the pH, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), or non-fiber carbohydrates (NFCs). In the BCC trial, DMR reached 98.2% at 548 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and effluent losses decreased by approximately 20 kg/ton DM. LA production peaked at 6.41% DM at 412 mg/kg (p < 0.001), and AS reached 131 h at 359 mg/kg. BCC increased NDF (from 23.27% to 27.73%) and ADF (from 35.13% to 41.20%) linearly, while NFCs and the total digestible nutrients (TDN) decreased by 0.0007% and 0.039% per mg of BCC, respectively. In conclusion, both additives improved the fermentation efficiency by increasing LA and reducing losses. LEO was more effective for DM retention and ethanol reduction, while BCC improved DMR and AS, with distinct effects on fiber and energy fractions. Full article

Our previous study has shown that supplementation of 0.50% benzoic acid (BA) increased growth performance, promoted rumen fermentation, and improved the composition and function of rumen microbiota. This research was designed to conduct a deeper exploration of the impacts of dietary supplementation with BA on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and the composition of rectal microbiota in weaned Holstein dairy calves. Sixteen Holstein heifer calves with similar body weights (91.2 ± 0.7 kg) were selected and randomly allocated into two groups, each comprising eight calves. Calves in the control group (CON group) were fed with a basal diet, while those in the benzoic acid group (BA group) were fed with the basal diet supplemented with 0.50% benzoic acid (on a dry matter basis). The experimental period started at 60 days of age and ended at 102 days of age, lasting for a total of 42 days. The calves were weaned at 60 days of age, with a transition period of 7 days. Feed samples were collected every two weeks, fecal samples were collected from 99 to 101 days of age, and blood samples were collected at 102 days of age. The results showed that supplementation with BA did not influence the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus between the two groups. Compared with the CON group, BA supplementation tended to decrease the total cholesterol (TC) in the serum of the calves (p = 0.067). Supplementation with BA increased the relative abundances of the two beneficial bacteria, Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum (p < 0.05, LDA > 2), but decreased that of the harmful bacterium, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, in the rectum of dairy calves. The microbial functional prediction revealed that the fecal microbial metabolism involved in primary bile acid biosynthesis was higher in the calves from the BA group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that adding 0.50% BA to the diet did not influence the apparent nutrient digestibility, but improved rectal microbiota health, which finally promoted the growth performance in weaned Holstein dairy calves. Full article

The objective of this study is to investigate the degradation characteristics of oat grass in the rumen of Mindong goats and changes in microbial community attached to the grass surface. Four healthy male goats, aged 14 months, with permanent rumen fistula, in eastern Fujian, were selected as experimental animals. The rumen degradation rate of oat grass was measured at 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h using the nylon bag method. Surface physical structure changes in oat grass were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cellulase activity was measured, and bacterial composition was analyzed using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. The findings of this study indicate that oat grass had effective degradation rates (ED) of 47.94%, 48.69%, 38.41%, and 30.24% for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acidic detergent fiber (ADF), respectively. The SEM was used to investigate the degradation process of oat grass in the rumen. After 24 h, extensive degradation of non-lignified tissue was observed, resulting in the formation of cavities. At 36 h, significant shedding was observed, and by 72 h, only the epidermis and thick-walled tissue, which exhibited resistance to degradation, remained intact. Surface-attached microorganisms produced β-GC, EG, CBH, and NEX enzymes. The activity of these enzymes exhibited a significant increase between 4 and 12 h and showed a positive correlation with the degradation rate of nutrients. However, the extent of correlation varied. Prevotella and Treponema were identified as key genera involved in the degradation of roughage, with their abundance decreasing over time. Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCOA) revealed no significant differences in the rumen microbial structure across different time points. However, Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) indicated a discernible diversity order among the samples. According to the Spearman correlation coefficient test, Ruminococcus, Fibrobacter, and Saccharoferments exhibited the closest relationship with nutrient degradation rate and surface enzyme activity, displaying a significant positive correlation. In summary, this study delineates a time-resolved correlative framework linking microbial succession to structural and enzymatic dynamics during oat grass degradation. Full article

Monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are the two most common planting methods, with mixed cropping generally demonstrating higher hay yield and superior nutritional quality compared to monoculture. However, research on legume–grass mixed cropping for establishing cultivated pastures in typical sand-fixing vegetation areas of the Mu Us Sandy Land remains scarce. These knowledge gaps have hindered the synergistic integration of forage production and ecological restoration in the region. This study conducted mixed cropping trials in the sand-fixing vegetation zone of the Mu Us Sandy Land using Dahurian wildrye (Elymus dahuricus), Mongolian wheatgrass (Agropyron mongolicum), and Standing milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) to investigate the effects of species combinations and planting ratios on forage productivity and nutritional quality, aiming to determine the optimal planting strategy. Results showed that in the first establishment year, the yield of all mixed cropping systems significantly exceeded that of monocultured Dahurian wildrye and Mongolian wheatgrass. All mixed cropping combinations exhibited land equivalent ratios (LER) and relative yield totals (RYT) below 1, indicating varying degrees of interspecific competition during the first year, with grass species generally demonstrating stronger competitive abilities than legumes. Mixed-cropped forages showed higher crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash content compared to monocultures, alongside lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels, suggesting improved relative feed value (RFV). Among the combinations, E₅A₅ and E₆A₄ (5:5 and 6:4 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) achieved higher RFV, with RFV gradually declining as the legume proportion decreased. In conclusion, both monoculture and legume–grass mixed cropping are viable in the Mu Us Sandy Land’s sand-fixing vegetation areas and the E₅A₅ combination (5:5 ratio of Dahurian wildrye to Standing milkvetch) as having the highest overall score, demonstrating that this mixed cropping ratio optimally balances yield and nutritional quality, making it the recommended planting protocol for the region. This mixed cropping system offers a theoretical foundation for efficiently establishing artificial pastures in the Mu Us Sandy Land, supporting regional pastoral industry development and desertification mitigation. Full article

Caragana korshinskii Kom. (CKB), widely cultivated in Inner Mongolia, China, has potential for silage feed development due to its favorable nutritional characteristics, including a crude protein content of 14.2% and a neutral detergent fiber content below 55%. However, its vascular bundle fiber structure limits the efficiency of lactic acid conversion and negatively impacts silage quality, which can be improved through mechanical crushing. Currently, conventional crushing equipment generally suffers from uneven particle size distribution, high energy consumption, and low processing efficiency. In this study, a layered aggregate model was constructed using the discrete element method (DEM), and the Hertz–Mindlin with Bonding contact model was employed to characterize the heterogeneous mechanical properties between the epidermis and the core. Model accuracy was enhanced through reverse engineering and a multi-particle-size filling strategy. Key parameters were optimized via a Box–Behnken experimental design, with a core normal stiffness of 7.37 × 10¹¹ N·m⁻¹, a core shear stiffness of 9.46 × 10¹⁰ N·m⁻¹, a core shear stress of 2.52 × 10⁸ Pa, and a skin normal stiffness of 4.01 × 10⁹ N·m⁻¹. The simulated values for bending, tensile, and compressive failure forces had relative errors of less than 10% compared to experimental results. The results showed that rectangular hammers, due to their larger contact area and more uniform stress distribution, reduced the number of residual bonded contacts by 28.9% and 26.5% compared to stepped and blade-type hammers, respectively. Optimized rotational speed improved dynamic crushing efficiency by 41.3%. The material exhibited spatial heterogeneity, with the mass proportion in the tooth plate impact area reaching 43.91%, which was 23.01% higher than that in the primary hammer crushing area. The relative error between the simulation and bench test results for the crushing rate was 6.18%, and the spatial distribution consistency reached 93.6%, verifying the reliability of the DEM parameter calibration method. This study provides a theoretical basis for the structural optimization of crushing equipment, suppression of circulation layer effects, and the realization of low-energy, high-efficiency processing. Full article

