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Effect of growing fattening diets on the growth performance of intensified Afghani lambs
Small FUnlnant Research ELSEVIER
Small Ruminant Research
25 (1997) 39-42
Effect of growing fattening diets on the growth performance of intensified Afghani lambs A.G. Khan ‘7*, A. Azim ‘, M.A. Nadeem a, M.A. Khan b aAnimal
Nutrition Institute, National Agricultural
Research Centre, Islamabad,
b Livestock Research Station, National Agricultural
Accepted
Research Centre, Islamabad,
5 September
Pakisfan Pakistan
1996
Abstract Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric complete diets (A, B and C) were prepared from cottonseed meal, soybean meal and canola meal, respectively, as the major source of protein. Eighteen lOO- to 115day-old Afghani male lambs were fed individually ad libitum for a period of 90 days. A growth trial was followed by a digestibility trial during which lambs were fed 90% of their voluntary feed intake (WI). Average daily weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Diets B (244 g day-‘) and C (233 g day-‘), respectively, as compared to Diet A (213 g day-‘). No significant difference was found in DMI among diets. Better (P < 0.05) feed efficiency was found in lambs fed on Diets B (8.98) and C (8.58) as compared to Diet A (9.79). Economic efficiency was best on Diet B (18.97) as compared to Diets A (24.11) and C (21.61). Non-significant differences were observed in DM and CP digestibility of Diets B and C. However, DM and CP digestibility of Diets B and C differed (P < 0.05) from those of Diet A. Crude fibre digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for Diet B as compared to Diets A and C. It was concluded that soybean meal and canola meal diets were significantly better protein sources for lamb growth than cotton seed meal.0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Keywords: Afghani
lamb; Growing
fattening diets; Weight gain; Digestibility
1. Introduction Small ruminants, sheep and goats, are numerically and socio-economically important domesticated animals in the arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan.
They are primarily raised on rangeland in a traditional manner and there is little organized effort for their improvement. The population of sheep has
* Corresponding 241495.
author.
Tel:
OO921-4488/97/$17.00 Copyright PII SO921-4488(96)00963-7
+ 92-51-240576;
Fax:
+ 92-51-
increased from 12.38 million to 26.34 million from 1960 to 1990 (GOP, 1992). The major reason for the low productivity of sheep is inadequate grazing feed resources due to the deteriorated conditions of the rangelands. The feeding of grain and concentrate to sheep is practised on an extremely limited scale (Rafiq, 1995). Poor performance of sheep on ranges is reflected in slaughter weight/age varying from 15 months and onwards (Economides, 1980; Gibb and Treacher, 1980). Sheep consume a higher proportion of forage (roughage) than other classes of farm livestock (Ensminger and Olentine, 1978). Sheep are
0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
40
A. G. Khan et al. /Small
Ruminant Research 25 (1997) 39-42
rather unique in producing a suitably finished carcass at a relatively young age (6 months) when fed diets high either in good forage or concentrate. Afghani sheep are a new breed introduced with the advent of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and have gained importance as a mutton breed. There is a dearth of information on the growth performance and feed requirements of the Afghani breed under intensified production systems. It was noted that Afghani lambs exhibited 168- 183 g daily weight gain (LPRI, 1987-1988). In another experiment, 230-280 g daily weight gain was observed when Afghani lambs were fed on an early weaning diets having different protein sources (Khan et al., 1995). It seems logical to explore possibilities to achieve maximum mutton production by raising growing lambs on intensified feeding and management systems. The present study was planned to investigate the biological and economic influence of growing fattening diets based on different protein sources for intensively grown Afghani lambs.
