Feed additives used during pregnancy in sheep

Abstract

Sheep farming constitutes an important part of animal husbandry in underdeveloped and developing countries. In these countries, products obtained from sheep (lamb, meat, milk, wool) constitute the main source of income for breeders with low economic status. Scientific research on ruminant animals mostly focuses on cattle, but studies on sheep are limited. However, with the increasing importance of sheep breeding in recent years, the number of studies in this field has also increased. Lamb and milk yield, which is the main source of income for sheep breeding enterprises, is affected by feeding during pregnancy. Some feed additives used during pregnancy in sheep can support the health of the mother and the offspring, as well as the milk yield in the next lactation. This review is aimed to give extensive information about some substances that are used as feed additives during pregnancy in sheep and to contribute to the literature.