Journal article
The effect of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguarensis) supplementation on the productive performance of dorper ewes and their progeny
E Po, Z Xu, P Celi
Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences | ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN ASSOC ANIMAL PRODUCTION SOC | Published : 2012
Abstract
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis), a tea known for its high antioxidant content, was supplemented to 30 of 60 ewes for 13 wks to assess its effect on their productive performance. A 2.5% inclusion rate of Yerba Mate (YM) in a pelleted concentrate diet decreased feed intake and live weight (LW) during the first few weeks post partum (p<0.001). Overall, the YM group ate less (2,092±78 g/d) pellet than the control (CTRL) one (2,434±83 g/d); similarly, LW was lower in the YM group compared to the CTRL one, 64.9±1.6 kg and 67.3±1.4 kg, respectively. Lambs' birth weight and growth rates were not affected. At birth, lambs' LW were similar between the Yerba Mate and control groups (4.2±0.5 kg and 4.1..
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Funding Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Faculty of Veterinary Science (University of Sydney). We are grateful to David Palmer for assistance in animal husbandry. We also acknowledge Weston Animal Nutrition for providing the pellet and Mr Geoff Conlon for providing the Yerba Mate.