Effect of Water Scarcity and Feed Supplementation under Natural Grazing on the Performance of the Desert Sheep (Hamari) in Um Rawaba Locality - North Kordofan State

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out the effect of supplementation and water limitation on the reproductive characteristics of desert sheep (Hamry breed) in the Umm Rawaba area, and assessing some biochemical blood components. 100 ewes were selected from the desert sheep, at age 4-5 months. The Ewes were marked and divided randomly into four groups in the form of A, B, C, and D. The first group (A) was allowed to drink water every day and supplemented with additional concentrates consisting of 40% of sorghum, 30% of beans and 29%Wheat bran and 1% salt. Each head of this group was given concentrates 150 g daily, the second group (B) was allowed to drink water every day without supplements, the third group (C) was allowed to drink water with an interval of (2-3) days with supplements, The fourth group (D) was also allowed to drink water with intervals (2-3) days without supplementation,this group is considered as a control group. Regarding reproductive traits, there were no significant differences between treatments, for each of the age at first service, and age at first calving, on the other hand, there were significant differences (P<o.o5) between treatments in abortion, which was 8%, in group B ,and group D 8%,while no abortion in A,C. For mortality 3%and 8% were observed in group C and D respectively . The results of the study also showed that there were no significant differences in weight at birth and weight at weaning between treatments. While the study showed the presence of Significant differences (P<0.05) between treatments in mortality of the newborns. As for the blood serum samples, estradiol and Triiodothyronine( T3 )hormones when analyzed, no significant differences between the treatments, was observed As for the Minerals, ca.and p. they were estimated by using voltmeter, and it was noted that no significant differences were found between the treatments. Regarding the biochemical components of the blood under the study, total protein and glucose were evaluated. The study revealed that there were no significant differences between the treatments. This study concluded that the reproductive characteristics of desert sheep showed improvement when the stress in the search for water and pasture were reduced.