Impact of Supplementation of Different Levels of Rumen Protected Fat on Productive Performance, Lipid Profile and Hot Carcass Characteristics in Fattening Sheep

The present study was aimed at establishing an association between productive performance, lipid profile, and hot carcass quality in fattening sheep supplemented with different levels of rumen protected fat (RPF). Twenty-four adult ewes of 8 - 12 months of age were randomly divided into three groups with eight animals in each; one without supplementation (CSFA0); two supplementation groups (CSFA3 and CSFA5) that were supplemented with 3% and 5% additional RPF in the form of calcium salts of long chain fatty acids (CSFAs), respectively on dry matter intake (DMI). Productive performances and the blood lipid profile were evaluated at fortnightly intervals, and at the end of 60 days, animals were slaughtered and hot carcass characteristics were recorded. Body condition score (BCS) was higher (P<0.05) in CSFA3 and CSFA5 sheep fed with 3% and 5% additional fat by 34.17% and 37.40%, respectively than CSFA0. The average daily gain (ADG) was higher (P<0.05) in sheep fed with CSFAs by 1.51-1.65-fold and enhanced live body weight (LBW) in the CSFA3 and CSFA5 groups by 11.36% and 14.48%, respectively. Plasma HDL and LDL concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in CSFA3 and CSFA5 sheep supplemented with additional RPF. Inclusion of CSFAs in the diet increased (P<0.05) fatness score of hot carcasses in CSFA3 and CSFA5 by 26.19% and 59.52%, respectively. Hot carcass weight (HCW), separable fat, neck, shoulder, flank and breast weights, and carcass compact index (CCI) were higher (P<0.05) in supplementation groups, which increased the dressing percentage (DP) by 3.21% to 3.68%. The BCS, LBW, slaughter weight, separable fat, fore and hind saddle weights were positively (P<0.01) associated with the HCW. Further, HCW, shoulder, and chest circumferences showed a positive (P<0.01) correlation with CCI and DP. The results of the current study concluded that supplementation of 3% and 5% CSFAs improved BCS, ADG, and LBW which enhanced the hot carcass characteristics and quality with an extra DP of 3.21 to 3.68%. However, we were unable to discern a discernible change in productive performance and hot carcass features between 3% and 5% administration of CSFAs. Therefore, inclusion of a 7% (basal diet 4% + 3% supplementation) source of lipids or fat on DMI is preferred for maximizing the desired productive performance and hot carcass quality in fattening sheep