COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRESH LEAVES AND LEAVES POWDER OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN ON MILK PRODUCTION OF DJALLONKE EWES AND WEIGHT GROWTH OF THEIRS LAMBS IN SOUTHERN BENIN

This study was conducted in Republic of Benin to compare the effectiveness of two forms (powder and fresh leaves) of Spondias mombin on the milk production of the Djallonke ewes as well as weight gains of theirs lambs. The experimental part involved 18 lactating ewes divided into three homogeneous groups of 6 animals each that received fresh leaves and powder of leaves of Spondias mombin. The results of experimental study showed that fresh leaves of S.mombin improved significantly the milk production of ewes (109.97g VS 96.30g and 103.94) and weight gain of lambs (ADG: 107.73g/day VS 58.50g/day and 85.33g/day). The powder of leaves of S. mombin had less effect on milk production or on the growth of lambs compared to the fresh group, but had more effect compared to the control group. Treatments based on S. mombin had no effect on the variation of body weight of ewes during lactation (p>0.05). Also, the leaves of Spondias mombin had no significant effect on pH, dry matter content, ash content, protein and milk fat (p > 0.05). The leaves of S. mombin can be a best source of plant drug to increase the milk production on african livestock for malnutrition reduction.