Diet Of Lambs Research Articles

8 Differential Growth Performance in Conventionally and Artificially Raised Lambs Fed High-Concentrate and High-Forage Post-Weaning Diets

Abstract Artificial rearing of lambs on milk replacer presents management challenges for producers and can impact performance. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate effects of pre-weaning management on adaptation to post-weaning finishing diets. We hypothesized that lambs fed a high-concentrate (HC) diet would exhibit more efficient body weight (BW) gain than lambs fed a high-forage diet (HF) regardless of pre-weaning management. Thirty-two Polypay conventionally raised (CR; n = 10 rams, 6 ewes) or artificially raised (AR; n =10 rams, 6 ewes) lambs (age: 84.0 ± 0.8 d) were blocked by sex and BW and randomly assigned to either a HC (85:15 concentrate: forage) or HF (50:50 concentrate:forage) finishing diet (n = 8 CR and AR lambs diet-1). Individually housed lambs were fed ad libitum and remained on feed through a target finishing weight of 59.0 or 54.4 kg for rams and ewes, respectively. Feed intake and BW gain were measured at 7-day intervals. Data were analyzed by PROC GLM in SAS (v. 9.4, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Initial BW for CR lambs (39.0 ±.9 kg) was greater than for AR (32.9 ± 0.5 kg; P < 0.01), but there was no difference between diets (P = 0.72) or pre-weaning by diet interaction (P = 0.54). Time on feed and average daily gain (ADG) did not differ between diets for CR (time on feed: 48.1 ± 2.8 d; ADG: 206.9 ±1.4 g∙d-1; P ≥ 0.22). In contrast, post-weaning diet did impact time on feed for AR lambs, with longer time on feed for HF (68.9 ± 2.5 d) than HC (56.2 ± 2.4 d; P < 0.01). The ADG was also numerically greater for HC (424 ±9.8 g) than HF (370 ± 24.0 g) for AR lambs (P = 0.11). Dry matter intake (DMI) was less for CR lambs fed HC (35.16 ±.65 g kg BW-1∙d-1) than HF (41.32 ± 0.69 g∙kg BW-1∙d-1,P < 0.01) but did not differ between diets for AR lambs (40.58 ±.35 g kg BW-1∙d-1; P = 0.99). The decreased DMI in CR lambs fed HC resulted in greater feed efficiency (0.26 ± 0.02) compared with lambs fed HF (0.21 ± 0.01; P = 0.03). Feed efficiency did not, however, differ by diet for AR lambs (HC: 0.27 ± 0.02; P = 0.64). Results of this study suggest that CR lambs were better able to adapt to a HF finishing diet than AR lambs. Additionally, CR lambs exhibited superior feed utilization when fed HC in comparison to HF, but this response was not found for AR lambs. Overall, these results demonstrate differential adaptation to HC vs. HF finishing diets in response to pre-weaning management.

Crambe cake protein replacing soybean meal protein and its effects on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate different levels of crambe cake (CC) protein (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 g/kg DM) as a replacement for soybean meal protein in diets for lambs and their effect on performance, carcass traits and meat quality. Forty not castrated crossbred male lambs, weighing 20 ± 3.45 kg, were settled in a completely randomized design with eight replicates per treatment. Final body weight (BW), dry matter intake per kg BW (DMI), DMI over metabolic weight and average daily gain showed linear decreasing effect (p < 0.05), meanwhile, feed efficiency presented a quadratic effect for replacement levels. There was a quadratic effect with replacement levels of CC protein for hot carcass weight; cold carcass weight; cooling loss index; muscle fat thickness; leg perimeter; leg depth and carcass finishing. Hot carcass yield, carcass length; shoulder clods weight, rib weight and the leg weight showed a linear decrease within BW. Bones and muscle weight of shoulder clods showed a decreasing linear effect. Replacing up to 500 g/kg DM of protein of soybean meal protein for CC protein does not affect performance, carcass traits and meat quality.

