Effect of Indigofera zollingeriana-based total mixed ration with multinutrient block supplementation on physiological response and performance of dorper sheep in tropical environmental conditions

Kausar Daulay¹, Farhan Ananda Rangkuti¹, Afifah Fitriani², Dewi Apri Astuti², Sri Suharti² and Tarigan³

¹ Graduate School of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
dewiaa@apps.ipb.ac.id
² Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
³ Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46 Cibinong 1611 Bogor, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of Indigofera zollingeriana -based total mixed ration with multinutrient block supplementation on the physiological responses and performance of Dorper sheep. This study used 10 growing male sheep divided into 2 treatment groups, with average body weight of 17.42 ± 1.58 kg and an age of 3 months. The treatments included TMR0 = Total Mixed Ration without multinutrient block supplementation and TMR1 = Total Mixed Ration with multinutrient block supplementation. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 5 replications. Data were analyzed using an Independent Sample T-Test. The results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) on heart rate, rectal temperature and respiration rate and. Significant difference (p<0.05) on average daily gain and feed efficiency, but no significant difference (p>0.05) on dry matter intake. In conclusion, the TMR based on Indigofera zollingeriana with multinutrient block supplementation increases body weight gain and feed efficiency, while maintaining physiological responses within normal ranges during the morning and afternoon.

Keywords: dorper sheep, Indigofera zollingeriana, total mixed ratio, performance, physiological response

Introduction

Sheep are a strategic commodity as an integral part of other farming enterprises and as a contributor to national meat procurement. Dorper sheep is a superior breed of sheep in Indonesia that has great potential to develop through crossbreeding with local sheep. Dorper sheep is a cross of the Dorset Horn (south-west England) and also the Blackhead Persian (Persia) (Milne 2000). Dorper sheep exhibit outstanding adaptability, physical toughness, high growth in growing phase sheep, reasonable reproductive rate and lamb-rearing ability (Cloete et al 2000). Post-weaning Dorper lambs can reach a body weight of 19.5 kg at 3 months of age, with a daily weight gain of 220 g/day, indicating high growth potential and productivity (Lunesu et al 2023).

Total Mixed Ration (TMR) is a feeding method that combines all feed ingredients, both concentrates and forages, in one balanced mixture. The aim of TMR feeding is to ensure that every bite eaten by the sheep (Karunanayaka et al 2021). Indigofera zollingeriana which is one of the tree leguminous species with high biomass productivity (leaf blade, petiole and branches) 33-51 tons dry matter ha/year, low crude fiber content 13%-14%, crude protein content 25%-31%, high in vitro digestibility of dry matter 71%-86% (Tarigan et al 2017). The growth of sheep improves with the increase in protein content in the feed. Increased intake of protein and energy significantly affects the improvement of sheep performance. Protein functions as a building block, forming new tissues and repairing cells in the body (Sileshi et al 2021).

Multinutrient blocks are a supplementation technology in the form of blocks enriched with minerals, protein and fiber, which are hung in the stalls at a height aligned with the sheep's head to allow them to lick (Singh et al 2015). Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and trace elements in multinutrient blocks play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission and electrolyte balance (Jin et al 2023). Multinutrient blocks have been shown to positively impact growth and immune system function in sheep (Muralidharan et al 2016). Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of Indigofera zollingeriana -based total mixed ration with multinutrient block supplementation on the physiological responses and performance of Dorper sheep.

Materials and method

Location and duration

The research was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024, located at Sumatera Martabe Farm, Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, in a tropical environment with an altitude of 50 meters above sea level and an average annual rainfall of 1800 mm.

