Dietary inclusion of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) powder affects productive and reproductive performance of dairy ewes

This study aimed to explore the effects of purslane (PU) powder on the productive and reproductive performance of ewes. Thirty-six crossbred ewes (third and fourth parity) with an average body weight of 40 ± 0.75 kg during the late stages of pregnancy. Ewes (12 ewes/group) were fed a concentrate mixture (1 kg per head) alongside corn silage (ad libitum), either without (control, PU0) or with additions of 50 g (PU50) or 100 g (PU100) of purslane powder. Feeding trials continued for 5 months. Intake dry matter and digestible crude protein increased (P < 0.05) in PU100 ewes. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels were reduced; meanwhile, total antioxidant capacity increased (P < 0.05) with dietary PU inclusion. Production metrics for milk revealed an increase (P < 0.05) in both yield and total solids, while the percentages of milk fat, lactose, total solids, and solids not fat demonstrated a decrease (P < 0.05) in the PU100 ewes. Offspring lambs of the PU diets showed higher (P < 0.05) daily gain and weaning body weight. The percentage of ewes exhibiting estrus rose (P < 0.05) from 58 % in PU0 to 66 % in PU50 and 83 % in PU100 lambs. Additionally, the interval from lambing to first estrus, as well as from lambing to mating, was decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, progesterone concentrations rose with greater levels of purslane in the diet. Fertility rates, including mating, conception, pregnancy, and lambing, improved with the PU diets. Collectively, these findings suggest that purslane as a natural feed additive can be advised to improve ewe productivity and health, as well as profitability.