Performance of West African dwarf does fed diets supplemented with Piliostigma thonningii and Daniellia oliveri essential oils: effects on immune function, oxidative stress markers, milk production, and rumen fermentation

This study explored the impact of Daniellia oliveri (DOV), Piliostigma thonningii seed oil (PTN), and their mixture (MEO; 1:1 v/v) on immunological response, oxidative stress biomarkers, rumen fermentation, milk production in West African dwarf does. In a 50-day study, 28 healthy does weighing 33.73 ± 0.40 kg were randomly assigned to the control and three additional dietary groups (n = 7). Treatments included a basal diet alone (T1), basal diet + 10 ml/kg PTN (T2), basal diet + 10 ml/kg DOV (T3), and basal diet + 10 ml/kg MEO (T4). Milk production (yield) and composition were enhanced (P < 0.05) in groups (T2-T4) compared with the control, with T4 showing the greatest enhancement. Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), triiodothyronine (T3), superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and reductase and increased markedly (P < 0.05) in supplemented groups, while malondialdehyde and cortisol levels were highest in the control group. Rumen fermentation profiles also improved, with reduced pH, ammonia nitrogen, methane, acetic acid, and acetate-to-propionate ratio, alongside higher concentrations of volatile fatty acids. In conclusion, PTN, DOV, and particularly their mixture enhanced milk yield and quality, immune competence, antioxidant defense, and rumen efficiency.