Natural Mineral Water ( <i>Hora</i> ) Supplementation Improves Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Sheep in Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Natural mineral water (hora) is a mineral source widely available in Ethiopia. However, its specific impacts on sheep growth performance and carcass characteristics remain understudied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hora supplementation on nutrient intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. METHODS: Twenty Horro breed sheep with an initial body weight (IBW) of 17.27 ± 0.71 kg were assigned to five treatment groups in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), blocked on the basis of their IBW. The treatments included control group (CON) fed basal diet only, and four treatment groups (H-200, H-300, H-400, and H-500) receiving 200, 300, 400, and 500 mL, of hora per day respectively. All sheep were fed grass hay and water ad libitum. Throughout the feeding trial data on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, body weight changes and various carcass traits were measured. RESULTS: Hora supplementation significantly improved (p < 0.001) daily DM and nutrient intake. The H-400 group exhibited the highest intake, with total DM intake reaching 0.99 kg/day (p < 0.001), whereas CON and H-300 showed the lowest. Final body weight, live weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion efficiency were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the H-400 group. Polynomial contrasts revealed significant quadratic patterns (p < 0.05) for most intake and growth performance parameters. A significant linear trend (p < 0.001) was observed for empty body weight, hot carcass weight, and rib-eye area. Dressing and saleable percentages remained unaffected by hora supplementation (p > 0.05). Total edible offal components showed a significant quadratic pattern (p = 0.001), whereas total non-edible offal showed a significant linear trend (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with 400 mL/day of hora is the optimal dose for significantly improving sheep growth performance, nutrient intake, and carcass characteristics. Overall, although hora provides clear benefits, its effects are dose-dependent, with potential diminishing returns beyond the 400 mL/day level.