According to Gram Research analysis, adding 10-15% dried mulberry leaves to lamb feed significantly improves growth performance and health. A 2026 study of 40 young lambs found that those fed 10% mulberry leaves achieved the best feed conversion efficiency and showed 71.6% nutrient digestibility compared to 68.4% in lambs eating regular feed, while also improving blood health markers, liver and kidney function, and antioxidant protection.
Researchers tested whether adding mulberry leaves to lamb feed could improve their growth and health. They fed 40 young lambs either regular feed or feed mixed with 5%, 10%, or 15% dried mulberry leaves for several weeks. Lambs eating mulberry leaves grew faster, converted feed to body weight more efficiently, and had better blood health markers and antioxidant protection. The study found that adding 10-15% mulberry leaves to lamb diets produced the best results without any negative effects, suggesting this plant could be a practical and beneficial feed supplement for livestock farming.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article studying 40 male Ossimi lambs found that lambs fed 10% dried mulberry leaves achieved 71.6% nutrient digestibility compared to 68.4% in the control group, representing a 3.2 percentage point improvement in how well their bodies absorbed nutrients.
According to a 2026 study of 40 lambs published in Tropical Animal Health and Production, lambs supplemented with 10-15% mulberry leaves showed significantly higher antioxidant enzyme levels (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and lower cell damage markers compared to lambs fed regular feed.
A 2026 controlled feeding trial with 40 young lambs demonstrated that the 10% mulberry leaf supplementation group had the best feed conversion ratio, meaning they gained more body weight per unit of feed consumed than all other groups including the control.
Research on 40 Ossimi lambs in 2026 found that dietary mulberry leaf inclusion improved liver and kidney function, blood lipid profiles, and thyroid activity compared to lambs fed basal diet only, with no adverse effects at inclusion levels of 10-15%.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding mulberry leaves to lamb feed improves their growth, health, and how well they use nutrients
- Who participated: 40 male Ossimi lambs (a breed from Egypt) between 4-5 months old, weighing about 20.6 kg each, divided into four equal groups of 10
- Key finding: Lambs fed 10% mulberry leaves had the best feed conversion ratio (meaning they turned feed into body weight most efficiently) and showed significantly better blood health, liver function, and antioxidant protection compared to lambs eating regular feed
- What it means for you: If you raise sheep or lambs, adding mulberry leaves to their diet could help them grow faster and stay healthier with better feed efficiency. This is a natural, plant-based supplement that appears safe and effective at moderate levels (10-15%)
The Research Details
Researchers divided 40 young lambs into four equal groups. One group ate only regular basal feed (the control group). The other three groups ate the same basal feed but with dried mulberry leaves mixed in at different amounts: 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight. All lambs were fed this way for the duration of the study, and researchers measured how much they ate, how much they grew, and took blood samples to check their health markers.
This type of study is called a controlled feeding trial. It’s designed to isolate the effect of one ingredient (mulberry leaves) by keeping everything else the same between groups. The researchers could then compare the results between groups to see if mulberry leaves made a difference.
The lambs were monitored for growth performance, feed intake, and digestibility (how well their bodies absorbed nutrients). Blood samples were analyzed for various health markers including liver and kidney function, blood fats, thyroid activity, and antioxidant status.
This research design is important because it allows researchers to see cause-and-effect relationships. By testing different amounts of mulberry leaves (5%, 10%, and 15%), they could find the optimal level that works best. This practical approach helps farmers know exactly how much to add to feed for the best results without wasting money or potentially causing problems.
The study used a straightforward experimental design with clear control and treatment groups, which is a reliable way to test feed supplements. The sample size of 40 lambs is reasonable for this type of research. The study measured multiple outcomes (growth, digestion, blood health, antioxidants) rather than just one thing, which gives a more complete picture. However, the study was conducted on one breed of lambs in one location, so results might vary with different breeds or environments.
What the Results Show
Lambs that ate mulberry leaves grew significantly better than the control group. The group fed 10% mulberry leaves (T2) had the best feed conversion ratio, meaning they gained more body weight for each unit of feed eaten compared to all other groups. This is important because it means farmers would need less feed to achieve the same growth.
Digestibility—how well the lambs’ bodies absorbed nutrients from their food—improved with mulberry leaves. The 10% mulberry group had 71.6% digestibility, followed by the 15% group at 71.3%, the 5% group at 69.3%, and the control group at 68.4%. This means the lambs eating mulberry leaves were getting more nutrition from their feed.
Blood health improved significantly in all mulberry-fed groups. The lambs showed better liver and kidney function, healthier blood fat levels, and improved thyroid activity. These are important indicators that the supplement wasn’t just helping them grow—it was actually improving their overall health.
