Feed intake, digestibility and growth performance of Dorper-Menz cross bred sheep fed local brewery by-product (atella) and concentrate mixture at different levels of combination

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of graded level of local brewery by-product (atella) replacement to concentrate mixture on feed intake; digestibility and body weight change of Dorper-Menz crossbred lambs fed hay basal diet. The feeding period of 90 days was preceded by 15 days of acclimatization period. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments: T1 [Control, hay ad libtium]; T2 [25% atella + 75% concentrate mix]; T3 [50% atella + 50% concentrate mix]; T4 [75% atella + 25% concentrate mix]; and T5 [100% atella]. Body weight changes were monitored fortnightly for 112 days. Data on feed intake, body weight change, and digestibility were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model procedure. Partial budget analysis was performed to evaluate profitability of treatments. The crude protein content of atella was above 20% and can be used as a supplement. Atella alone or at different level with commercial concentrate mixture has significantly increased body weight gain of crossbred sheep. The positive weight gain results of atella supplemented group clearly indicate the potential of atella. Based on partial budget analysis, supplementation of dried atella could be recommended for fattening Dorper-Menz crossbred male lamb.