Unveiling Nutritional Deficiencies in Al-Naimi Sheep Farms Found by KISR
Improving Nutrition for Al-Naimi Sheep in Kuwait
The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has conducted a study on Al-Naimi sheep farms across the country, revealing widespread nutritional deficiencies that affect the health, productivity, and reproductive performance of the sheep.
The research, led by Dr. Hanaa Bourzaq from KISR's Center for Environmental and Life Sciences Research, collected over 100 blood and feed samples to analyse vital indicators such as mortality rates among newborn lambs and the frequency of abortions in ewes.
The study found imbalances in crucial minerals like calcium and phosphorus, particularly during the late stages of pregnancy. It also identified deficiencies in selenium and vitamin E, leading to "white muscle disease" in lambs.
To address these issues, the study recommends improving feed formulations by supplementing deficient minerals and vitamins, particularly cobalt. Supplementation with cobalt led to significant improvements, such as an average weight gain of 6 kilograms in lambs over six weeks.
In addition, the study suggests adjusting feed quantities according to the reproductive stages of the ewes, increasing during pregnancy and lactation. This is to ensure that the sheep receive the necessary nutrients to support their health and the growth of their offspring.
The typical diet consists of a 70:30 ratio of concentrates to filler grasses. However, the study recommends optimizing this ratio tailored to the physiological needs of the ewes.
The research also calls for monitoring and correcting vitamin and mineral levels regularly to prevent health, productivity, and reproductive issues. This is especially important in farms showing recurring nutrient gaps to support overall sheep health and reproductive performance.
Given Kuwait’s environmental challenges, these improvements target alleviating nutritional deficiencies specific to intensive sheep farming in the region. The study also noted poor feeding practices for young lambs, contributing to inadequate intake and deteriorating health among the youngest animals.
To combat cobalt deficiency, the study advises the use of veterinary-supervised copper injections. Additionally, proper supplementation with selenium and vitamin E successfully restored movement in afflicted sheep.
In Kuwait's harsh desert climate, all sheep farms operate under a confined housing system. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing concentrates and filler grasses in this environment where natural pastures are absent.
In conclusion, the KISR study provides valuable insights into the nutritional needs of Al-Naimi sheep in Kuwait and offers practical solutions to improve their health and productivity. By implementing these recommendations, local farms can boost their productivity and sustainability.
[1] Al-Naimi Sheep Nutrition Study, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), 2021.
- To bolster the health, productivity, and reproductive performance of Al-Naimi sheep in Kuwait, the study suggests optimization of the diet by supplementing deficient minerals and vitamins such as cobalt, selenium, and vitamin E in feed formulations.
- Improving fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and nutritional regimens of Al-Naimi sheep can be achieved by adjusting feed quantities during different reproductive stages, optimizing the ratio of concentrates and filler grasses based on the ewes' physiological needs, and regularly monitoring and correcting vital nutrient levels, as recommended in the Al-Naimi Sheep Nutrition Study by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), 2021.
