Effect of Different Feeding Frequencies on the Digestibility Parameters of Lohi Lambs in Pakistan

Abstract

Optimum growth of a healthy animal depends upon adequate nutrition and management. Increased weight gain and dry matter intake are well known factors that influence financial returns in sheep enterprise. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different feeding frequencies on the digestibility performance of lambs. Weaned Lohi lambs (n=27) of same age and same weight (20-22 Kg) were randomly selected and divided into three groups (A, B and C). Each group was comprised of nine animals, which were further subdivided into three replicates with three lambs each. Two times daily green fodder (berseem) and concentrate was offered to group A (control), three times to group B and four times to group C. Feed was offered according to body weight and water was offered ad libitum to all groups. The data thus collected were analyzed by using analysis of variance technique (ANOVA). The highest digestible dry matter intake (DMI) was observed in-group C (78.73±0.49%) as compared to group A (77.08±0.59%). The mean (±S.E) values of digestible crude protein (CP) intake were similar for all groups. The mean (±S.E) values of digestible fat and crude fiber also followed a same trend, whereas, the digestible ash contents were highest under group C. Digestible NDF and ADF% were found to be highest for the groups A and C, respectively. The present study revealed for that frequent feeding positively affects the digestibility in Lohi lambs under feed lot fattening system.