Impact of polyacrylamide supplementation on intake, nutrient digestion and growth of lambs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of polyacrylamide (PAM) supplementation on the intake, digestion, weight gain, metabolism and growth of lambs. A total of ten 30 days old male small-tailed Han lambs with a body weight of 7.7±0.5 kg were divided into two equal groups (n = 5 each) and fed a basal diet or diet supplemented with 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet. The duration of the experiment was 210 days and experimental diets were fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Voluntary feed intake (VFI) was measured on daily basis, while body weight was measured on every ten days of the experiment.Two digestive and metabolic trials were conducted at the lamb's age of 95 to 103 days (Trial 1) and at the age of 210 to 218 days (Trial 2). At the end of experiment, all lambs were slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics. Results of the current study showed that supplementation of PAM in the diet of lambs increased the VFI and daily body gain by 14.4% (P < 0.05) and 15.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. In Trial 1, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 7.9%, 5.4%, 6.4%, 9.6%, 4.3% and 30.3% (P < 0.01), respectively, and in Trial 2, PAM supplementation in the diet increased the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, cellulose, energy, and nitrogen retention by 9.3%, 7.9%, 7.7%, 11.6%, 6.9% and 38.5% (P < 0.01), respectively. Results of carcass parameter explored that supplementation of PAM in the diet increased the carcass, net meat and lean meat weights by 24.5%, 25.5%, and 30.6% (P < 0.01), respectively, however, PAM supplementation in the diet did not influence the contents of DM, OM, or CP in fresh liver, leg muscle, and rumen tissue; in addition, the CP contents in the Longissimus dorsi muscle was decreased by the supplementation of PAM in the diet. In summary, supplementation of 2.0 g of PAM per kg diet increased the VFI, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, and carcass yield of lambs.

Nutrient intake, digestibility and ruminal characteristics of lambs supplemented with probiotic

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of probiotic in the diets of lambs, on ruminal characteristics, intake and digestibility of nutrients. The treatments were 0 (control group), 2, 4 and 6g/day of probiotic doses, supplied orally and individually to the lambs. Four crossbred Santa Inês X Texel lambs were used, and the experimental design was a Latin square, with four treatments and four periods. Samples of diet, orts, feces, and ruminal fluid were collected from each animal. Intake and apparent digestibility variables were not different (p > 0.05) among the levels of probiotic evaluated. The average daily feed intake of lambs ranged from 1.27 to 1.28kg of DM/day, and no significant differences (p > 0.05) were obtained between the levels of probiotics used in the diet. The percentage distribution of protozoa was not significant according to the different doses of probiotics used. A positive linear effect was obtained between the pH of the rumen fluid and the probiotic used, indicating that the highest pH values were obtained when the animals received the higher dose of 6g probiotic; indicative that its use provides a ruminal environment closer to neutrality. The methylene blue reduction test in ruminal fluid samples did not differ between the different doses of probiotics used. The increasing levels of the probiotic in the diet of lambs are related to an increase in ruminal pH, without changing the levels of intake and digestibility of nutrients.

Crambe cake protein as a replacement for soybean meal protein: Intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters in lamb diets

The objective was to evaluate different levels of crambe cake protein (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 g/kg of DM) to replace soybean meal protein on the intake, apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC), blood glucose, ruminal fermentation, and protozoal population in lambs. Two experiments were performed. In experiment one, 40 crossbred male lambs weighing 20 ± 3.45 kg were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, to study intake and ruminal parameters. In experiment two, 25 crossbred male lambs weighing 23.44 ± 1.04 kg were used to study digestibility. The intake of dry matter and total carbohydrate (TC) (kg/lambs/day and g/kg0.75), crude protein (kg/lambs/day) and final body weight decreased with increase of crambe cake protein as a replacement for soybean meal protein, while e t h e r e x t r a c t ( EE) intake (kg/lambs/day and g/kg0.75) increased. The ADC of EE presented a positive linear effect and the ADC of TC and non-fibrous carbohydrates presented a negative linear effect. There was no interaction within treatments and collection period (0, 3, 6 and 9 h) on ruminal fluid characteristics. Blood glucose presented a quadratic effect for levels of crambe cake protein in diets (max. P = 35.18%), and linear increase for collection period. Ruminal pH showed a quadratic effect for sampling hours (max. P = 5.43 h). For protozoa evaluation, the total amount, Entodinium, and Eudiplodium presented linear decreasing effects with treatment, while Isotricha, Eudiplodium, Ostracodinium and the total amount of protozoa had a linear decrease with sampling hours. Soybean meal protein can be replaced by crambe cake protein at up to 250 g/kg DM.

