Thyme, Celery and Salinomycin Implication on Antioxidant Capacity and Neurotransmitters Related to Milk Production in Pregnant Barki Ewes

Abstract

The experiment goal was the investigation of thyme (T), celery (C) and salinomycin effects on immune response, neurotransmitters related to milk production in Barki ewes. Total 72 mature ewes (2-3 years & 40±1.5 Kg BW) randomly pined equally into five groups. Group-1 was control; groups 2 & 3 received 20g/head/day T and C, respectively. Group-4 received 10g T+ 10g C/head/day, group-5 treated with salinomycin 1g/head/day. Samples collected during 2nd, 3rd trimester of pregnancy and on delivery day (DD); milk yield assessed on 15, 30 and 45-day postpartum. T and/or C and salinomycin increased (P 0.05). During late pregnancy 5-HT, DA, NE & Trp increased (P<0.05) in the thyme and/or celery group. While on DD salinomycin increased neurotransmitters (P<0.05) with an insignificant increase in other groups. Milk yield increased (P<0.05) during 15, 30 and 45 days postpartum in T and/or C groups than control and salinomycin. In conclusion, the applied treatments had a significant effect on reproductive performance, immune response in ewes throughout pregnancy and DD periods, and milk production during the postpartum period.