TY  - JOUR
AU  - Anaso, Emmanuel Ugochukwu
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/30
TI  - Immunometabolic Responses and Adaptive Physiology of Yankassa Ram Lambs Fed Diets Containing <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i>-Mediated Solid-State Fermented <i>Saccharum officinarum</i> Scrapings
JO  - Recent Progress in Science and Engineering
SP  - 016
VL  - 02
IS  - 03
AB  - Sheep production systems in sub-Saharan Africa are largely constrained by seasonal fluctuations in feed availability and persistent shortages in both the quantity and quality of forages throughout the year. These limitations adversely affect growth performance and reproductive efficiency in sheep. In addition, the escalating cost of conventional feed ingredients used in ration formulation has intensified the search for alternative, affordable, and locally available feed resources that do not compete directly with human food systems. Particular attention has been directed toward the utilization of lignocellulosic agro-industrial residues, which often constitute environmental pollutants when improperly disposed of. The present study investigated the effects of replacing corn bran with biodegraded sugarcane scrapings (BSS) treated with Pleurotus ostreatus on the physiological and immunological responses of growing sheep. Twenty-one clinically healthy Yankassa ram lambs (7-8 months old; mean body weight 10.33 ± 0.42 kg) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design: 0% (T1), 15% (T2), and 30% (T3) inclusion levels of BSS over a 14-week feeding period. The study specifically evaluated immune and physiological indices, including serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG), triiodothyronine (T3), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and major antioxidant enzymes-superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR). The results demonstrated that dietary inclusion of BSS did not significantly influence these immunological or oxidative stress parameters, and all measured values remained within normal physiological ranges across treatments. The solid-state biodegradation of sugarcane scrapings enhanced their nutritive value, and incorporation at 15% supported adequate nutrient intake and maintained physiological equilibrium without impairing immune competence. Furthermore, the 30% inclusion level proved safe and did not compromise health status or adaptive responses in the sheep.
SN  - 3067-4573
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/rpse.2603016
DO  - 10.21926/rpse.2603016
ID  - Anaso2026
ER  -