Procedure

This study used 10 male Dorper sheep in growth, with an average body weight of 17.42 ± 1.58 kg and an age of 3 months. The sheep were reared for 8 weeks, initial and final weighing. Indigofera zollingeriana-based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) was fed at 4% of body weight, in accordance with NRC (2007) guidelines. Prior to incorporation into the TMR, the leaves and stems of Indigofera zollingeriana were harvested at 8 months plant age and 30 days harvest interval with a cutting height of 1 m (Ali et al 2021), dried under sunlight and then ground using a chopper machine to be mixed into the TMR. The feed was provided three times daily: at 08:00 am in the morning, at 01:00 pm in the afternoon and at 05:00 pm in the evening, with water available ad libitum. Multinutrient blocks were provided by hanging them with a rope at a height aligned with the sheep’s heads. Feed intake was measured after 24 hours. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments included TMR0 = Indigofera zollingeriana-based Total Mixed Ration without multinutrient block supplementation and TMR1 = Indigofera zollingeriana -based Total Mixed Ration with multinutrient block supplementation. Measurements of heart rate, rectal temperature and respiratory rate were taken once a week during the study at morning (06:00am-07:00am), afternoon (12:00am-01:00pm) and evening (04:00pm-05:00 pm). Heart rate was measured using a stethoscope on the left side of the sheep's chest, counting the heartbeats for 1 minute. Rectal temperature was measured using a digital clinical thermometer. Respiratory rate was measured by counting the breaths at the sheep’s nostrils within 1 minute.

Photo 1. The leaves and stems of Indigofera zollingeriana	Photo 2. The Indigofera zollingeriana tree is 8 months old with a regrowth period of 30 days	Photo 3. The multinutrient block

Measured variables and data analysis

The parameters observed in this study include the physiological responses of sheep, specifically heart rate, rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Sheep performance include dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed efficiency. Data were analyzed using an Independent Sample T-Test with SPSS Statistics version 25.0 software

Results and discussion

Temperature and humidity conditions at the research site

The results of the study indicate that the average barn temperature during the morning, afternoon and evening ranged from 26°C to 32°C, with humidity levels ranging from 63.32% to 92.42%. Temperature and humidity are important factors that can directly affect physiological conditions, livestock performance and growth responses.

According to Yousef (1985), the thermoneutral zone for sheep ranges between 22°C-31°C, with humidity levels below 75%. Table 3 shows that the temperature and humidity in the barn exceeded the normal conditions for sheep. Marai et al (2007) stated that higher environmental temperatures lead to increased respiratory rate, body temperature, water intake and decreased dry matter intake. The high humidity in the barn indicates that the air contains a significant amount of water vapor, produced from the livestock’s respiration. The THI values recorded in the morning, afternoon and evening ranged from 26.40 to 29.90, indicating that the sheep experienced severe heat stress. It value above 25.6 indicates that livestock are experiencing severe heat stress (Marai et al 2001).

Physiological response of Dorper Sheep

The results of the t-test analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in heart rate. Heart rate is controlled by the nervous system and can be influenced by several factors, including chemical stimuli such as hormones, changes in O² and CO² levels and heat stimulation (Isnaeni 2006). The normal heart rate range for sheep is between 60 times/minute - 120 times/minute (Frandson 1996). The average heart rate of the sheep in the morning and afternoon was within the normal range, but in the evening, the heart rate increased above the normal range.

The TMR containing Indigofera zollingeriana provides high protein and easily digestible fiber, which improves rumen digestion efficiency, leading to lower metabolic heat production that could otherwise increase cardiovascular stress (Izadbakhsh et al 2024). This helps to maintain a stable heart rate, as the animal's body does not need to work harder to regulate its temperature or increase metabolism to meet energy needs (Ali et al 2023). The multinutrient block, rich in essential electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium, plays a role in maintaining heart muscle function and stabilizing blood pressure (Iqbal et al., 2019). A sharp increase in heart rate is often observed in response to higher environmental temperatures, physical movement and muscle activity (Giannetto et al 2020). Increased heart rate is a mechanism used by livestock to maintain body temperature balance, as the body responds by increasing peripheral circulation to accelerate the release of body heat (Reece et al 2015).

The t-test analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in rectal temperature. The normal rectal temperature range for sheep is 38.3°C–39.9°C (Frandson 1996). The average rectal temperature of the sheep in the morning, afternoon and evening ranged from 39.20°C to 39.54°C. Rectal temperature tended to be lower in the morning and higher in the afternoon. High temperature and humidity create uncomfortable environmental conditions for livestock, causing sheep to reduce feed intake and increase water consumption (Habeeb et al 2018). Indigofera support maintain energy balance and reduces excessive internal heat production, allowing livestock to maintain a more stable body temperature (Suharlina et al 2016). Essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium play a role in thermoregulation or body temperature control. These minerals help livestock efficiently dissipate heat through sweating and respiration, keeping body temperature, including rectal temperature, stable (Asmarasari et al 2023).