Effects of oregano essential oil and capsicum extract supplementation on slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of lambs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oregano essential oil (OEO) and capsicum oleoresin extract (CAO) supplementation on lamb slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition. In the study, 18 male and 18 female lambs were divided into three equal groups for a 56- day feeding period. The first group was fed the control diet, while the other groups were fed a control diet containing either 300 mg OEO/kg or 300 mg CAO/kg of diet. Feeding OEO or CAO had no effect on the slaughter and carcass quality of the fattening lambs. However, when compared to the female lambs, the male lambs were found to have higher slaughter weights, hot and cold carcass weights, and dressing percentage, while having lower back fat thickness. In addition, OEO substantially increased the intramuscular fat. Dry matter, protein, pH24, meat colour (L*, a*, and b*), drip loss, and cooking loss were not affected by dietary treatment or sex. The addition of OEO or CAO to the diets did not change the meat lipid oxidation or sensory quality characteristics at different storage times. However, meat from the female lambs was found to have thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values lower than that of the meat from the male lambs after 2 d and 4 d of storage. However, the female lamb meat was more preferred in terms of flavour and general acceptance. The ΣMUFA, ΣPUFA, ΣUFA, Σn-6, Σn-3, and Σn-6/Σn-3 contents of the lamb meat were not affected by the dietary treatment. As a result, the inclusion of 300 mg of oregano essential oil/kg of DM in lamb diets is considered appropriate because of its significant contributions to the fat composition of lamb meat.

Influence of a temporary restriction of dietary protein in prepubertal ewe lambs on first lactation milk traits and response to a mammary gland inflammatory challenge

This study evaluated the influence of a temporary nutritional protein restriction (NPR) performed, under commercial conditions, in prepubertal female lambs on first lactation milk production traits and the inflammatory response triggered by an inflammatory challenge of the. From 40 Assaf female lambs, we defined a control group (Cn = 20), which received a standard diet for replacement lambs and the NPR group (n = 20), which received the same diet but without soybean meal between 3 and 5 months of age. About 150 days after lambing, 24 of these ewes (13 NPR, 11C) were subjected to an intramammary infusion of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Our dynamic study identified indicator traits of local (SCC) and systemic (rectal Ta, IL-6, CXCL8, IL-10, IL-36RA, VEGF-A) response to the LPS challenge. The NPR did not show significant effects on milk production traits and did not affect the SCC and rectal Ta after the LPS challenge. However, the NPR had a significant influence on 8 of the 14 plasma biomarkers analysed, in all the cases with higher relative values in the C group. The effects observed on VEGF-A (involved in vasculogenesis during mammary gland development and vascular permeability) and IL-10 (a regulatory cytokine classically known by its anti-inflammatory action) are the most remarkable to explain the differences found between groups. Whereas further studies should be undertaken to confirm these results, our findings are of interest considering the current concern about the future world's demand for protein and the need for animal production systems to evolve toward sustainability.