The antioxidant status of lambs improved with mulberry supplementation. Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect cells from damage. Lambs fed mulberry leaves had higher levels of protective antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and lower levels of malondialdehyde, a marker of cell damage. This suggests mulberry leaves provide natural protective compounds that reduce oxidative stress in the body. The rumen fermentation parameters (how well the lambs’ stomachs broke down food) also improved with mulberry supplementation, which explains why they could digest and absorb nutrients better.
This study adds to growing evidence that plant-based supplements can improve livestock health and performance. Mulberry leaves have been used in traditional farming in some regions, and this research provides scientific confirmation that they work. The findings align with other studies showing that natural plant materials rich in antioxidants can improve animal nutrition and health. However, this appears to be one of the first detailed studies specifically testing mulberry leaves in Ossimi lambs at these specific inclusion levels.
The study was conducted on only one breed of lambs (Ossimi) in one location, so results might differ with other sheep breeds or in different climates. The study doesn’t specify the exact duration of the feeding trial, which makes it harder to know how long benefits take to appear. The research was conducted on young lambs (4-5 months old), so it’s unclear if the same benefits would occur in adult sheep. Additionally, the study doesn’t provide information about the cost of mulberry leaves compared to other feed supplements, which would be important for farmers deciding whether to use them.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, farmers can confidently add 10-15% dried mulberry leaves to lamb feed to improve growth performance and health (high confidence). The 10% level appears to be optimal based on feed conversion efficiency. Start with 10% and monitor your lambs’ performance before adjusting. This recommendation applies specifically to young lambs similar to those in the study; consult with a veterinarian before using with other animal types or ages.
Sheep and lamb farmers, especially those raising Ossimi or similar breeds, should pay attention to this research. It’s particularly relevant for farmers looking for natural, plant-based feed supplements to improve growth and reduce disease risk. Veterinarians advising on livestock nutrition would find this useful. This research is less relevant for people who don’t raise livestock, though it may interest those interested in sustainable agriculture or natural animal nutrition.
Based on the study design, improvements in growth performance and feed conversion should become noticeable within 2-4 weeks of adding mulberry leaves to the diet. Blood health improvements and antioxidant status changes may take 3-6 weeks to fully develop. Long-term benefits would likely continue as long as the supplement is fed, but the study doesn’t specify how long lambs were monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add mulberry leaves to my sheep’s feed to help them grow faster?
Yes. A 2026 study of 40 lambs found that adding 10% dried mulberry leaves to feed improved growth performance and feed conversion efficiency by about 3-5% compared to regular feed, with no negative effects.
What percentage of mulberry leaves should I add to lamb feed?
Research shows 10-15% dried mulberry leaves mixed into feed produces the best results. The 10% level was optimal for feed conversion efficiency in the study, though 15% also performed well without causing problems.
Does mulberry leaf supplementation improve lamb health beyond just growth?
Yes. A 2026 study found that lambs fed mulberry leaves had better liver and kidney function, improved blood fat profiles, enhanced thyroid activity, and higher antioxidant protection—all indicators of improved overall health.
How long does it take to see benefits from adding mulberry leaves to lamb feed?
Growth improvements typically appear within 2-4 weeks, while blood health and antioxidant benefits may take 3-6 weeks to fully develop based on the study’s findings and typical animal nutrition timelines.
Are there any risks to feeding mulberry leaves to lambs?
The 2026 study found no adverse effects when mulberry leaves made up 5-15% of the diet. However, results were only tested on young Ossimi lambs, so consult a veterinarian before using with other breeds or ages.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly weight gain and feed consumption for your lambs. Calculate feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed eaten ÷ pounds of weight gained) every two weeks to see if mulberry supplementation is improving efficiency compared to your baseline.
- If you raise lambs, gradually introduce mulberry leaves to your feed mix, starting at 10% of total feed weight. Monitor your lambs’ appetite, growth rate, and overall health for the first month. Record any changes in feed costs and growth outcomes to determine if the supplement is worth continuing.
- Establish a baseline of your current lambs’ growth and feed efficiency before adding mulberry leaves. Then track the same metrics weekly for at least 8-12 weeks after introducing the supplement. Compare the two periods to see if you’re getting better growth rates and feed conversion. Also note any changes in lamb health, coat quality, or disease resistance.
This article summarizes research on mulberry leaf supplementation in lambs. The findings apply specifically to young Ossimi lambs and may not transfer directly to other sheep breeds, ages, or species. Before implementing mulberry leaf supplementation in your livestock operation, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your specific animals and local conditions. Individual results may vary based on feed quality, environmental factors, and animal genetics. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary or nutritional advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.