Effects of feeding pelleted complete diets containing palm fronds on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intraruminal fermentation, rumen histomorphology, carcass traits, and economic profitability in Awassi lambs

基本信息

• 作者：Abdulrahman S. Alharthi; Hani H. Al-Baadani; Ahmed A. Alghonaim; Mohammed Sallam; Ibrahim A. Alhidary
• DOI：10.3389/fvets.2026.1864007
• 原文链接：https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1864007
• 数据来源：crossref:crossref-front-vet
• 抓取时间：2026-05-30T18:53:28+00:00
• Markdown 文件：/root/worksplace/paper-tracker/exports/obsidian/2026-05-28-effects-of-feeding-pelleted-complete-diets-containing-palm-fronds-on-growth-performance,-nutrient-digestibili.md

摘要

The global livestock sector is a cornerstone of food security, but it faces significant pressure to find sustainable alternatives to traditional roughage due to rising costs and environmental constraints in arid regions. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of palm fronds on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, rumen histomorphology, carcass and meat characteristics, and economic profitability in Awassi lambs. Sixty-four male lambs (age: 14 weeks; mean initial weight: 31.69 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary groups ( n = 16 per group) receiving pelleted complete diets containing 0, 8, 16%, or 24% palm fronds on a dry matter (DM) basis (A, B, C, and D, respectively). Growth performance indices were assessed over the entire 56-day trial period. At the end of the trial, eight lambs per group were evaluated for nutrient digestibility, and eight were slaughtered to assess intraruminal fermentation, rumen histomorphology, carcass traits, and meat quality. An economic analysis was also performed for each inclusion level. The results showed that the 16% palm frond level (group C) resulted in higher final body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) compared to group A ( p < 0.05). Although daily feed intake (DFI) decreased in groups B and C, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved in group C ( p < 0.05). Nutrient digestibility (DM, CP, NDF, and ADF) peaked at the 16% inclusion level ( p < 0.05), while ash and fat digestibility were unaffected in all groups. Additionally, 16% palm frond inclusion enhanced rumen development by increasing papillae length, surface area, and total volatile fatty acid ( p < 0.05). Lambs fed 16% palm fronds had greater carcass weight (hot and cold), springiness, dressing percentage, and shoulder percentage, as well as reduced cold shrink and water-holding capacity ( p < 0.05). However, palm frond inclusion (16 and 24% levels) supported normal muscle development while favorably redirecting energy from visceral fat deposition toward leaner carcass growth. Economically, while the 24% level minimized feed costs, the 16% level maximized net return and return on investment. In conclusion, incorporating palm fronds at a 16% level provides an optimal balance between physiological adaptation and economic efficiency for sustainable sheep production.

中文整理

基础摘要（未启用或未成功调用大模型）：The global livestock sector is a cornerstone of food security, but it faces significant pressure to find sustainable alternatives to traditional roughage due to rising costs and environmental constraints in arid regions. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of palm fronds on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, rumen histomorphology, carcass and meat characteristics, and economic profitability in Awassi lambs. Sixty-four male lambs (age: 14 weeks; mean initial weight: 31.69 ± 0.12 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary groups ( n = 16 per group) receiving pelleted complete diets containing 0, 8, 16%, or 24% palm fronds on a dry matter (DM) basis (A, B, C

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命中 行为识别 关键词：feeding