Effect of Adding a Different Level of Bentonite on Arabi Lamb Performance and Nutrients Digestibility

Abstract

This study was conducted in one of the private fields in Maysan province to study the effect of adding a different level of bentonite to the lamb diets on the performance of lambs. The study included (18) male Arabi lambs weighted 24.5±1.22 kg and lasted 120 days. Lambs were taken after weaning at the age of 3 to 4 months. They were randomly divided into six groups. The diet was provided on the basis of 3% of live body weight. The diets of the trial included (A) a basic diet of 50% concentrated fodder + 50 alfalfa without any addition. (B) A plus 2% bentonite/ dry matter. (C) A plus 4% bentonite/ dry matter. Treatment (D) a diet of 100% concentrated feed + hay ad libitum (basic diet 2) and without any addition. (E) D plus 2% bentonite. (F) D plus 4% bentonite. The diet significantly affected the average final weight and total weight gain in favor of lambs fed treatment D (100% concentrated feed) with average final weight and total weight gain 46.57 and 22.11 kg, respectively. The addition of bentonite improved the rates of the rate of total weight gain is 17.71, 20.85 and 19.50 kg without adding and adding bentonite (2%) and bentonite (4%), respectively. The diet significantly affected the digestion rate of DM, OM, CP, EE, and NDF. Their digestion coefficients of 100% concentrate group were (75.98, 80.70, 80.09, 65.31 and 31.67%, respectively). 50% concentrated fodder (70.26, 71.53, 76.22, 45.47 and 27.36%, respectively).