Effect of Roughage to Concentrate Ratio on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Local Lambs in the United Arab Emirates PDF

Keywords

lambs, roughage, feed

Abstract

Sixteen local ram lambs (18 ± 1.25 kg live weight) were divided randomly into four equal groups. Each group was offered ad libitum one of the following roughage: concentrate (R:C) ratios 100:0; 60:40; 40:60; and 20:80. Two lambs from each group were slaughtered after 3 months of feeding and the other two at the end of the trial (after 4 months). Average daily gain (P<0.0001), dry matter intake (P < 0.0249) and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0004) were significantly affected by R:C ratio. Lambs receiving 60 or 80% concentrate consumed more feed, gained more weight, and converted feed more efficiently compared to the other two groups. The group fed no concentrate (100% R) gave the poorest performance. Slaughter weight (SW) (P < 0.05), hot carcass weight (HCW) (P < 0.006), and dressing percentage (DP) (P < 0.002) were significantly influenced by R:C ratio. Groups that received 60 or 80% C had the highest SW, HCW and DP. Performance of lambs on 100% R was the poorest. Roughage: concentrate ratio had no significant effect on carcass traits or composition, except percent bone in the ribs cut (P < 0.03) was lower in animals fed 60 or 80% C (by 37 and 37.5%, respectively) compared to the group fed 100% R. Inclusion of concentrates improved significantly feedlot gain, feed conversion efficiency and carcass characteristics of local lambs. There was no advantage to extending the feeding period after three months.