Feeding behavior of Arabi and Najdi lambs and its relationship with the physiolog

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between biochemical, hematological parameters and the feeding behavior in two Iraqi sheep breeds (Najdi and Arabi). The trials were conducted on 12 healthy (6 lambs per breed). Blood samples were collected on days 0 and over 30 of the experiment. The feeding behavior was recorded from 7:00 to 7:30 in the morning daily. The final body weight, average daily gain, daily food consumption, eating time and feed compete were a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi lambs. The concentration of cholesterol was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi lambs before and after 30 days of the experiment. Copper concentration was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in Najdi blood`s as compared with Arabi. Experimental periods observed significantly (P < 0.05) differences in serum phosphorus levels. The percentage of Neutrophils cells were decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi before and after the experiment. Serum testosterone hormone concentration was increased significantly (P < 0.05) in Najdi lambs in comparison with Arabi, especially at the end of the experiment. Generally, there were no significant (P < 0.05) differences observed between two breeds in the daily water consumption, levels of glucose, total protein, albumin, phosphorus, Fe, zinc, and most of the hematological parameters.