The effects of different doses of onion ( Allium cepa. L) extract on leptin, ghrelin, total antioxidant capacity, and performance of suckling lambs

Abstract

Application of antibiotics in livestock production has been a big concern in the recent years since they can have a vital role in the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Therefore, scientists and nutritionists have been searching for alternative agents to alter ruminal metabolism and improve feed efficiency and animal productivity. In this respect, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of onion extract on leptin, ghrelin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the performance of suckling lambs. Eighteen Torki Qashqai suckling lambs with 30 days of age were randomly divided into three groups, including (1) control group; basement diet without onion extract + sheep milk, (2) T150 group; basement diet containing 150 mg/kg onion extract + sheep milk, (3) T250 group; basement diet containing 250 mg/kg onion extract + sheep milk. The trial lasted for 60 days and the blood samples were taken on days 30 and 60 of the experiment. The results showed that the addition of onion extract led to an increase in the feed intake and daily weight in lambs. Moreover, onion extract was able to increase the level of ghrelin and reduce leptin hormone in the treatment groups (T150 and T250). In conclusion, it could be said that onion extract has a promising effect as a feed additive in ruminant nutrition and has the ability to improve feed intake in these animals. Moreover, onion extract has a positive effect on concentrations of leptin, ghrelin, TAC, and the performance in lambs.

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