Authors : A. Ruiz Nuno , J.J. Uribe Gomez , .R. Orozco Hernandez and V.O. Fuentes Hernandez
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to evaluate 3 protein levels (14, 16 and 18%) in the diet of fattening Dorper and Pelibuey. For this aim 24 weaned male lambs of 2 breeds (12 Dorper and 12 Pelibuey) averaging 18 kg of body weight and 3 month of age. Animals were individually lodged with water ad libitum in a 70 days trial. Feed intake, body gain and carcass were evaluated and the resulting data were submitted to ANOVA. Daily intake and Average Daily Gain (ADG) were similar among breeds (p>0.05), a slight increased on ADG was observed with high protein in the diet (p>0.05). Carcass yield (kg and %) and back fat was higher in the Doper lambs (p<0.05), but similar between the different protein levels (p>0.05). Chops were unaffected by the breed (p>0.05), however protein levels increased their diameter (p<0.05), no interaction was detected on the parameter. In conclusion, protein level has a minor effect on lamb performance in wool and hair sheep.
A. Ruiz Nuno , J.J. Uribe Gomez , .R. Orozco Hernandez and V.O. Fuentes Hernandez , 2009. The Effect of Different Protein Concentrations in the Diet of Fattening Dorper and Pelibuey Lambs. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 1049-1051.