FEEDING EFFECTS OF FENUGREEK SEEDS (Tringonella Foenum- Graceum ) ON LACTATION PERFORMANCE, SOME SERUM CONSTITUENTS AND PROLACTIN HORMONE LEVEL IN DAMASCUS CROSSBRED GOATS

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fenugreek feeding on milk production , serum constituents and prolactin hormone in lactating Damascus crossbred goats. Eighteen lactating goats in early lactation were divided randomly into three groups . First group was left without treatment as control group . The second and third groups received 4% and 6% fenugreek seeds powder respectively . Milk yield was recorded daily and blood samples were collected weekly . Milk yield was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) while there was a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the milk fat percentage in the treated groups as compared with control group. Fenugreek fed goats exhibited significantly lower serum glucose (p<0.05) and urea (p<0.01) as compared to control group. Mean serum levels of total protein and prolactin hormone were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the fenugreek treated goats as compared to control . It could be concluded that Fenugreek feeding increased milk production in Damascus crossbred goats and this effect might be mediated via prolactin hormone stimulation.