The Performance, Ingestive Behavior, Nutrient Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation Profile, Health Status, and Gene Expression of Does Fed a Phytochemical–Lactobacilli Blend in Late Pregnancy

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a phytochemical-<i>Lactobacilli</i> blend (PEL) on the performance and health of late-pregnant does. Thirty Zaraibi does (30.9 ± 0.37 kg body weight, 3-3.5 years old, 90 days pregnant) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, ensuring equal distribution based on body weight, parity, litter size, and previous lactation milk production. The does were fed either a control diet (no supplementation) or a PEL-supplemented diet (control diet plus 2 g or 4 g of PEL per day) for 60 days. PEL supplementation linearly improved (<i>p</i> < 0.05) feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal concentrations of acetic and propionic acids, while significantly reducing (<i>p</i> < 0.05) ruminal ammonia-N concentrations. PEL supplementation linearly reduced (<i>p</i> < 0.05) feeding and rumination times while increasing idling time. Blood hematological parameters improved (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with PEL supplementation. Serum protein, liver and kidney function indicators, lipid metabolism, cortisol, and thyroid hormone levels were significantly improved (<i>p</i> < 0.01) in a linear manner with PEL supplementation. Antioxidant status, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune response were enhanced both linearly and quadratically (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with PEL treatment. Gene expression analysis revealed a linear upregulation (<i>p</i> < 0.05) of growth, immune, and antioxidant-related genes with PEL supplementation. These findings suggest that supplementing pregnant does with 4 g of PEL per day can effectively enhance their performance, health, and metabolic status.