Influence of varying levels of dried citrus pulp on nutrient intake, growth performance and economic efficiency in lambs

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of partial replacement of concentrate with dried citrus pulp (DCP) on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, growth rate and economic efficiency in lambs. Citrus pulp was sun dried and chemical evaluation was conducted. Forty entire male Lohi lambs approximately 4–5 months of age were used in a randomized complete block design. On the basis of body weight, lambs were divided into 4 groups, 10 lambs in each group. The animals were fed 30% forages and 70% concentrate. The concentrate contained DCP10%, DCP20%, DCP30% or DCP40%. The experiment continued up to 120 days. A non-significant effect was observed on nutrient intake and digestibility by various levels of DCP. Nitrogen balance was also remained unaffected among the treatments. A non-significant effect was observed on average daily gain in lambs fed varying levels of DCP. A decreasing trend in price per kg of feed was observed as the level of DCP increased in the diet. These results indicated that DCP can be used successfully up to 40% of the concentrate in the diet of lambs without any adverse effect on feed intake and growth performance.