In the heart of Jiangsu, China, researchers have uncovered a promising method to boost sheep farming efficiency and meat quality, all while making use of agricultural waste. Qirui Hou, a scientist from the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology at Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, led a study that demonstrates the synergistic effects of combining corn straw and mulberry leaves in sheep diets. The research, published in the journal *Animal Bioscience* (translated from Chinese as “Animal Biology Science”), offers a practical approach to optimizing livestock feed and enhancing antioxidant capacity in sheep.
The study began with an in vitro experiment, where Hou and his team mixed corn straw and mulberry leaves in various ratios to create different feed substrates. They measured gas production, volatile fatty acids, ammonia nitrogen, and microbial crude protein over 72 hours. The results were striking: mulberry leaves showed a positive correlation with several key indicators, including theoretical maximum gas production, cumulative gas production, microbial crude protein, and organic matter digestibility.
“Mulberry leaves significantly enhanced the fermentation process,” Hou explained. “This suggests that incorporating them into sheep diets could improve feed efficiency and overall growth performance.”
Building on these findings, the researchers conducted a 65-day in vivo feeding experiment using the most promising feed combinations. The results were even more compelling. Sheep fed a diet with a 40:60 ratio of corn straw to mulberry leaves (T60) showed the highest increase in average daily feed intake. Additionally, the thickness of the rib and back muscle increased notably in the T60 and T80 groups. The water-holding capacity of the longissimus dorsi muscle was higher, and drip loss was lower in the combination-fed groups, particularly in the T20 and T60 groups.
The study also revealed significant improvements in meat quality and antioxidant capacity. Blood urea nitrogen levels decreased with increasing mulberry leaf content, and the T60 and T80 groups demonstrated higher free radical scavenging ability. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the sheep liver were also notably enhanced.
“This research provides a practical method for utilizing agricultural waste and optimizing sheep diets,” Hou said. “The combination of corn straw and mulberry leaves not only improves feed efficiency but also enhances the antioxidant capacity of sheep, leading to better meat quality.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the farm. By utilizing agricultural waste products like corn straw and mulberry leaves, farmers can reduce feed costs and improve sustainability. The enhanced antioxidant capacity in sheep could also lead to healthier meat products, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
As the global demand for sustainable and high-quality meat continues to grow, this study offers a promising avenue for innovation in the livestock industry. By harnessing the synergistic effects of corn straw and mulberry leaves, farmers and agritech companies can optimize feed formulations, improve animal health, and ultimately deliver better products to consumers.
In the words of Qirui Hou, “This is just the beginning. The potential for further research and application in this area is vast, and we are excited to explore the possibilities.”