The t-test analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in respiratory rate. The average respiratory rate increased above the normal range. The normal respiratory rate for sheep is generally 26-32 breaths/minute (Frandson 1996). This increase in respiratory rate may be due to severe heat stress, as indicated by the THI values ranging from 26.40 to 29.90, which led the sheep to increase their respiratory rate to dissipate body heat (Marai et al 2007). An elevated respiratory rate is one of the body's mechanisms for heat dissipation through air exchange, helping sheep maintain a comfortable living condition. The faster the respiratory rate, the more quickly body heat is expelled (Berihulay et al 2019). Sheep are homeothermic animals that maintain internal balance by expelling excess heat when exposed to high temperatures. This is accompanied by several biological functions, including an increased respiratory rate, or panting, as a clear response (Panjono et al 2024).

Performance of Dorper Sheep

The t-test analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in dry matter intake. According to NRC (2007) standards, the dry matter intake for growing sheep with a body weight of 10-20 kg is 720-1120 g/day. Ma et al (2014) reported that Dorper x Thin-tail Cross Han sheep can consume up to 1.1 kg/day of dry matter. Both treatments had higher dry matter intake than the complete feed (TMR) in local sheep with Centrosema sp. forage reaching 865.80 g/day (Mayulu et al 2016).

The t-test analysis revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in average daily gain (ADG). Total mixed ration based on Indigofera zollingeriana as a protein source plays a crucial role in optimizing growth and increasing body mass in growing sheep (de Assis et al 2023). The supplementation of multinutrient blocks enriched with essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium supports muscle, bone and dental growth, as well as tissue development and the immune system (Ferreira et al 2021). The daily body weight gain of Dorper sheep in this study corresponds with Gavojdian et al (2015), who reported an average range of 240-280 g/day at 110-120 days of age. Dorper weaners at 177 days old had a daily weight gain of 221 g/day (Yeaman et al 2013). Both treatments resulted in higher daily body weight gain compared to the complete feed (TMR) in local sheep with Centrosema sp., forage reaching body weight up to 174.2 g/day (Mayulu et al 2016). The supplementation of multinutrient blocks increased the daily weight gain to up to 101.43 g/day (Yerima et al 2020).

The t-test analysis showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in feed efficiency. Feed efficiency is a comparison of body weight gain to dry matter consumption (Morais et al 2018). Multinutrient blocks contain a variety of essential nutrients that are available in Indigofera zollingeriana -based TMR including protein, energy and minerals to meet the needs of sheep that support metabolic function and growth (Yerima et al 2020). The results of this study are in line with the feed efficiency of Dorper x Brazilian Somali crossbred weaners, which reached 20% (Souza et al 2013). Yeaman et al (2013) reported that the feed efficiency of growing Dorper sheep could reach 15.3%. Both treatments showed higher feed efficiency with local sheep fed rations with fishmeal protein sources reaching 10.08%. The supplementation of multinutrient blocks resulted in feed efficiency of up to 16.16% in sheep (Muralidharan et al 2016).

Conclusion

• Indigofera zollingeriana-based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with multinutrient block supplementation has no effect on heart rate, rectal temperature and respiration rate of Dorper sheep. Heart rate and respiration rate in the morning and afternoon, as well as rectal temperature throughout the day, remain within normal ranges. However, the observed increase in respiration rate and heart rate in the evening indicates an adaptive response to heat stress.
  
  
• Total Mixed Ration (TMR) based on Indigofera zollingeriana with multinutrient block supplementation has the effect of increasing average daily gain and feed efficiency, but has no effect on dry matter intake of Dorper sheep.

Ethical Approval

This study adhered to ethical standards and obtained approval from the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) ethical committee at IPB University No. 122-2022 IPB.

Acknowledgement

The author thanks the Matching Fund Kedaireka Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, which has funded this research by contract number: 18975/IT3.L1/HK.07.00/P/T/2023.

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