Effects of Maternal Curcumin Nano-Micelle Supplementation on Ewes and Their Offspring: Impact on Nutrient Digestibility, Ruminal Fermentation Parameters, Milk Composition and Metabolic Health During the Transition Period.

Abstract

The transition period in ewes, typically defined as the interval from ~3 weeks before lambing to 3 weeks after lambing, is marked by increased nutritional and metabolic demands. This study evaluates the effects of maternal supplementation with curcumin nano-micelles (CNM) on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk composition and metabolic health in ewes and their offspring. A total of 32 pregnant crossbred ewes were randomly assigned to receive either a control diet or a diet with 40 mg CNM daily, from Day 125 gestation to Day 21 postpartum. Parameters assessed included feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk yield and composition, colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, ruminal fermentation parameters, blood biochemistry and glucose tolerance. CNM supplementation improved live body weight (LBW) and dry matter intake (DMI) in both ewes and their lambs. In lambs, maternal CNM supplementation resulted in higher birth weight, greater average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), while also showing reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. The CNM group also showed improved nutrient digestibility, with increased neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility postpartum. Milk yield was increased by CNM supplementation, while its composition showed reductions in protein, fat and total solids. Colostrum IgG levels were higher in the CNM group, potentially enhancing lamb immunity. Ruminal fermentation improved with lower pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) and protozoa counts, while total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and acetate concentrations increased. Blood analysis revealed improved metabolic health with lower glucose, albumin and cholesterol levels and increased total protein levels. Glucose tolerance tests showed lower glucose and insulin levels, with reduced areas under the curve (AUC) for both glucose and insulin in CNM-supplemented ewes. These results suggest that maternal CNM supplementation enhances health and productivity during the transition period, benefiting both ewes and their offspring.