Utilization of Waste Date Palm Leaves Biomass Ensiled with Malic or Lactic Acids in Diets of Farafra Ewes under Tropical Conditions

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ensiling of date palm leaves (DPL) with organic acids (lactic or malic acid) for 45 day as a feed for lactating ewes under desert conditions. Two weeks before expected parturition, 50 multiparous lactating Farafra ewes (mean ± SD: 2 ± 0.3 parity, 34 ± 1.9 kg bodyweight, 25 ± 2.4 months of age, and 555 ± 13.0 g/day of previous milk production) were equally divided into five treatments in a completely randomized design for 90 day. The ewes in the control treatment were offered a diet composed of a concentrate feed mixture and DPL at 60:40 on a dry matter (DM) basis ensiled without additive. In the other treatments, DPL (ensiled without organic acids) in the control treatment was replaced with DPL ensiled with lactic or malic acid (at 5 g/kg DM) at 50 or 100% levels. Organic acids linearly and quadratically increased (p < 0.01) DPL and total intakes and digestibilities of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and nonstructural carbohydrates without affecting fiber digestibility. Malic and lactic acid treatment also increased the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and ammonia-N. Additionally, malic and lactic acid-treated DPL increased serum glucose concentration and total antioxidant capacity. Without affecting daily actual milk production, treatments increased (p < 0.001) the daily production of energy-corrected milk (ECM), fat-corrected milk (FCM), milk energy output, milk contents of fats, and feed efficiency. Organic acid-treated DPL increased (p < 0.05) the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids and the unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio in milk. It is concluded that feeding DPL ensiled with malic or lactic acid at 20 or 40% of total diet DM increased daily ECM and FCM production, nutrient utilization efficiency, and milk quality. No differences were observed between lactic and malic acid treatment of DPL during ensiling; therefore, both of them are recommended to treat DPL for silage preparation.

Using probiotics to improve the utilization of chopped dried date palm leaves as a feed in diets of growing Farafra lambs

“…The main challenge of using such resources is their low nutritive value ( 4 ). Thus, enhancing the nutritive value of fibrous feed is essential ( 5 ).…”

“…Recently, Kholif et al ( 7 ) evaluated the nutritive value of date palm leaves and reported its potential as a sustainable feed for ruminant. With lactating Farafra animals, Kholif et al ( 1 , 5 ) observed improved feed utilization and lactation performance when fed ewes on a diet based on date palm leaves and treated with organic acids, fibrolytic enzymes and multi-species probiotics. Feeding some microbes proved to be a beneficial strategy to improve utilization of low-quality feeds and animal performance ( 1 ).…”

Valorization of Date Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Processing Waste and By-Products: A Review

“…Drying is a practical technique that reduces the moisture content of a product, resulting in increased stability and facilitating its transportation. Pelletization can improve the handling and storage properties of the feed [86,87]. The use of date processing waste as animal feed has several advantages.…”