Partial Substitution of Barley by Destoned Olive-Waste Cake on Reproductive Performances in Ram

Destoned olive-waste cake is among the main agro-industrial by-products that can be included in the diet of farm animals. In this scope, this study was undertaken to explore the impact of substitution of barley diet by destoned olive-waste cake (DOC) on reproductive performances in rams. For this purpose, eighteen rams were divided into 3 groups of six rams each. In the first group, no substitution of barley was made (0DOC:100% barley + 0 DOC), in the second (20DOC) and third groups (40DOC) substitution of barley was of 20% and 40% DOC, respectively. After substitution, some reproductive parameters were assessed: including scrotal circumference (SC), plasma testosterone level and sperm quality (volume, concentration, motility, membrane functionality (MF) and lipid peroxidation (LPO)). The overall means of studied parameters in 20DOC and 40DOC were similar to those of control group except a significant reduction (p ≤ .05) of LPO in DOC and a significant (p ≤ .05) increase of SC and sperm volume in 40 DOC. The monthly follow-up revealed a significant (p ≤ .05) progression of sperm concentration, volume, MF and a reduction of LPO in 40 DOC. In conclusion, DOC can partially substitute a barley in ram diet with a positive impact on reproductive performances particularly at 40% of substitution.

Cite this article as: Hadjab, N., Safsaf, B., Rahab, H., Aissous, R., Benhenia, K. (2022). Partial substitution of barley by destoned olive-waste cake on reproductive performances in ram. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia. 48(2), 101-108.