Prickly pear cactus peels (Opuntia ficus-indica, PPCP) are sustainable byproducts available in arid regions and a rich source of antioxidants. Fifteen multiparous Barki ewes (2–3 years old, 46.94 ± 0.59 kg body weight, BW) at postpartum were individually distributed in three equal groups and fed diets supplemented with PPCP at doses of 0, 5 and 10 g/head/day. Lambs were individually distributed into three equal groups according to their mothers’ groups to investigate the maternal effect on lambs’ growth performance, hematology and serum metabolites. This trial lasted for 56 days from birth to weaning. Moreover, nine adult male Barki sheep with a live BW of 65.76 ± 0.54 kg were randomly allocated into three equal groups to determine the effect of PPCP on the nutrient digestibility of the experimental diets. The results indicate that supplementing PPCP at low levels (5 g/head/day) increased milk yield (p = 0.050), fat-corrected milk (p = 0.022), energy-corrected milk (p = 0.015) and the yield of milk constituents compared to 10 g PPCP and the control group. In addition, lambs suckling from ewes fed the diet supplemented with 5 g PPCP had a higher (p = 0.001) weaning BW compared to other groups. Serum total protein, globulin, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities and the triiodothyronine hormone improved significantly in lambs suckling from ewes fed diets supplemented with 5 g PPCP compared to the control group. Serum cholesterol profile and kidney activities were enhanced significantly in lambs suckling from ewes fed diets supplemented with 5 and 10 g of PPCP compared to the control group. The dietary supplementation of 5 g PPCP improved the crude protein digestibility, digestible crude protein value, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation characteristics of male sheep compared to the control group. In conclusion, supplementation with 5 g PPCP improved ewes’ milk production, offspring growth and physiological status. Furthermore, it improved the crude protein digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics of Barki sheep.

The harmful influences of global warming on rabbit reproduction and industry attract global attention. Zinc (Zn) is an important trace element with a wide list of functions in the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of different forms of zinc supplementation, as organic (Zn methionine), nano (nano Zn oxide) as indirect way to minimized it impact on environment, and inorganic (Zn sulphate) on physiological parameters, semen quality, anti-oxidative status, hormonal profiles of male rabbits subjected to server heat stress. Thirty-six V-line bucks (6–7 months old, 2842.29 ± 34.46 g weight) were randomly distributed to 4 groups, bucks in 1st group (control group, Con) fed basal diet without Zn supplementation, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups fed basial diet with 30 mg/kg of zinc methionine (Zn-Met), nano zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs), and zinc sulphate (Zn-S), respectively for a period of 10 weeks suffered from severe heat stress of environmental ambient temperature (over 32 of temperature humidity index, THI). Semen samples were collected and evaluated for volume, pH, motility, concentration, viability, initial fructose, and seminal plasma antioxidant concentration. Liver, kidney function, hormonal and antioxidant profile were measured in blood serum. The results revealed that, compared to control, all forms of Zn supplementation used significantly improved kidney function (creatinine), serum antioxidant (SOD and CAT), physiological parameters, especially on 1st month of the experiment, and seminal plasma antioxidant (SOD and CAT) of heat stressed bucks. Likewise, semen quality in terms of sperm concentration, sperm viability, and initial fructose enhanced significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by ZnO-NPs supplementation. Zinc methionine supplementation significantly improved liver function and decreased seminal plasma TBARs. Treatments with Zn-Met and ZnO-NPs increased seminal TAC and blood testosterone levels with reduced blood cortisol levels compared to other groups. Severe heat stress could be counteract by inclusion Zn with studied forms Zn-Met and ZnO-NPs at recommended dose (30 mg/kg diet) to improve semen quality and antioxidant status.