2. Materials
and methods
Eighteen growing lambs 100-l 15 days of age with an average body weight of 32-35 kg were involved in a growth performance trial for 90 days. Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric complete mixed growing fattening diets (A, B and C) having cottonseed meal, soybean meal and canola meal, respectively, were prepared. In all the experimental diets 35% ground wheat straw was incorporated to obtain a desirable level of fibre. The ingredient composition and chemical analysis of the experimental diets are presented in Table 1. Before starting the experiment all the lambs were weighed and dewormed against internal parasites by administering recommended doses of Nilverm (ICI Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan) and were provided with dips of Neguvon (Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany) for external parasites. Animals were randomly allotted to three experimental diets and were fed individually on an ad libitum basis. Weighed quantities of diets were offered twice a day at 08:OO and 14:00 h to minimize sorting and wastage. Daily feed refusal was recorded prior to the OS:00 h feeding. Fresh, clean water was made available continuously. Records on daily feed intake, feed
Table 1 Ingredients and chemical growing lambs
composition
Items
of experimental
diets for
Diets (% DM)
Ingredients (%) Wheat straw (ground) Cottonseed meal Soybean meal Canola meal Wheat grain (broken) Wheat bran Molasses (cane) Dical. phosphate Vitamin and mineral premix a Salt (sodium chloride)
A
B
C
35.0 26.0
35.0 20.0
35.0 -
10.0 15.0 18.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
20.0 14.0 11.0 18.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
13.67 17.82 63.95
13.65 18.30 63.35
8.0 11.0 18.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
Chemical composition CP b Crude fibre b TDN ’
(% on DM basis)
a Vitamin and mineral Na, 1.2% Mg (300000 mg vitamin E per kg), Cu. Co, Se) (made by b Analyzed value. ’ Calculated value.
premix contains 19.2% P, 25.5% Ca, 2.3% IU vitamin A, 50000 IU vitamin D3, 100 Ca:P = 1.3:1 trace elements (Zn, Mn, Fe, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany).
13.67 18.20 63.55
refused and weekly weigh gain of lambs were maintained individually. Following the growth performance trial, a digestibility trial was conducted on a 3 X 3 Latin square design. During this trial lambs were placed in individual cages thus providing the facility to collect faeces and urine separately. Animals were given 10 days to adjust followed by a 5 day collection period. During the digestibility trial the animals were fed on 90% of their voluntary feed intake (VFD. Daily feed offered, orts and faeces voided for each lamb were weighed and samples were cornposited. The samples were analysed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ash by AOAC (1990) methods. The growth performance data were statistically analysed by using analysis of variance for a completely randomized design and the digestibility trial data were analysed as a 3 X 3 Latin square design using analysis of variance to test for significant treatment effects. Upon significant treatment effects Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was employed to compare means (Steel and Torrie, 1980).
A.G. Khan et al. /Small Ruminant Research 25 (I 997) 39-42
3. Results and discussion
Table 3 Nutrients digestibility
3.1. Weight gain
of growing
41
fattening diets by Afghani lambs
Diets
Parameters
A
B
C
1500*30.00 205 f 5.23 267 f 10.52
148Ok68.61 190* 10.80 256 f 12.91
67.94’ f 1.91 89.95’ f 0.47 58.83a f 1.36
66.12a k2.25 88.01a f 0.45 55.81b f 1.54
The results of the growth performance trial such as BW gain, feed intake and feed efficiency are depicted in Table 2. The average initial BW of lambs on Diets A, B and C was 33.25 kg, 34.08 kg and 32.60 kg, respectively. The final BW of the lambs kept on Diet B (56.00 kg) having soybean meal as protein source was higher than the final BW of the lambs kept on Diets C (53.55 kg) and A (52.33 kg). A maximum average daily BW gain of 244 g day-’ was observed in lambs fed on Diet B compared to the lambs fed on Diet C (233 g day- * ) and A (213 g day-‘). No significant difference was noticed in the daily BW gain of lambs fed on Diets B and C. However, average daily BW gain on Diets B and C was higher (P < 0.05) as compared to the average daily BW gain observed on Diet A. Brown (1990) reported that canola meal contained higher levels of most minerals and vitamins than occur in soybean meal and that it is relatively rich in the sulphur containing amino acids, methionine and cystine, that can contribute towards better production performance of lambs. The BW gain achieved during the experimental period was approximately 150- 160% higher than the BW gain obtained by growing Afghani lambs under routine farming systems at the age of 4-6 months in the rainfed area of Punjab (A.G. Khan, personal communication, 1995).
