Impact of a Polyherbal Mixture (Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia and Emblica officinalis) on Lamb Growth and Ruminal Fermentation

The aim of this study was to evaluate a polyherbal mixture with Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia and Emblica officinalis on lambs growth and ruminal fermentation. Thirty crossbred lambs (initial body weight 21.461 ± 2.989) were randomly assigned in three treatments that consisted of rations with the polyherbal mixture at: 0.0, 0.5 or 1.0% of dry matter in a finishing ration with 85% concentrate during 60 days period with lambs fed individually. Digestibility, total VFA concentration, acetate proportion and ruminal pH were increased linearly (P<0.10) as the polyherbal mixture was increased in the diet. The proportion of butyrate was reduced linearly (P<0.01) and feed conversion was improved (quadratic effect P<0.07). The results indicate that the polyherbal mixture improved feed conversion and digestibility, increasing the fermentation activity in the rumen