Effects of dietary grape pomace on growth, serum biochemistry, and rumen microbiota in Dorper x Hu crossbred sheep

This study evaluated the effects of dietary grape pomace (GP) supplementation on Dorper x Hu hybrid rams. Rams fed 15% or 20% GP in pelleted diets for 60 days showed increased serum total protein, antioxidant capacity, and muscle essential amino acids, with no adverse effects on growth. GP also reduced the abundance of specific rumen bacteria such as Treponema, indicating potential modulatory benefits on rumen microbiota.