Wet brewers’ grains as a source of protein for feedlot lambs: Impacts on intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and nitrogen balance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of wet brewers’ grain (WBG) as an alternative ingredient replacing soybean meal (SBM) and ground corn (GC) on nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, and nitrogen balance in feedlot lambs. Five ruminally cannulated ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês lambs, castrated with 48.3 ± 2.0 kg of initial BW and 8.3 ± 0.68-month-old (mean ± SD), were assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experimental diets were composed of 10% roughage (Coastcross hay) and 90% concentrates, in which 85.9% of the diet was composed of GC (71.3%) plus SBM (14.6%) in the control diet. Treatments consisted in WBG inclusion levels of 7.6%, 15%, 23% and 30% replacing GC+SBM in control diet with the aim to maintain isonitrogenous concentrations. The data were analyzed using a linear or quadratic polynomial contrast in SAS. There was no effect of WBG inclusion on DMI, OM nor CP intake, but a linear increase was observed for NDF (P < 0.001), ADF (P < 0.001), EE intake (P < 0.01), and linear decrease (P < 0.001) on NFC intake. Inclusion of WBG decrease linearly NFC, while DM, OM, and CP digestibility were being lower for lambs fed a diet contained 23% WBG (quadratic component, p < 0.05). The replacement of SBM and corn grain by WBG, linearly increased the molar ratio of acetate (P < 0.01), and linearly decreased propionate (P < 0.01), resulting in a linear increase in the acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.04). In addition, increasing the inclusion of WBG linearly increased the molar proportion of isovalerate (P < 0.05). Ruminal pH increased linearly (P < 0.001) by dietary WBG inclusion, as consequence, ruminal pH was maintained less time below 5.5 as WBG inclusion increased. Although nitrogen excretion was greater with 23% inclusion of WBG in diet (quadratic component, P < 0.05), there was no effect (P > 0.10) on retained N. Based on diet acceptability, digestibility, N retention, and ruminal fermentation parameters, it is concluded that, WBG can be used as feed ingredient up to 7.6% in diets, replacing partially SBM and GC in finishing diets for lambs. Inclusion WBG replacing SBM and partially GC, minimize the risk of acidosis in lambs fed high-concentrate diets during fattening. Inclusions beyond 23% decreased significant diet digestibility and increased ruminal acetate: propionate molar ratio, decreasing energy efficiency, increasing methane losses.

Effects of glycerol supplementation to Awassi lambs diet on performance and carcass quality characteristics

This experiment was conducted to explore the efficacy of glycerol on growth performance and carcass quality characteristics in Awassi lambs. Twelve Awassi lambs were used with an average body weight of 24.43 ±0.43 kg. The animals were randomly assigned into three groups (4 lambs for each group ) The first group of lambs was considered as a control, whereas the second and the third treatment lambs were supplemented with two levels of glycerol oil(30 and 60 gm/day for each group lambs, respectively). The results revealed the following: The third treatment lambs had significantly higher - final live and empty body weights than the control group lambs. Significant differences between the second and third treatments were lambs over that of the control group lambs were obtained for the hot and cold carcass weights together with the dressing percentage calculated on the bases of an empty body weight.&#x0D; The fat thickness covering the eye muscle of treatment three was significantly higher than that of the control group. The weights of primal lamb cuts for the shoulder and the rib of the second and third treatments were significantly preferable as compared to the control group. lambs. Besides, the leg cut in treatment three showed a significantly higher value than that of the control group. The secondary cuts including brisket and neck for the second and third treatments were significantly higher than that of the control group. The physical dissection of the ribs(rack)cut showed significant differences between the second treatment and the control group lambs for the lean meat %. Besides, the fat% of the second treatment lambs surpassed significantly that of the control group lambs. Fat % between treatments exceeds significantly that of the control group. The percentage of fat between the second and third treatment were not significantly different.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Potential role of dietary pomegranate seed powder (PSP) (Punica granatum L.) and / or Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on lipid profile of Local male lambs

This study was conducted to find out the effect of adding pomegranate seeds (PSP) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) to the diet of local lambs on their lipid profiles. (Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C), and Very Low Density Lipoprotein (vLDL-C)) It was implemented in the animal field of Baghdad University's veterinary medicine college and ran from 12/1/2022 to 12/6/2022, with 20 lambs aged 2-3 months divided into four groups, with G1 serving as the control group fed concentration diets. G2 fed the same ration and 3% dried pomegranate seed pomace powder (PSP), G3 fed the same ration and 4% PSP with 3g of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), and G4 fed the same ration and 6% PSP with 3g of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), water supply at Libdum . Samples of blood were taken from all lambs monthly to measure some biochemical characteristics, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-C) statistically significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were discovered in the results of The administration of PSP and SC with diets revealed a remarkable effect between treated and untreated groups for lipid profile aspects in some periods of the experiment when compared to the control group, so it could be concluded from this study that using PSP and/or SC to treat groups could contribute to improving lipid profile traits in male lambs

Effect of replacing cottonseed meal with canola meal on growth performance, blood metabolites, thyroid function, and ruminal parameters of growing lambs