Cambuci is a native fruit from Brazil, and during the processing of this fruit, the peel is typically discarded due to limited knowledge of its physicochemical characteristics, which restricts its potential applications across various industries. Given the lack of detailed physicochemical characterization of this by-product in the literature, this study aimed to analyze key parameters to expand on our understanding of this raw material and stimulate interest from both academia and industry. The cambuci peel was found to have a moisture content of 9.41 ± 1.69% dw (dry weight), total solids of 90.59 ± 1.69% dw, and volatile solids of 87.41 ± 1.69%. Its ash content was 3.18 ± 0.41%, while the chemical oxygen demand (COD) reached 420.54 ± 9.88 mg L⁻¹. The total protein content was 4.93 ± 0.04 g/100 g dw, with reducing sugars at 108.22 ± 3.71 mg g⁻¹ and non-reducing sugars at 30.58 ± 3.16 mg g⁻¹. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were determined as 36.65 ± 0.19% dw and 18.91 ± 0.05% dw, respectively, with hemicellulose content of 17.74 ± 0.20% dw. Chromatographic analysis identified key bioactive compounds, including ellagic and gallic acid, which hold significant potential for pharmaceutical and food industry applications. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed three distinct decomposition zones, corresponding to physisorbed water, hemicellulose decomposition, and cellulose degradation, respectively. The results demonstrate the valuable physicochemical and biochemical properties of cambuci peel, supporting its potential for the development of new bioproducts aligned with circular economy principles. This study lays the foundation for further research into this underutilized by-product and its application in diverse industrial sectors. Full article

Chitosan and technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSLt) have emerged as promising natural compounds due to their antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and fermentation-modulating properties. This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of chitosan and CNSLt as potential substitutes for the ionophore monensin on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance, and microbial protein synthesis in steers. Five crossbred steers (Bos taurus), 18 months old with an average body weight of approximately 350 kg and fitted with permanent ruminal cannulas, were assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experimental diets consisted of: (1) control (CON), (2) monensin (MON; 25 mg/kg of dry matter [DM]), (3) chitosan (CHI; ≥850 g/kg deacetylation degree, 375 mg/kg DM), (4) CNSLt (500 mg/kg DM), and (5) CNSLt + CHI (500 + 375 mg/kg DM). Supplementation with CHI or CNSLt + CHI reduced the intake of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. Additionally, fecal excretion of whole corn kernels increased in these treatments. Ruminal fermentation parameters were affected, with the CNSLt + CHI treatment promoting higher molar proportions of propionate and acetate, along with reduced estimated methane emissions. However, purine derivatives, microbial protein synthesis, and nitrogen balance were not significantly affected by any of the treatments. These results suggest that CNSLt and CHI, particularly when combined, may serve as effective natural alternatives to monensin in high-grain diets for ruminants. Full article

The growing demand for biofuels, especially ethanol produced from corn, has driven the production of co-products such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). With a high protein content (around 30%), fiber, and minerals, DDGS presents an economical alternative for animal nutrition, replacing traditional sources like soybean meal while maintaining productive performance and reducing costs. This study evaluated the total replacement of soybean meal with DDGS in the diet of confined Holstein cattle, focusing on weight gain, feed intake, digestibility, feed efficiency, animal health, meat quality, and economic viability. The 24 animals received diets with 80% concentrate, containing either DDGS or soybean meal, and no significant differences were observed in terms of body weight (p = 0.92), feed intake (p = 0.98), or feed efficiency (p = 0.97) between the two treatments. The average daily gain was 1.25 and 1.28 kg for cattle in the DDGS and soybean meal groups, respectively (p = 0.92). Regarding metabolic and digestive parameters, no relevant changes were found in blood levels, except for higher serum cholesterol (p = 0.03) levels in animals fed DDGS. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p = 0.03) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p = 0.05) was lower in the DDGS group, while the digestibility of ether extract was higher (p = 0.02). Rumen fluid analysis revealed an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids (p = 0.01), such as acetic and butyric acids (p = 0.01), in the DDG-fed animals. In terms of meat quality, animals fed DDGS produced meat with lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (p = 0.05) and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (p = 0.02), especially oleic acid (p = 0.05). This resulted in a healthier lipid profile, with a higher UFA/SFA ratio (p = 0.01). In terms of economic viability, DDGS-based diets were 10.5% cheaper, reducing the cost of production per animal by 7.67%. Profitability increased by 110% with DDGS compared to soybean meal, despite the high transportation costs. Therefore, replacing soybean meal with DDGS is an efficient and economical alternative for feeding confined cattle, maintaining zootechnical performance, increasing meat lipid content and improving fatty acid profile, and promoting higher profitability. This alternative is particularly advantageous in regions with easy access to the product. Full article

