Performance, non-carcass components, serum biochemistry panel and intestinal morphology of Texel lambs fed with...

Bioactive peptides (BP) have been investigated as potential functional feed additives due to their reported immunomodulatory and metabolic properties. This study evaluated the effects of dietary BP supplementation on growth performance, non-carcass components, serum biochemical profile and intestinal morphology in Texel lambs. Forty-five weaned lambs (31 castrated and 14 intact) were housed in pairs and fed for 58 days following a 20-day adaptation period. At the beginning of the experimental period, lambs averaged approximately 30 kg body weight, reaching about 45 kg at the end of the trial. Animals were assigned to three treatments: a control diet without BP and diets supplemented with 1-2 g BP per animal per day. Lambs were fed a total mixed ration based on corn silage and concentrate. Performance parameters, non-carcass traits, serum biochemical variables and distal jejunum morphometry were assessed. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models in software R. Dietary BP supplementation did not affect final body weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency, non-carcass components or intestinal morphometric parameters (P > 0.05). A significant increase in serum albumin concentration was observed in BP-supplemented groups; however, no consistent changes were detected in other biochemical indicators. Under the conditions of this study, BP supplementation at practical inclusion levels did not improve growth performance or intestinal morphology in Texel lambs. Future studies should explore different dosages, feeding durations and stress conditions to further evaluate the potential benefits of BP supplementation in ruminants.