tively. No significant difference was found in feed intake of lambs among the diets. The feed efficiency of the lambs fed on Diets A, B and C was calculated to be 9.79, 8.98 and 8.58, respectively. There was no significant difference in feed efficiency between Diets B and C; however, these feed efficiencies were higher (P < 0.05) than the feed efficiency for Diet A containing cotton seed meal as the protein source. The results presented in this study support the findings of Klopfenstein et al. (1978) and Waller et al. (1980) who reported that the feeding of soybean meal and canola meal increased daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency as compared to cotton seed meal.
3.2. Dry matter intake and feed e#iciency
3.3. Digestibility
Average daily DM intake of lambs was 2076 g, 2190 g and 2000 g on Diets A, B and C, respec-
The digestibility of DM, CP and crude fibre of the experimental diets in lambs are presented in Table 3.
Table 2 Performance
of lambs fed on growing
Parameters
fattening
Intake (g day DM CP Crude fibre
1496f76.14 204* 14.51 273 f 11.86
Percent digestibility DM 61.79b f 1.51 CP 85.28b f 2.22 Crude fibre 541Xb f 1.24 Values are given as mean * SE. Values with different superscripts 0.05).
in the same row differ (P <
diets having different protein sources
Diets A (cottonseed
meal)
B (sovbean meal)
C (canola meal) 32.60 53.55 233’ f 12.23 2000 f 67.00 8.58b 21.61b
Initial BW (kg) Final BW (kg) Av. BW gain (g day-‘)
33.25 52.33 213b f 6.43
34.08 56.00 244a f 10.44
Av. daily feed intake (g) Feed efficiency Economic efficiency ’
2076 f 82.3 1 9.79a 24.1 la
2190 f 105.5 8.98b 18.97’
’ Feeding cost (Rs) per kg BW gain. Mean f SE. Mean values with different superscripts
’)
in the same row differ (P < 0.05).
42
A.G. Khan et al. /Small
Ruminant Research 25 (I 997) 39-42
During the digestibility trial DM intake by the lambs followed the same pattern as observed in the growth trial. No significant differences were found in intakes of DM, CP and crude fibre among the diets. The differences in digestibility of DM and CP in Diets B and C were non-significant. However, a lower (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and CP was found in Diet A compared to Diets B and C. Stake et al. (1973) also reported similar CP digestibility for canola meal and soybean meal. The present findings differed from those of Khorasani et al. (1990), Matras et al. (1990) and Zinn and Depeters (199 1) who reported that N and DMD of soybean meal was two to ten percentage units higher than in canola meal in growing lambs. Crude fibre digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for Diet B (58.83%) as compared to Diets A (54.06%) and C (55.81%). The results of crude fibre digestibility agree with those of Brown (1990) who reported that canola meal, compared to soybean meal, is relatively high in fibre content which affects digestibility. It was concluded from the results that diets with soybean meal and canola meal were better protein sources for lamb growth than cotton seed meal.
