Effect of Supplementation of Rumen-Protected Amino Acids to Barki Sheep on Some Blood Parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing a traditional diet with rumen-protected (RP) either methionine (MET) or lysine (LYS) or their combination, on some physiological responses of ewes. Twenty-four adult Barki ewes were used were divided into four groups (6 ewes for each). The first group (Control) was fed only the control diet. The second group (LYS) fed the control diet and rumen-protected LYS (6g Lysi pearl /kg concentrate i.e. 3g /animal/day). The third group (MET) was fed the control diet and rumen-protected MET (14g Smartamin/kg concentrate i.e. 7g /animal/day). The fourth group (MIX) was fed the control diet and mixture of 3g LYS and 7g MET/animal/day. The experiment lasted for six months. Blood total proteins, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were detected. Total lipids (TL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and some plasma essential and non-essential amino acids were also analyzed. Supplemented ewes, especially with mixed LYS and MET, showed higher levels of TL, HDL, LDL, but lower creatinine. Treatment resulted in increased plasma Arginine, Lysine and Glutamine, while Leucine and Proline decreased. Other measured parameters were not affected.