Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of graded level of local brewery by-product (atella) replacement to concentrate mixture on feed intake; digestibility and body weight change of Dorper-Menz crossbred lambs fed hay basal diet. The feeding period of 90 days was preceded by 15 days of acclimatization period. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments: T1 [Control, hay ad libtium]; T2 [25% atella + 75% concentrate mix]; T3 [50% atella + 50% concentrate mix]; T4 [75% atella + 25% concentrate mix]; and T5 [100% atella]. Body weight changes were monitored fortnightly for 112 days. Data on feed intake, body weight change, and digestibility were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model procedure. Partial budget analysis was performed to evaluate profitability of treatments. The crude protein content of atella was above 20% and can be used as a supplement. Atella alone or at different level with commercial concentrate mixture has significantly increased body weight gain of crossbred sheep. The positive weight gain results of atella supplemented group clearly indicate the potential of atella. Based on partial budget analysis, supplementation of dried atella could be recommended for fattening Dorper-Menz crossbred male lamb.
Highlights
In Ethiopia there are six indigenous sheep breed groups and nine breeds (Solomon, 2008)
The CP content of treatment mixture was much higher than hay, whereas the fiber fraction (NDF, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL)) in treatment mixture was clearly lower than the basal feed
Note: a,b,c,d Mean values in a row having different superscripts differ significantly; ** p < 0.05, *** = p
Summary
In Ethiopia there are six indigenous sheep breed groups and nine breeds (Solomon, 2008). In the past efforts have been made to improve the performance of this breed through selection and cross breeding (Solomon, 2008). These days, pure Dorper rams have been distributed to farmers so as to overcome the slow growth rate of Menz sheep. Looking for local protein sources from the available feed resources is vital and commendable In this regard, locally available agroindustrial by-products seem proper choice in a country where commercial concentrate is scarce and costly. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of graded level replacement of concentrate mixture with local brewery by-product (atella) on feed intake, digestibility and performance of 50% Dorper-Menz crossbred lambs fed natural pasture hay basal feed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