References AOAC, 1990. Official Methods of Analysis (15th E&r.). Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC. Brown, R.H., 1990. Canola producers optimistic about use. Feedstuff, 62 (19): 9. Economides, S., 1980. Factors affecting the performance of ewes
fed ad-hbitum until weaning and the performance of their lambs. J. Agric. Sci. Camb., 95: 493-495. Ensminger, M.E. and Olentine, Jr., C.G., 1978. Feeding sheep. In: Feeds and Nutrition. The Ensminger Publishing Company, Clovis, CA, pp. 743-786. Gibb, M.I. and Treacher, T.T., 1980. The affect of ewes body condition at lambing on the performance of ewe and their lambs at pasture. J. Agric. Sci. Camb., 95: 631. GOP, 1992. Agriculture Statistics of Pakistan. Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock, Govt. of Pakistan, Islamabad. Khan, A.G., Azim, A. and Nadeem, M.A., 1995. Effect of early weaning diets on the performance of intensified Afghani lambs. J. Anim. Sci., in press. Khorasani, G.R., Sauer, W.C., Ozimek, L. and Kennelly, J.J., 1990. Digestion of soybean meal and canola meal protein and amino acids in the digestive tract of young ruminants. J. Anim. Sci.. 68 (10): 3421-3428. Klopfenstein, T., Wailer, J., Merchen, N. and Peterson, L., 1978. Distillers grains as a naturally protected protein for ruminants. Distill. Feed Res. Count. Conf. Proc., 33: 38. LPRJ, 1987-1988. 7th Annual Report. Livestock Production Research Institute, Bahadurnagar, Okara, Pakistan. Matras, J., Battle, S.J. and Preston, R.L., 1990. Effects of ruminal escape proteins and canola meal on nitrogen utilization by growing lambs. J. Anim. Sci., 68: 2546-2554. Ratiq, M., 1995. Status and scope of small ruminants productiondry areas of Pakistan. A review, J. Anim. Sci., in press. Stake, P.E., Owens, M.T. and Schingoethe, D.J., 1973. Rapeseed, sunflower and soybean meal supplementation of calf rations. J. Dairy Sci., 56: 783. Steel, R.G.D. and Torrie, J.H., 1980. Principles and Procedures of Statistics (2nd Edn.). McGraw Hill Book Co., New York. Walter, J., Klopfenstein, T. and Poos, M., 1980. Distiller feeds as protein sources for growing ruminants. J. Anim. Sci., 51: 1134-1167. Zinn, R.A. and Depeters, E.J., 1991. Comparative feeding value of tapica pellets for feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci., 69: 47264732.
Small Ruminant Research
25 (1997) 39-42
Effect of growing fattening diets on the growth performance of intensified Afghani lambs A.G. Khan ‘7*, A. Azim ‘, M.A. Nadeem a, M.A. Khan b aAnimal
Nutrition Institute, National Agricultural
Research Centre, Islamabad,
b Livestock Research Station, National Agricultural
Accepted
Research Centre, Islamabad,
5 September
Pakisfan Pakistan
1996
Abstract Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric complete diets (A, B and C) were prepared from cottonseed meal, soybean meal and canola meal, respectively, as the major source of protein. Eighteen lOO- to 115day-old Afghani male lambs were fed individually ad libitum for a period of 90 days. A growth trial was followed by a digestibility trial during which lambs were fed 90% of their voluntary feed intake (WI). Average daily weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Diets B (244 g day-‘) and C (233 g day-‘), respectively, as compared to Diet A (213 g day-‘). No significant difference was found in DMI among diets. Better (P < 0.05) feed efficiency was found in lambs fed on Diets B (8.98) and C (8.58) as compared to Diet A (9.79). Economic efficiency was best on Diet B (18.97) as compared to Diets A (24.11) and C (21.61). Non-significant differences were observed in DM and CP digestibility of Diets B and C. However, DM and CP digestibility of Diets B and C differed (P < 0.05) from those of Diet A. Crude fibre digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for Diet B as compared to Diets A and C. It was concluded that soybean meal and canola meal diets were significantly better protein sources for lamb growth than cotton seed meal.0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. Keywords: Afghani
lamb; Growing
fattening diets; Weight gain; Digestibility
1. Introduction Small ruminants, sheep and goats, are numerically and socio-economically important domesticated animals in the arid and semi-arid regions of Pakistan.
They are primarily raised on rangeland in a traditional manner and there is little organized effort for their improvement. The population of sheep has
* Corresponding 241495.
author.
