Yassine Gouasmia

Sheep farming plays a vital role in Mediterranean rural economies, but its sustainability is threatened by the high cost of imported protein sources such as soybean meal. This study, carried out in an experimental farm in northeastern Algeria, evaluated locally available alternatives - faba beans and sprouted barley - as substitutes in lactating ewes diet. Thirty Ouled Djellal ewes were randomly assigned to three iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets (16 % crude protein): Three concentrates differing only in protein source: soybean meal, faba beans, or a 50 % faba bean– sprouted barley mix (n =10 per group). Milk yield and composition (fat, protein, lactose, total solids, non-fat solids) were measured, and lamb growth was assessed using average daily gain. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. No significant differences were observed in milk yield or lamb growth among treatments (P > 0.05). However, milk composition was significantly influenced by diet. Milk protein differed strongly (P < 0.0001), with the (faba beans) group showing the lowest value (4.99 %), significantly lower than (soybean meal) (7.36 %) and the (faba bean– sprouted barley mix) group (6.88 %). Milk fat was higher in the (soybean meal) (6.38 %) and (faba beans) (5.83 %) groups than in the (faba bean– sprouted barley mix) group (5.26 %) (P = 0.043). Lactose was not significantly affected (P = 0.064). Total solids were significantly lower in the (faba beans) group (16.10 %) compared with (soybean meal) (18.09 %) and the mixed diet (faba bean– sprouted barley mix) (18.64 %) (P < 0.002). Non-fat solids were the most sensitive parameter (P < 0.0001): (faba bean– sprouted barley mix) (15.01 %)> (soybean meal) (12.20 %) > (faba beans) (10.68 %). Lamb growth remained stable regardless of treatment. In conclusion, faba beans and sprouted barley can replace soybean meal in lactating ewes without compromising milk yield or lamb growth. The sprouted barley–faba bean mixture is the most balanced option, supporting the use of local legume–cereal combinations as sustainable alternatives to imported soybean meal.

Background: Clinical mastitis in she-camels (Camelus dromedarius) is a significant concern for camel farming, particularly in regions such as Oued Souf and Illizi provinces in Algeria. Mastitis affects the health of the animals and the quality of milk, impacting productivity and herd management. Understanding the prevalence, bacteriological characteristics, and risk factors associated with mastitis is critical for developing effective management strategies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and bacteriological characteristics of clinical mastitis in Sahraoui she-camels in the Oued Souf and Illizi regions of Algeria, with a focus on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the pathogens involved. Methods: A total of 170 multiparous Sahraoui she-camels were clinically examined. Milk samples were collected from affected animals, and bacterial isolates were obtained and identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on the isolates to determine resistance patterns. Risk factors, such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and the use of anti-suckling devices, were also assessed. Results: Gram-positive cocci were the predominant pathogens, with Streptococcus agalactiae accounting for 85% of bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that oxytetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, and cotrimoxazole showed 100% efficacy. Sulfamethazine/trimethoprim and tylosin exhibited 85% susceptibility, while penicillin and amoxicillin were effective in 60% of cases. Enrofloxacin demonstrated moderate efficacy, with a 50% susceptibility rate. The study also identified key risk factors such as tick infestation, udder lesions, and anti-suckling devices. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of monitoring bacterial resistance in camel mastitis and suggests that appropriate treatment strategies, including the use of oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin, should be prioritized. Effective management of mastitis in Algerian camel herds requires addressing the identified risk factors, such as tick infestations and udder injuries, and implementing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies to improve animal health and milk quality.