Prospects for using nonconventional feeds in diets for Awassi dairy sheep in Syria

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Economics
• Dairy Production

Background:

• High feed costs and price volatility are significant challenges for dairy sheep farmers in West Asia.
• Farmers require cost-effective feeding strategies using local resources to maintain milk production and quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of balanced, low-cost diets incorporating nonconventional feedstuffs for Awassi milking ewes.
• To assess the impact of these diets on milk yield, milk composition, and farmer profitability compared to traditional feeding practices.

Main Methods:

• Two trials were conducted: one at a research station and a second on commercial farms in northern Syria.
• Experimental diets included locally available feeds and agro-byproducts like urea-treated straw, molasses, and sugar beet pulp.
• Milk yield and composition were analyzed, and economic benefits were calculated for the balanced diets versus control diets.

Main Results:

• Balanced diets significantly increased total milk, fat, protein, and total solids yields by 17.7% to 50.2% in the first trial and 28% to 40% in the second trial.
• Supplement feeding costs decreased by 43%, and net income increased by 30% on farms using the balanced diets.
• Milk composition (fat, protein, total solids, lactose) remained unaffected by the dietary changes in both trials.

Conclusions:

• Integrating locally available nonconventional feedstuffs into balanced dairy sheep diets is a viable strategy to reduce costs for resource-poor farmers.
• These diets enhance milk and milk constituent yields without compromising milk quality, thereby improving the profitability of dairy sheep production in dry regions.