Tel:
OO921-4488/97/$17.00 Copyright PII SO921-4488(96)00963-7
+ 92-51-240576;
Fax:
+ 92-51-
increased from 12.38 million to 26.34 million from 1960 to 1990 (GOP, 1992). The major reason for the low productivity of sheep is inadequate grazing feed resources due to the deteriorated conditions of the rangelands. The feeding of grain and concentrate to sheep is practised on an extremely limited scale (Rafiq, 1995). Poor performance of sheep on ranges is reflected in slaughter weight/age varying from 15 months and onwards (Economides, 1980; Gibb and Treacher, 1980). Sheep consume a higher proportion of forage (roughage) than other classes of farm livestock (Ensminger and Olentine, 1978). Sheep are
0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
40
A. G. Khan et al. /Small
Ruminant Research 25 (1997) 39-42
rather unique in producing a suitably finished carcass at a relatively young age (6 months) when fed diets high either in good forage or concentrate. Afghani sheep are a new breed introduced with the advent of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and have gained importance as a mutton breed. There is a dearth of information on the growth performance and feed requirements of the Afghani breed under intensified production systems. It was noted that Afghani lambs exhibited 168- 183 g daily weight gain (LPRI, 1987-1988). In another experiment, 230-280 g daily weight gain was observed when Afghani lambs were fed on an early weaning diets having different protein sources (Khan et al., 1995). It seems logical to explore possibilities to achieve maximum mutton production by raising growing lambs on intensified feeding and management systems. The present study was planned to investigate the biological and economic influence of growing fattening diets based on different protein sources for intensively grown Afghani lambs.
2. Materials
and methods
Eighteen growing lambs 100-l 15 days of age with an average body weight of 32-35 kg were involved in a growth performance trial for 90 days. Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric complete mixed growing fattening diets (A, B and C) having cottonseed meal, soybean meal and canola meal, respectively, were prepared. In all the experimental diets 35% ground wheat straw was incorporated to obtain a desirable level of fibre. The ingredient composition and chemical analysis of the experimental diets are presented in Table 1. Before starting the experiment all the lambs were weighed and dewormed against internal parasites by administering recommended doses of Nilverm (ICI Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan) and were provided with dips of Neguvon (Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany) for external parasites. Animals were randomly allotted to three experimental diets and were fed individually on an ad libitum basis. Weighed quantities of diets were offered twice a day at 08:OO and 14:00 h to minimize sorting and wastage. Daily feed refusal was recorded prior to the OS:00 h feeding. Fresh, clean water was made available continuously. Records on daily feed intake, feed
Table 1 Ingredients and chemical growing lambs
composition
Items
of experimental
diets for
Diets (% DM)
Ingredients (%) Wheat straw (ground) Cottonseed meal Soybean meal Canola meal Wheat grain (broken) Wheat bran Molasses (cane) Dical. phosphate Vitamin and mineral premix a Salt (sodium chloride)
A
B
C
35.0 26.0
35.0 20.0
35.0 -
10.0 15.0 18.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
20.0 14.0 11.0 18.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
13.67 17.82 63.95
13.65 18.30 63.35
8.0 11.0 18.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
Chemical composition CP b Crude fibre b TDN ’
(% on DM basis)
a Vitamin and mineral Na, 1.2% Mg (300000 mg vitamin E per kg), Cu. Co, Se) (made by b Analyzed value. ’ Calculated value.
premix contains 19.2% P, 25.5% Ca, 2.3% IU vitamin A, 50000 IU vitamin D3, 100 Ca:P = 1.3:1 trace elements (Zn, Mn, Fe, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany).
