Abstract
Forty-eight growing Awassi lambs were used in a 70-day trial to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary sunflower hulls (SFH) on growth, rumen morphology, fiber digestibility and meat characteristics of lambs. Animals were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 3 replicates of 4 lambs each. The diet was composed of total mixed ration (TMR) without SFH (control group), and the TMR diet supplemented with SFH at a level of 5% (SFH5), 10% (SFH10) and 15% (SFH15). Lambs in the treatment groups had greater BW changes (p = 0.04) and ADG (p = 0.04) than the lambs in the control group. Intake of dry matter, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in SFH15 compared to SFH10. Digestibility of ADL and empty stomach weight were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in SFH10 and SFH15, respectively. Cooking loss, blood total cholesterol and total protein decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in SFH15. Ruminal lightness (L) and yellowness (b) also increased significantly (p < 0.05) in SFH15. We concluded that the TMR diet supplemented with up to 15% SFH improved weight gain, digestibility, meat cooking loss and rumen color in Awassi lambs.
Highlights
In the oil extraction industry, a large quantity of residues are produced that can be used as animal food for ruminants as a protein source, aiding progress towards a sustainable production system and the goal of a circular-economy model [1]
Body weight change and average daily gain (ADG) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in SFH at the rate of 15% (SFH15) compared to the control group
Dry matter intake was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in SFH at a level of 5% (SFH5) and SFH10 compared to SFH15 and the control
Summary
In the oil extraction industry, a large quantity of residues are produced that can be used as animal food for ruminants as a protein source, aiding progress towards a sustainable production system and the goal of a circular-economy model [1]. SFH are an effective source of dietary fibers, which can meet the need for roughage. They have a positive effect on feed intake and fiber digestibility when used for up to 35% of the diet in dairy cows [6] and are acceptable at 25% of diets for lactating cows [7]. SFH addition at the level of 30 g/kg in diets had no negative effects on feed consumption and digestibility indices [8]. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of SFH as a roughage source in rations on production performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen morphology and carcass characteristics for growing Awassi lambs
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