Performance, Physiological Responses, and Blood Mineral Profiles in Garut Ewes Fed Ration with Different Protein and Energy Levels

Abstract This study aimed to analyze performance, physiological response and blood mineral levels of Garut ewes fed rations with different protein and energy content. This study used 20 Garut ewes aged 1-2 years with an average weight of 36.37±4.04 kg. This study used a Randomized Block Design with 2 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of T0 = grass + market concentrate (60:40) with 11% Crude Protein (CP) and 56.74% Total Digestible Nutrient (TDN) and T1 = grass + standardized reformulated concentrate (60:40) with 14% CP and 61.66% TDN. Variables observed included feed intake, body condition score (BCS), temperature humadity index (THI) value, physiological response, and blood mineral levels. Data were analyzed using Independent Sample T-Test. The results showed that feeding ewes at protein level 14% increased (P≤0.05) feed intake, the blood Ca mineral content and reduced (P≤0.05) the average afternoon rectal temperature and heart rate. BCS also significantly affected (P≤0.05) at month 1 and 3 after rearing. It can be concluded that the use of standardized reformulated concentrates which higher protein and energy content can improve performance and stabilize the level of heat stress in Garut ewes.