13.67 18.20 63.55
refused and weekly weigh gain of lambs were maintained individually. Following the growth performance trial, a digestibility trial was conducted on a 3 X 3 Latin square design. During this trial lambs were placed in individual cages thus providing the facility to collect faeces and urine separately. Animals were given 10 days to adjust followed by a 5 day collection period. During the digestibility trial the animals were fed on 90% of their voluntary feed intake (VFD. Daily feed offered, orts and faeces voided for each lamb were weighed and samples were cornposited. The samples were analysed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ash by AOAC (1990) methods. The growth performance data were statistically analysed by using analysis of variance for a completely randomized design and the digestibility trial data were analysed as a 3 X 3 Latin square design using analysis of variance to test for significant treatment effects. Upon significant treatment effects Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was employed to compare means (Steel and Torrie, 1980).
A.G. Khan et al. /Small Ruminant Research 25 (I 997) 39-42
3. Results and discussion
Table 3 Nutrients digestibility
3.1. Weight gain
of growing
41
fattening diets by Afghani lambs
Diets
Parameters
A
B
C
1500*30.00 205 f 5.23 267 f 10.52
148Ok68.61 190* 10.80 256 f 12.91
67.94’ f 1.91 89.95’ f 0.47 58.83a f 1.36
66.12a k2.25 88.01a f 0.45 55.81b f 1.54
The results of the growth performance trial such as BW gain, feed intake and feed efficiency are depicted in Table 2. The average initial BW of lambs on Diets A, B and C was 33.25 kg, 34.08 kg and 32.60 kg, respectively. The final BW of the lambs kept on Diet B (56.00 kg) having soybean meal as protein source was higher than the final BW of the lambs kept on Diets C (53.55 kg) and A (52.33 kg). A maximum average daily BW gain of 244 g day-’ was observed in lambs fed on Diet B compared to the lambs fed on Diet C (233 g day- * ) and A (213 g day-‘). No significant difference was noticed in the daily BW gain of lambs fed on Diets B and C. However, average daily BW gain on Diets B and C was higher (P < 0.05) as compared to the average daily BW gain observed on Diet A. Brown (1990) reported that canola meal contained higher levels of most minerals and vitamins than occur in soybean meal and that it is relatively rich in the sulphur containing amino acids, methionine and cystine, that can contribute towards better production performance of lambs. The BW gain achieved during the experimental period was approximately 150- 160% higher than the BW gain obtained by growing Afghani lambs under routine farming systems at the age of 4-6 months in the rainfed area of Punjab (A.G. Khan, personal communication, 1995).
tively. No significant difference was found in feed intake of lambs among the diets. The feed efficiency of the lambs fed on Diets A, B and C was calculated to be 9.79, 8.98 and 8.58, respectively. There was no significant difference in feed efficiency between Diets B and C; however, these feed efficiencies were higher (P < 0.05) than the feed efficiency for Diet A containing cotton seed meal as the protein source. The results presented in this study support the findings of Klopfenstein et al. (1978) and Waller et al. (1980) who reported that the feeding of soybean meal and canola meal increased daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency as compared to cotton seed meal.
3.2. Dry matter intake and feed e#iciency
3.3. Digestibility
Average daily DM intake of lambs was 2076 g, 2190 g and 2000 g on Diets A, B and C, respec-
The digestibility of DM, CP and crude fibre of the experimental diets in lambs are presented in Table 3.
Table 2 Performance
of lambs fed on growing
Parameters
fattening
Intake (g day DM CP Crude fibre
1496f76.14 204* 14.51 273 f 11.86
Percent digestibility DM 61.79b f 1.51 CP 85.28b f 2.22 Crude fibre 541Xb f 1.24 Values are given as mean * SE. Values with different superscripts 0.05).
in the same row differ (P <
diets having different protein sources
Diets A (cottonseed
meal)
B (sovbean meal)
C (canola meal) 32.60 53.55 233’ f 12.23 2000 f 67.00 8.58b 21.61b
Initial BW (kg) Final BW (kg) Av. BW gain (g day-‘)
33.25 52.33 213b f 6.43
34.08 56.00 244a f 10.44
Av. daily feed intake (g) Feed efficiency Economic efficiency ’
2076 f 82.3 1 9.79a 24.1 la
2190 f 105.5 8.98b 18.97’
’ Feeding cost (Rs) per kg BW gain. Mean f SE. Mean values with different superscripts
’)
in the same row differ (P < 0.05).
