Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the feed intake and growth performance of the local Kashmir merino lambs grazing on the sub-alpine pastures of the Kashmir valley in 2 seasons (summer and autumn). Kashmir merino male weaner lambs (50), 25 in each season were selected for the experiment. A 10-day digestion trial in each season was conducted by the indirect indicator method with chromium oxide as external indicator. Apparent digestibility of nutrients was higher in summer than in autumn. Feed and nutrient intakes (DMI, DMI/kg, MEI and CPI) were higher in summer than in autumn. Average daily gain was slightly more in summer (41 g/day) than in autumn (30 g/day) and animals suffered serious liveweight loss in the last two fortnights of autumn. Results indicated that sub-alpine pastures of Kashmir valley did not provide sufficient nutrients to sustain healthy sheep production thus necessitating supplementation.
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