The objective was to clarify the impact of replacing cottonseed meal with canola meal (CM) on growth performance, blood metabolites, thyroxin function, and ruminal parameters of growing lambs. Twenty-four growing Barki male lambs (4–5 months of age) were assigned randomly into four equal groups (6 lambs each). Four dietary treatments were the control group with 0% CM (CON) and three experimental groups where CM replaced 25% (CN1), 50% (CN2), and 75% (CN3) of cottonseed meal. There were no dietary effects (P > 0.05) on the lambs’ feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of the lambs. The dietary CM linearly decreased the concentrations of serum total proteins (P = 0.003), albumin (P = 0.010), globulin (P = 0.011), AST (P = 0.041), and urea (P = 0.001) in growing lambs. The levels of ALT and creatinine, however, were not significantly affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Furthermore, serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and electrolyte concentrations were similar (P > 0.05) in different dietary groups. Dietary treatments significantly affected the values of ruminal pH and ammonia at 0 h (P = 0.003 and 0.048, respectively) and 3 h (P = 0.033 and P = 0.006, respectively) postfeeding. The CN3 group showed significantly higher concentrations of ruminal ammonia at 0 and 3 h postfeeding. Furthermore, dietary CM (CN3) significantly reduced the ruminal pH values at 0 and 3 h postfeeding. Meanwhile, dietary treatments did not affect the concentration of total VFAs in the ruminal fluid. In conclusion, CM can replace the cottonseed meal (up to 75%) in lamb diets without compromising their growth performance, thyroid function, and ruminal fermentation parameters.

Antioxidant action of yerba mate on carcass and meat characteristics and fatty acid profile in meat and fat of lambs finished in tropical pastures

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the supplementation with natural antioxidants from Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) on the performance, carcass and meat characteristics, and fatty acid profile in meat and fat of Texel × Ile de France lambs kept in Brachiaria-grass pasture. Twenty lambs with a mean age of 90days and 26.3kg of BW were distributed in a completely randomized design in two treatments with 10 replicates/treatment: Control-protein-energy supplement based on corn and soybean meal (150g/kg DM of crude protein) without the addition of natural antioxidant yerba mate and Yerba Mate - energy protein supplement with the addition of yerba mate (110g/kg DM). There was no treatment effect on animal performance and carcass characteristics. The subcutaneous fat thickness was significantly higher for lambs treated without yerba mate. There was no effect of nutritional treatments on the oxidative markers of lamb meat. The muscle of the animals treated with yerba mate showed a higher concentration of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids elaidic, linolenic, thymnodonic, docosadienoic, and ceorvonic. The fat of the animals treated with yerba mate showed a higher concentration of palmitoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, heneicosanoic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in meat and fat of lambs treated with yerba mate. Including yerba mate in the diet of lambs kept on Brachiaria pastures improves the lipid profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids in meat and fat, without altering the performance of the animals.

Bioactive Compounds of Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron sp.) as Dietary Additive in Lamb Diets

This study aimed to evaluate barbatimão bark extracts as a feed additive and substitute for lasalocid sodium (LAS) for feedlot lambs. Lambs were distributed into three treatments: LAS (0.018 g of lasalocid sodium), DBB (1.500 g of dried and milled barbatimão bark), and BHE (0.300 g of barbatimão hydroalcoholic extract). There was no effect (p = 0.32) of the inclusion of DBB and BHE extracts on the average daily gain. Inclusion of BHE in lamb diets reduced (p &lt; 0.05) the fatness score compared to LAS, which was similar to DBB. The BHE decreased the yellowness intensity and hue angle (p &lt; 0.05) of meat compared to the LAS. Animals that consumed DBB and BHE had a reduced (p = 0.04) total cholesterol level. Thus, the use of barbatimão bark extracts can replace lasalocid sodium in the diet of feedlot lambs, with no detrimental effects on performance or metabolic parameters.

Effects of Chia Seeds on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits and Fatty Acid Profile of Lamb Meat.

