Effect of broccoli stem and leaves on some biochemical and hormonal parameters in Kurdi (Karadi) ewes

This study was conducted to determine the effects of adding varying amounts of broccoli waste (by-product) to the ration in ewes' diets based on some biochemical and hormonal markers in Kurdi ewes, which is the first of its kind in Iraq. Twelve Kurdi (Karadi) ewes aged 2-3 years were divided into three groups at random to ensure a non-significant difference between the groups. Each group had four ewes with an average body weight of 62.75 kg. T1 (no broccoli wastes), T2 and T3 treatments fed (250 g and 750 g broccoli wastes were introduced in the first and second months) and (500 g and 1000 g of broccoli wastes were added in the first and second months) respectively.  At the end of the trial, about 2 mL of blood was obtained from each animal's jugular vein before morning feeding. According to our results, lipid profile of the animals increased in BB fed animals compared to control group. Although TG and VLDL showed a decrease in the second treatment compared to control group. Concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, creatinine, triiodothyronine and thyroxin hormone, did not change significantly (p > 0.05), while insulin hormone and urea showed a significant change between the BB treated groups compared to control group (p < 0.05). The ewes in our experiment fed by-product (BB) showed no clinical signs of glucosinolate toxicity because the concentration was low and there were no symptoms of toxicity.

Effect of broccoli stem and leaves on some biochemical and hormonal parameters in Kurdi (Karadi) ewes Keywords:

Broccoli , by-products , Biochemical parameters , ruminants , Thyroid Hormones , and Brassica vegetable