The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes supplemented with organic or common mineral salt in the breeding season, and the effect on metabolic constituents of the blood. The experiment was carried out from November 2005 to May 2006 using 40 Ile de France breed ewes. During the breeding season, sheep grazed on two native pasture areas of 15 ha each and were distributed in two groups, depending on the supplementation: submitted to treatments: receiving only mineral mix (salt+phosphate) and receiving organic salt. Biochemical indicators of the nutritional status were analyzed by quantifying the serum albumin, urea, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides of the blood serum. Ewes fed organic mineral had a higher rate of serum urea nitrogen than ewes that received salt in the traditional form (39.00 vs. 35.69 mg/dL, respectively). The others biochemical components evaluated did not differ between treatments. The albumin, urea, glucose and cholesterol serum values differed between the evaluated periods during the breeding season. Serum albumin and urea nitrogen values did not influence the birth rate. Supplementation with organic salt do not improve the reproductive performance of ewes in the breeding season.
metabolic profile; organic mineral; reproduction; sheep