The aim of this work was to supplement a diet with chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) based on the requirements of finishing lambs for meat, and to analyze biometric parameters and fatty acid profiles in meat. Eighteen male Rambouillet lambs with a bodyweight of 25 kg were used. Animals were kept in individual pens with water and feed provided ad libitum. Three finishing diets were designed with the inclusion of 0, 50 and 100 g dry matter chia seeds and divided among the animals (n = 6). The experimental period lasted 60 days. The weights of the individual lambs were recorded every 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were slaughtered and the weights of the hot carcasses and non-meat components were registered. In addition, an analysis of the fatty acid composition was carried out in the muscles (Longissimus thoracis). The total weight gain and average daily gain displayed significant differences (p < 0.05). Initial and final bodyweights, such as the dry matter intake, did not display differences. The fatty acid profile of the meat tended to decrease the SFA (stearic acid) and increase MUFA (oleic acid) (p < 0.0001) when chia seeds were added to the lamb diets. In conclusion, chia seed supplementation did not increase meat production or other biometric parameters; however, it modified the fatty acid profile in L. thoracis.

Effect of SOD-Rich Melon Supplement on Performance, Serum Biochemical, Antioxidant and Meat Quality Characteristics of Tuj Lambs

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of SOD (superoxide dismutase)-rich melon feed supplement on some performance parameters, serum biochemical and antioxidant indexes, and meat quality characteristics of weaned Tuj lambs. An independent measures design (between groups) was used to determine these effects of treatment. After one week of the adaptation period, twenty-four weaned lambs at the age of 60 ± 5.0 days with a body weight of 23.14 ± 0.5 kg were divided into two groups, i.e., the control group (CON) fed basal diet and experimental group (EXP) fed with basal diet + SOD-rich melon (n = 12 per group). The results revealed a decrement in the (p &lt; 0.05) feed efficiency ratio (5.88 ± 0.40 vs. 6.59 ± 0.86 kg weight gain/kg feed) and higher carcass yield (61.76 ± 0.80 vs. 60.11 ± 1.07%) in the EXP group as compared to the CON group. Additionally, the EXP group showed a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) in serum glucose and high-density lipoprotein levels, while there was a reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels when compared to the CON group. The serum malondialdehyde was lowered (5.53 ± 0.47 vs. 5.98 ± 0.79 mmol/L) significantly (p &lt; 0.05), while glutathione concentration was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the EXP group (17.82 ± 1.51 mmol/L) when compared to the CON group (16.54 ± 1.59 mmol/L). The cooking loss was also significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower in the EXP group when compared to the CON group. In conclusion, the results indicate that SOD-rich melon supplement (30 g/ton of the concentrate feed) can considerably improve carcass yield, some serum biochemical parameters, and meat quality characteristics in Tuj lambs. Thus, the supplementation of lamb diets with a SOD-rich melon additive may be used as an effective nutritional approach to improve their performance and health.

Processing methods of flint corn and protein supplement in forage-free diets for feedlot lambs.

Diets without forage increase the productivity in less time and favor greater practicality and better quality carcass. The corn grain is mostly used associated with pellets but processing these ingredients can bring benefits. The present study evaluated the effect of diets without forage based on whole or coarse ground corn associated with pelleted or ground protein supplement on performance, eating behavior, carcass characteristics, and ruminal morphology of feedlot lambs. Thirty-five Dorper × Santa Inês lambs were used, with 23.85 ± 3.88 kg of initial body weight and 88 ± 9 days old. The experimental design was in a randomized complete block, defined by body weight and age. The experimental diets were control (CONT), containing 90% of concentrate and 10% of forage (coastcross hay), and 4 diets without forage: WC+P, 70% whole flint corn and 30% pelleted protein supplement; WC+G, 70% whole flint corn and 30% ground protein supplement; GC+P, 70% ground flint corn and 30% pelleted protein supplement; and GC+G, 70% ground flint corn and 30% ground protein supplement. There was an interaction between treatments and experimental periods for DMI in kg/day (P = 0.01) and g/kg of BW0.75 (P < 0.01; Table 3). For the DMI in kg/day, no significant differences were observed between the treatments in any of the experimental periods. However, for DMI expressed in g/kg of BW0.75, the animals fed WC+P had lower DMI than the animals on the CONT (P < 0.01) only in the first period. The ADG, FBW, and FE were not affected by the treatments. Compared to CONT, forage-free diets decreased ingestion time (min/day) and rumination and chewing (min/day and min/g of dry matter). There was no effect of treatments for any of the carcass traits evaluated. The diets did not cause lesions suggestive of ruminitis. Forage-free diets containing whole or ground corn associated with pelleted or ground protein supplement can be used successfully for feedlot lambs; they provide proper performance and carcass characteristics, without harming the animal's health.

