Utilization of an ensiled citrus pulp mixture in the feeding of lactating dairy ewes

Sixty-six 18-month-old lactating ewes of the Sfakian dairy sheep breed were used to study the effects of feeding a citrus pulp silage mixture on ewes milk yield and milk composition. Three kilogram of citrus pulp silage mixture with by-products was offered daily to the ewes as experimental treatment, replacing part of the supplemental feed/pelleted lucerne/oat hay diet given to the controls. Silage pH dropped from 4.79, before ensiling to 3.43 following ensiling. DM of silage was 25.6% lower at the end of ensiling (24.6% versus 18.3%). The orange pulp silage mixture proved palatable to sheep particularly due to its pleasant odour. Milk yield and milk composition were measured for a 9-week period. Mean daily milk yield was 3% higher for controls (653±46.0 g versus 634±45.3 g) not significantly though (p > 0.05), but the situation was reversed (6.6% lower) when the 6% FCM yield was considered (636±462 g versus 678±45.6 g). Ewes fed orange pulp silage had 17% higher fat and 5.4% higher non-fat-solids content in milk (p < 0.001 for both milk components). Treatment differences in ewes body weights were not significant during the experimental period. Results show that the inclusion of ensiled citrus pulp in diets of lactating ewes is a viable proposition, particularly for the dairy breed of sheep whose milk is used in the cheese manufacturing industry. © 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.