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

Abstract 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.