Olive leaves as alternative feed for finishing lambs: evaluation of feed intake, nutrients digestibility, growth performance, and carcase quality

This research aims to evaluate how incorporating sun-dried olive leaves (OL) in the diets of Awassi lambs affects production costs, intake and nutrients digestibility, growth performance, and carcase quality. Thirty-six newly weaned male lambs were randomly allocated to one of three diet groups as dry matter (DM) in diets: 1) the control diet (CON), 2) 50 OL g/kg (OL50), and 3) 100 OL g/kg (OL100). On the 50th day, four lambs were randomly selected from each treatment and transported to metabolic cages to evaluate digestibility and N balance. The DM intake was higher (p = .003) in the OL50 and OL100 diets than those on the CON diet. At the same time, the ether extract and metabolisable energy intakes were the highest (p < .0001) in OL100, followed by OL50 and the CON diet. Intake of neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre for lambs fed the OL50 diet surpassed (p < .0001) the other diets. The growth performance parameters were comparable among diets. However, the cost of gain was lower (p = .03) in diets containing OL. The OL incorporation had no treatment effect (p > .05) on the digestibility, N retention, carcase characteristics and meat quality. In conclusion, while the addition of OL at 50 g/kg and 100 g/kg did not affect the growth performance and characteristics of carcase, it did decrease the cost of production, making it a good candidate to replace part of the wheat straw in diets of growing lambs. Highlights Olive leaves percentage substitution of wheat straw improved the nutrients intake in Awassi lambs fed commercial diets. Olive leaves incorporation decreased both the cost of the diet and the cost per kg of gain in Awassi lambs. Olive leaves inclusion did not have a negative effect on digestibility and N Balance, carcase characteristics and meat quality.

Silages of agro-industrial by-products in lamb diets – Effect on growth performance, carcass, meat quality and in vitro methane emissions

The use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feed is an opportunity to reduce imports, food waste and promote a clean and circular economy, turning worthless raw materials into high-quality and low-cost animal feeds, which does not compete with human food. This study aims to produce silages with by-products of carrot, sweet potato, potato, and tomato pomace and integrate them in lamb diets, replacing 50% of dry matter (DM) of a concentrate-based diet. Effects on growth performance, meat quality and methane production were evaluated. Three silages were produced using 350 g/kg tomato pomace, 200 g/kg wheat bran, 150 g/kg alfalfa hay and 300 g/kg potato (Psil) or 300 g/kg sweet potato (SPsil) or 300 g/kg carrot (Csil). Thirty-two lambs were housed individually and divided into four groups (8 animals/group) on the following diets: Control - 850 g/kg concentrate and 150 g/kg hay; P - 500 g/kg concentrate and 500 g/kg Psil in DM; SP – 500 g/kg concentrate and 500 g/kg SPsil in DM; C – 500 g/kg concentrate and 500 g/kg Csil in DM. The trial lasted 6 weeks after 1 week of adaptation. Methane production was assessed in vitro by the Ankom system, using as inoculum rumen content samples collected individually from 6 lambs on each diet at slaughter. Diet had no effect on DM intake, average daily gain and DM conversion ratio, averaging 1055 ± 248 g, 320 ± 61.1 g and 3.35 ± 0.600, respectively. Also, carcass characteristics were not affected by the diet except for the lightness of subcutaneous fat which was increased by the silage diets (L* value, P = 0.016). The meat parameters, pH, intramuscular fat, shear force, cooking losses and sensory attributes, were not affected by the diet. In meat color, the parameters a* and Chroma were highest in animals fed diet C, have an intermediate value with Control diet and are lowest with diets P and SP (P = 0.027 and P = 0.012, respectively). Diets had no impact on total methane emissions. The costs of the silage diets per kg live weight gain were lower than those of Control diet (P = 0.018). In summary, by-product silage can be a good option to replace concentrated feed in lamb diets without altering the growth performance and meat quality or methane production and thus contributing to the sustainability of livestock farms and the environment.

Intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and performance in lamb fed spineless cactus silage associated with forages adapted to the semiarid environment Spineless cactus silages in diets for lambs

The study aimed to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance and productive performance in lamb fed spineless cactus silage associated with forages adapted to the semiarid environment. Forty intact crossbred lambs, with an average body weight of 22.65 ± 1.01 kg, were distributed in a completely randomised design with five treatments (diets based on: spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + buffelgrass silage (SCBS), spineless cactus + gliricidia silage (SCGS), spineless cactus + pornunça silage (SCPS) and corn silage (CS; witness) and eight animals per treatment. Intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and performance of animals were evaluated. The SCGS diet showed higher intake of dry matter and organic matter (P<0.05). The SCGS and SCPS diets showed the highest crude protein intake (P = 0.005). Lower intake of ether extract was found in animals receiving diets containing SCS and SCBS (P = 0.001). SCBS and SCGS provided a higher intake of neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.015). SCS and SCGS diets displayed a higher intake of non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.003). SCGS diets displayed the highest total digestible nutrients intake (P = 0.001). SCPS diet showed lower digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein (P<0.05). SCGS diet showed a lower digestibility coefficient for ether extract (P = 0.009). SCPS diet showed lower digestibility coefficients for neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.022). SCS and SCPS diets showed lower digestibility coefficients for non-fiber carbohydrates (P = 0.011). The CS promoted lower results for intake (P = 0.003), absorbed (P = 0.003) and balance (P = 0.012) for nitrogen. SCPS diet promoted higher excretion of nitrogen via faeces (P = 0.001) and less excretion of nitrogen via urine (P = 0.033). SCGS diet provided a higher final weight (P = 0.006). SCS and SCGS diets provided more significant body weight gain (P = 0.001). Combining spineless cactus with a roughage base allowed weight gains over 200 g/day, proving to be efficient in diets for feedlot lamb and gains similar or superior to corn-based diets.

Carcass traits, commercial cuts, and edible non-carcass components of lambs fed a blend of residue from the candy industry and corn gluten feed by replacing ground corn

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of a blend of the residue from the candy industry (RCI) and corn gluten feed (CGF) (RCI:CGF blend; ratio 613:387 g/kg dry matter [DM]) as a substitute for ground corn in the diet of lambs on carcass traits, carcass gains, commercial cuts, and edible non-carcass components. Forty non-castrated male Santa Inês lambs were used: baseline group (n = 4), and experimental group (n = 36). The experimental group was used in a completely randomized design with four levels of inclusion of the RCI:CGF blend: 0, 116, 233, and 353 (g/kg DM) as a substitute of ground corn grain. The RCI:CGF blend was formulated to have CP, and non-fibrous carbohydrates similar to corn grain. Animals in the baseline group were slaughtered at the beginning of the experimental period to estimate the initial carcass weight (iCW), predict the carcass gain and carcass gain yield, and biological efficiency. The experimental group was slaughtered at the end of the trial (77 days). Visceral (heart, liver, and rumen) weights (absolute and relative) increased (P < 0.05). However, carcass yields (hot and cold), carcass gain yield, and perirenal fat decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of the blend. Slaughter and empty body weight, carcass (hot and cold) weight, fat deposition (mesenteric, omental, inguinal, and pelvic), pH and temperature final, commercial carcass cuts weight and yields, morphometric measurements, or subjective evaluations of the carcass (conformation and finishing), leg tissue composition carcass gains, visceral mass (exception heart, liver, and rumen) weight and yields of edible non-carcass components, enteric CH4 estimation were not affected by treatment. It was concluded that the blend of the residue from the candy industry and corn gluten feed in the ratio of 613:387 g/kg DM can replace ground corn up to 35% DM in the diet of the lambs, without affecting carcass weights or other attributes that confers carcass or meat quality, and enteric methane production. The main effect of the blend was the increase of visceral mass of the heart, liver, and rumen. Additionally, it adds value to non-carcass edible products, increasing the sustainability of the system.