Estrus Characteristics, Percentage of Gestation, Hematology Profile, and Blood Metabolites in Garut Ewes Fed Ration with Different Protein Levels

Abstract This research aimed to analyze the effect of different level crude protein (CP) rations on estrus characteristics, percentage of gestation, hematological profile, and blood metabolites of Garut ewes. This study used 20 Garut ewes (I1-I2) with an average body weight of 36.37 ± 4.04 kg and 4 Dorper male sheep. This study used a randomized block design (RBD) with 2 treatments and 5 groups. The treatments used were P0 = grass+commercial concentrate (60:40) with 11% CP and P1 = grass+standardized concentrate (60:40) with 14% CP. Variables measured were estrus characteristics, number of fetuses, percentage of gestation, hematology (erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and leukocyte differentiation), and blood metabolites (glucose, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and cholesterol). Data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. The results showed that the use of ration with protein level 14% significantly decreased (P<0.05) vulvar temperature, but tended to increase (P<0.1) vulvar mucus. Vulvar color and shape were relatively similar between treatments. Higher levels of CP significantly increased (P<0.05) hemoglobin, hematocrit, total protein, and albumin levels in gestation sheep. Feeding ration with 14% crude protein can increase the percentage of successful gestation from 70% to 90% and improve hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in Garut ewes.