Dietary incorporation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes cocktail and wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) herb synergistically enhances immunity and carcass traits in sheep

Aim of study: To assess the effects of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) and wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) herb (WH) added individually and in-combination in diets of sheep on immune responses and in vivo carcass traits. Area of study: Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goat, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Material and methods: Crossbred sheep (n = 20) were distributed equally to 4 dietary groups fed total mixed rations for three months as basal feed (control), or added with EFE cocktail and WH either individually at 6.0 g/kg (EFE) and 45.0 g/kg dry matter (WH), respectively or in combination (EFE + WH) after which the animals were tested. Main results: Monoterpenes hydrocarbons (Chrysanthenyl acetate and L- β- Pinene) were the most abundant bioactive components found in WH. In humoral immune assay, WH added diets (WH and EFE + WH) increased (P < 0.01) mean antibody titers at different days post-immunization. Similarly, the cell mediated immune response of sheep fed WH added diets was higher (P < 0.01) on average as well as at each time point post-challenge. Ultrasonographic scanning revealed larger (P < 0.05) longissimus dorsi muscle area and wider rib flank streaking, while body biometric measurements depicted higher height at withers, thoracic circumference (P < 0.05), and heart girth (P < 0.01) in sheep of EFE+WH group compared to those of the control group. Paunch girth was higher (P < 0.01) in EFE incorporated groups (EFE and EFE + WH) compared to those of the control group. Research highlights: Dietary combination of EFE and WH synergistically could enhance carcass characteristics of sheep compared to the individual additions, while WH beneficially modulates immune response either incorporated alone or in-combination.