Effects of Whole Cotton Seed on Plasma Metabolism and Lactation Performance of Sheep

This study aimed to assess the impact of Whole Cottonseed (WCS) supplementation on the lactation performance, milk composition, plasma antioxidant capacity of perinatal Hu ewes, and the growth performance of their lambs, providing insights into the potential application of WCS in Hu ewes production. Forty-four healthy perinatal Hu ewes, with an average body weight of 45.67 ± 5.12 kg (mean ± SD) and similar expected lambing dates, were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (22 ewes per group): the control group (basal diet) and the experimental group (basal diet supplemented with 200 g WCS/d). The results demonstrated that the milk protein percentage on day 21 was significantly higher in the trial group compared to the control group ( P  < 0.05). WCS supplementation notably increased lamb body weight at 14 and 28 days of age ( P  < 0.05), as well as the average daily gain from days 1 to 14 and days 1 to 28 ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, WCS supplementation significantly elevated ALB levels in Hu ewes on day 28 postpartum ( P  < 0.05). Plasma antioxidant capacity was significantly enhanced ( P  < 0.01), alongside increased activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and nitric oxide concentration, while malondialdehyde levels were reduced, though not significantly ( P  > 0.05). In conclusion, WCS supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity of ewes, enhanced their lactation performance and milk composition, and promoted the growth and development of their lambs.