Abstract
Sixteen local ram lambs (18 ± 1.25 kg live weight) were divided randomly into four equal groups. Each group was offered ad libitum one of the following roughage: concentrate (R : c) ratios 100:0; 60:40; 40:60; and 20:80. Two lambs from each group were slaughtered after 3 months of feeding and the other two at the end of the trial (after 4 months). Average daily gain (P < .0001), dry matter intake (P < .0249) and feed conversion ratio (P < .0004) were significantly affected by R : C ratio, Lambs receiving 60 or 80% concentrate consumed more feed, gained more weight, and converted feed more efficiently compared to the other two groups. The group fed no concentrate (100% R) gave the poorest performance. Slaughter weight (SW) (P < .05), hot carcass weight (HCW) (P < .006), and dressing percentage (DP) (P < .002) were significantly influenced by R:C ratio. Groups that received 60 or 80% C had the highest SW, HCW and DP. Performance of lambs on 100% R was the poorest. Roughage : concentrate ratio had no significant effect on carcass traits or composition, except percent bone in the ribs cut (P < .03) was lower in animals fed 60 or 80% C (by 37 and 37.5%, respectively) compared to the group fed 100% R. Inclusion of concentrates improved significantly feedlot gain, feed conversion efficiency and carcass characteristics of local lambs. There was no advantage to extending the feeding period after 3 months.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 137-148 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Water Science and Technology