Volume 14, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Res Anim Prod 2023, 14(4): 42-50 |
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Shahi M, Abdi benemar H, Mirzaei Aghje Qeshlagh F, Seifdavati J, Fathi-Achachlouei B. (2023). The Effect of Different Levels of Concentrate Supplement on Weight Gain, Growth Performance and Blood Parameters of Weaned Ghezel Lambs Under Grazing Conditions. Res Anim Prod. 14(4), 42-50. doi:10.61186/rap.14.42.42
URL: http://rap.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-1361-en.html
URL: http://rap.sanru.ac.ir/article-1-1361-en.html
Mohammad Shahi1, Hossein Abdi benemar * 
2, Farzad Mirzaei Aghje Qeshlagh2, Jamal Seifdavati2, Bahram Fathi-Achachlouei3
2, Farzad Mirzaei Aghje Qeshlagh2, Jamal Seifdavati2, Bahram Fathi-Achachlouei3
1- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2- Department of Animal Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
3- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2- Department of Animal Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
3- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Abstract: (1010 Views)
Extended Abstract
Background: The lamb-rearing system in pasture can provide a better growth rate when the diet is supplemented with concentrates. Supplementary feeding can compensate for the limitations of natural feed by replacing part of the pasture fodder with concentrates, especially during low rainfall seasons. However, the availability and high costs of concentrate diets have led to their limited use by many small farmers. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on weight gain, growth performance, blood parameters, and grazing behavior of weaned Ghezel lambs under grazing conditions.
Methods: This experiment was conducted using 32 male Ghezel lambs (average weight = 29±2.7 kg) in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 8 replications. The experimental treatments were: 1) a control treatment consisting of free access to pasture grazing, 2) free access to pasture grazing with 150 g of concentrate supplement per day per head, 3) free access to pasture grazing with 250 g of concentrate supplement per day per head, and 4) free access to pasture grazing with 350 g of concentrate supplement per day per head. To determine daily weight gain, the lambs were weighed at the beginning and end of the period in the morning before grazing. The grazing behavior of the lambs was recorded by direct observation every 10 minutes during pasture access. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken at noon from the jugular vein and evaluated for glucose, urea, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Fecal samples were collected using special fabric bags tied to the animals' tails.
Results: The results of the present study showed that concentrate supplementation improved daily weight gain; however, no significant difference was observed between the different levels of concentrate feeding. Among growth traits, body length and body height were significantly affected by the experimental treatments. The amount of time lambs spent grazing in the pasture was not affected by the different levels of concentrate supplementation. Supplemental feeding with concentrates increased the digestibility of organic matter. Changes in blood glucose levels of lambs during the experimental period were significant between the control group and the groups receiving the concentrate supplements. Net profit per lamb also increased due to the provision of concentrate supplements.
Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that feeding Ghezel lambs with concentrate supplements in pasture conditions resulted in a significant increase in growth performance and proved to be economical due to the increased net profit. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to provide at least 150 to 350 grams of concentrate supplement daily when rearing Ghezel lambs in pasture grazing conditions.
Methods: This experiment was conducted using 32 male Ghezel lambs (average weight = 29±2.7 kg) in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 8 replications. The experimental treatments were: 1) a control treatment consisting of free access to pasture grazing, 2) free access to pasture grazing with 150 g of concentrate supplement per day per head, 3) free access to pasture grazing with 250 g of concentrate supplement per day per head, and 4) free access to pasture grazing with 350 g of concentrate supplement per day per head. To determine daily weight gain, the lambs were weighed at the beginning and end of the period in the morning before grazing. The grazing behavior of the lambs was recorded by direct observation every 10 minutes during pasture access. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken at noon from the jugular vein and evaluated for glucose, urea, total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Fecal samples were collected using special fabric bags tied to the animals' tails.
Results: The results of the present study showed that concentrate supplementation improved daily weight gain; however, no significant difference was observed between the different levels of concentrate feeding. Among growth traits, body length and body height were significantly affected by the experimental treatments. The amount of time lambs spent grazing in the pasture was not affected by the different levels of concentrate supplementation. Supplemental feeding with concentrates increased the digestibility of organic matter. Changes in blood glucose levels of lambs during the experimental period were significant between the control group and the groups receiving the concentrate supplements. Net profit per lamb also increased due to the provision of concentrate supplements.
Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that feeding Ghezel lambs with concentrate supplements in pasture conditions resulted in a significant increase in growth performance and proved to be economical due to the increased net profit. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to provide at least 150 to 350 grams of concentrate supplement daily when rearing Ghezel lambs in pasture grazing conditions.
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