The utilization of nettle (Urtica cannabina) as feed is restricted by its material properties (antibacterial activity and high buffering capacity). This study hypothesized that the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) attached to nettles can improve these problems. Lactococcus garvieae (LG), Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP), and LG + PP (LP) isolated from nettles were inoculated into nettle silage to explore nutrient retention and the microbial community structure. The results showed that inoculation significantly delayed dry matter and crude protein loss, inhibited neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber degradation, and reduced ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) accumulation. There was a significant increase in Firmicutes abundance after inoculation, and the dominant genus, Aerococcus, was negatively correlated with NH₃-N accumulation. In the later stages of the PP treatment, Atopistipes synergistically inhibited Clostridia with acetic acid. However, the high buffering capacity and antibacterial components of raw nettle led to increased pH values during the later fermentation stages, limiting sustained acid production by LAB. These results confirm that nettle-derived LAB can effectively improve the quality of silage by regulating the microbial community and the acidification process; however, they must be combined with pretreatment strategies or optimized composite microbial agents to overcome raw material limitations. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the utilization of nettle as feed. Full article

Early-lactation high-producing dairy cows require highly digestible forages. Thirty early-lactation (58 days in milk; 38.9 kg/d milk) cows were blocked and randomly assigned to one of two treatments. The treatments were the control (CON), consisting of corn silage and alfalfa haylage produced via university crop production practices, versus supplementing soil and crop additives (SCA) during crop production. Milk production (32.6 and 36.9 kg/d for CON and SCA, respectively) increased (p < 0.04) when cows were fed SCA forages compared with cows fed CON forages, while the dry matter intakes were similar (p < 0.46). The yields of milk fat were similar (p > 0.26), but the milk protein (0.98 and 1.09 kg/d), lactose (1.62 and 1.88 kg/d), and total solids (3.77 and 4.25 kg/d) contents were greater (p < 0.05) for cows fed SCA compared with cows fed CON. The total-tract apparent neutral detergent fiber (48.5 and 54.7%) and acid detergent fiber (48.3 and 54.4%) digestibility increased (p < 0.03), while the starch digestibility (97.9 and 98.4%) tended (p < 0.06) to increase for cows fed SCA compared with cows fed CON. Feeding highly digestible forages during early lactation improved milk production, milk composition, and fiber digestibility in a high-forage ration. Full article

Utilizing agro-industrial by-products to feed livestock is crucial for environmental protection and, simultaneously, lowering production and feeding costs. In light of these aims, in this study, two trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of jojoba meal (JJM) on Awassi ewes’ milk properties, nutrient intake, digestibility, and the pre-weaning growth of their nursing lambs. In the first trial, 22 Awassi ewes were divided equally between two experimental diets at random (11 ewes per diet): 0% JJM (CON) and 15% JJM (JJM15) of dietary dry matter (DM). In the second trial, 10 ewes were randomly selected (5 ewes/diet) to assess nutritional digestibility and N balance. The results of trial 1 showed that neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ether extract (EE) intake values were greater (p ≤ 0.02) in the JJM15 group compared to the CON group. The total gain and average daily gain (ADG) of the lambs in the JJM15 group were significantly higher compared to those of the CON group (p < 0.05). The average milk yield of nursing ewes was similar between the two dietary groups (p ˃ 0.05). The percentage and yield of solids-not-fat (SNF) in the JJM15 group were significantly higher compared to the CON group. The other milk components, including protein, lactose, fat, and total solids yields, were similar between the dietary groups (p ˃ 0.05). The milk production cost was significantly lower for the JJM15 diet than the CON diet (p = 0.004). Triglyceride levels were lower (p = 0.001) in the JJM15 diet group than in the CON diet group. In trial 2, nutrient digestibility and N balance were not affected (p ≥ 0.073) by the consumption of JJM15. In conclusion, JJM at 15% of dietary DM resulted in no negative effects on the health, performance, or milk quality of Awassi ewes. Most significantly, by lowering the cost of production, our results appear to indicate that this dietary supplement improves economic efficiency. Full article