Zeolite in sheep diets as a nutritional strategy to improve milk quality
Keywords:
sheep nutrition, ewe milk, non-metallic minerals, milk compositionAbstract
Species, breed, and feeding regimen, among other factors, determine milk yield and chemical composition. The inclusion of a zeolite-based buffer in ruminant diets has been shown to enhance productive and compositional variables; however, its use in dairy sheep remains scarcely investigated. This study aimed to assess the effect of a commercial zeolite buffer on milk production and composition in East Friesian ewes. The trial lasted 98 days, divided into two 49-day periods. Twelve EF ewes were assigned to a cross-over design and fed two dietary treatments: CO (control, without zeolite) and BU (1.5% zeolite buffer on a DM basis). Dry matter intake and milk yield were recorded daily, and individual milk samples were analyzed per ewe. Significant effects (p ≤ 0.05) were observed on milk fat and total solids content (g d⁻¹), whereas, no differences were found in voluntary intake, milk volume, protein, lactose, or mineral content (p > 0.05). The inclusion of the zeolite buffer improved milk compositional quality without compromising overall milk yield.
http://dx.doi.org/10.21929/abavet2025.11
2025-47
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