Influence of feeding type on production results of fattening lambs

Abstract

Investigations were carried out on five private farms in the region of Stara Planina Mount, Dimitrovgrad municipality. The influence of the feeding type on production results of fattening lambs was investigated during the trial. Lambs obtained by crossing between Pirot Pramenka and Wurttenberg were used for investigations. Two feeding systems were investigated: extensive and semi-intensive. On three private farms extensive system of feeding was applied. In the extensive system of feeding lambs sucked milk during first fifteen days. After this period lambs were fed hay and grain mixture (barley, oats and wheat) ad libitum. Fattening period lasted to the age of 90 days. On two private farms semi-intensive feeding system was applied. In the semi-intensive system of feeding lambs sucked milk during first fifteen days, and next fifteen days they were fed concentrate-complete starter mixture and hay ad libitum. After this period lambs were fed hay and grain mixture (barley, oats and wheat) ad libitum. Fattening period lasted to the age of 75 days. During trial we have monitored gain of body mass and feed consumption (hay and concentrate). The highest average body weight gain (299 g) during all period of fattening was registered in lambs in semi-intensive feeding system. Average daily body weight gain in lambs on extensive feeding system was 251 g in relation to semi-intensive feeding system where it was lower by 19, 12%. Lambs in semi-intensive feeding system achieved final body weight (25, 25 kg) for 75 days of fattening (1-75 days) while lambs in extensive feeding system had similar final body weight (25, 65 kg) in the age of 90 days, what means that they needed 15 days more to achieve similar final body weight. Lambs in semi-intensive feeding system consumed 15, 09% hay less and 10, 94% less concentrate for unit of gain in comparison with lambs in extensive feeding system.