Influence of the replacement of different levels of cottonseed plant with wheat straw on performance, activity of hydrolytic enzymes and rumen parameters of Dalagh ewes

In order to investigate the effect of the replacement of different levels of wheat straw with cottonseed plant on performance, activity of hydrolytic enzymes and rumen parameters of Dalagh ewes,18 ewes were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. The three experimental treatments in this study were zero, 20 and 40%, respectively, the use of cottonseed plant in the diet. The use of different levels of cottonseed plant in ewes did not cause significant differences in performance, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio. Experimental treatments had no effect on ruminal pH at three fasting times, three and six hours after feeding in the morning. Rumen ammonia concentration in the diet containing 40% of cotton seed plant was significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in rumen protozoan population at fasting between treatments receiving different levels of cottonseed plants in the diet. However, the rumen protozoan population at the time of three and six hours after morning feeding in the treatment receiving 40% of cottonseed was significantly higher than other treatments (P<0.05). The activity of carboxymethylcellulase and microcrystalline cellulase enzymes was affected by experimental treatments. The highest activity of carboxymethylcellulase and microcrystalline cellulase was observed in all three sections and the total activity was observed in ewes fed with 40% diet of cottonseed (P<0.05). According to the results, cotton seed plant up to 40% can be used in diets of dilapidated ewes without negatively affecting livestock performance and rumen health.