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Effects of grape seed supplementation on blood metabolic profile, immunity and milk production traits of dairy ewes
Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are rich in polyphenols with approximately 60-70% of these being in the seeds. The grape seeds (GS) are rich in proanthocyanidins that exert anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this work was to study the effect of GS by-products in lactating sheep diet on milk production, blood metabolic profile and immune function. Twelve Sarda ewes in the first part of lactation, were divided in two isoproductive groups (1.7 kg/head/d): a control group (CON) and a treated group supplemented with 300 g/d of grape seed (GS). Milk yield was measured weekly. Blood samples were collected every two weeks and analyzed for total bilirubin, creatinine, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and urea nitrogen (BUN). Plasma samples were used to perform ELISA to evaluate the anti-OVA IgG titers, CD4 and CD8 cells. Lymphocyte proliferation was determined in vivo in each ewe by the measurement of changes in skin-fold thickness. Milk yield not affected by GS supplementation. All kidney and liver function biomarkers in serum did not differ between dietary groups. A slight suppressing effect of GS on immune activities was evidenced by the reduction of skin-fold thickness, IgG titers, Cd4/Cd8 ratio compared to CON. Grape seed by-product can be supplemented to lactating ewes for two months without altering the immunity and the hepatic and renal metabolism status. Acknowledgements: Research supported by Cargill - Animal Nutrition Division, Milan, Italy.
Keywords: Grape seeds by product-Sheep-Immunity