Effect of Pudina (Mentha piperita) Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Sheep

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Pudina (Mentha piperita), a herbal feed additive, on the nutrient balance and blood biochemicals in sheep. Ten male adult Bakerwal sheep were divided in to control (T₀) and treatment (T₁) groups. The complete ration for T₁ was fortified with herb Mentha piperita @3%. Intake of DM, OM and body weight was observed. Digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP and EE showed significant (P<0.05) differences where as non-significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in digestibility coefficients of NFE, NDF, ADF and HC. Significant (P<0.05) increase in DCP and TDN were recorded in T₁ group as compared to T₀ group. Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance were comparable between two groups and were positive in both the groups. Among haemato-biochemical parameters blood glucose, Hb, PCV and total serum proteins, differed non-significantly (P≤0.05) between the groups, both before and after experimental feeding except the BUN, which was found significantly (P≤0.05) higher in herb supplemented group. It was concluded that Pudina could be used as feed additive @3% of diet for enhancing digestibility in sheep without any negative effect on body weight, nitrogen balance or blood biochemical parameters.