Effect of feeding Acacia as supplements on the nutrient digestion, growth performance, carcass traits and some blood constituents of Awassi lambs under the conditions of North Sinai

Abstract

This research was conducted to study the effect of different levels of acacia in the feed of weaned Awassi lambs on the digestibility coefficient and nutritive values, growth performance, carcass traits and some blood constituents. Four rations were nutritionally evaluated through four digestion trials with ram lambs. Rations 2 and 3 which gave the highest feeding value were chosen and compared with the control ration in a feeding trial conducted using 18 newly weaned (16 weeks of age) Awassi lambs which were divided into three similar groups of 6 lambs each for 84 days. The main results showed significant differences among rations in the digestibility coefficients for DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE which decreased as acacia consumption increased. Diet 1 and 2 had the highest (p<0.01) TDN value, followed by diet 3 then diet 4. All animals were in positive N balance in the four experimental rations. Feed cost/kg gain was reduced and economic efficiency improved by increasing acacia in sheep rations. Lambs fed 40% acacia recorded the highest values of dressing percentage. Dietary had no significant effects serum constituents of lambs which were all within the normal ranges for healthy lambs. It could be concluded that replacement of acacia up to 40% in growing lambs diet improved growth performance traits, economical efficiency, dressing percentage and decreased feed cost per kg body gain from weaning to marketing weight. © 2011 Knowledgia Review, Malaysia.