42
A.G. Khan et al. /Small
Ruminant Research 25 (I 997) 39-42
During the digestibility trial DM intake by the lambs followed the same pattern as observed in the growth trial. No significant differences were found in intakes of DM, CP and crude fibre among the diets. The differences in digestibility of DM and CP in Diets B and C were non-significant. However, a lower (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and CP was found in Diet A compared to Diets B and C. Stake et al. (1973) also reported similar CP digestibility for canola meal and soybean meal. The present findings differed from those of Khorasani et al. (1990), Matras et al. (1990) and Zinn and Depeters (199 1) who reported that N and DMD of soybean meal was two to ten percentage units higher than in canola meal in growing lambs. Crude fibre digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for Diet B (58.83%) as compared to Diets A (54.06%) and C (55.81%). The results of crude fibre digestibility agree with those of Brown (1990) who reported that canola meal, compared to soybean meal, is relatively high in fibre content which affects digestibility. It was concluded from the results that diets with soybean meal and canola meal were better protein sources for lamb growth than cotton seed meal.
References AOAC, 1990. Official Methods of Analysis (15th E&r.). Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, DC. Brown, R.H., 1990. Canola producers optimistic about use. Feedstuff, 62 (19): 9. Economides, S., 1980. Factors affecting the performance of ewes
fed ad-hbitum until weaning and the performance of their lambs. J. Agric. Sci. Camb., 95: 493-495. Ensminger, M.E. and Olentine, Jr., C.G., 1978. Feeding sheep. In: Feeds and Nutrition. The Ensminger Publishing Company, Clovis, CA, pp. 743-786. Gibb, M.I. and Treacher, T.T., 1980. The affect of ewes body condition at lambing on the performance of ewe and their lambs at pasture. J. Agric. Sci. Camb., 95: 631. GOP, 1992. Agriculture Statistics of Pakistan. Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock, Govt. of Pakistan, Islamabad. Khan, A.G., Azim, A. and Nadeem, M.A., 1995. Effect of early weaning diets on the performance of intensified Afghani lambs. J. Anim. Sci., in press. Khorasani, G.R., Sauer, W.C., Ozimek, L. and Kennelly, J.J., 1990. Digestion of soybean meal and canola meal protein and amino acids in the digestive tract of young ruminants. J. Anim. Sci.. 68 (10): 3421-3428. Klopfenstein, T., Wailer, J., Merchen, N. and Peterson, L., 1978. Distillers grains as a naturally protected protein for ruminants. Distill. Feed Res. Count. Conf. Proc., 33: 38. LPRJ, 1987-1988. 7th Annual Report. Livestock Production Research Institute, Bahadurnagar, Okara, Pakistan. Matras, J., Battle, S.J. and Preston, R.L., 1990. Effects of ruminal escape proteins and canola meal on nitrogen utilization by growing lambs. J. Anim. Sci., 68: 2546-2554. Ratiq, M., 1995. Status and scope of small ruminants productiondry areas of Pakistan. A review, J. Anim. Sci., in press. Stake, P.E., Owens, M.T. and Schingoethe, D.J., 1973. Rapeseed, sunflower and soybean meal supplementation of calf rations. J. Dairy Sci., 56: 783. Steel, R.G.D. and Torrie, J.H., 1980. Principles and Procedures of Statistics (2nd Edn.). McGraw Hill Book Co., New York. Walter, J., Klopfenstein, T. and Poos, M., 1980. Distiller feeds as protein sources for growing ruminants. J. Anim. Sci., 51: 1134-1167. Zinn, R.A. and Depeters, E.J., 1991. Comparative feeding value of tapica pellets for feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci., 69: 47264732.