MOMANI S. M., AGIL G., SADA I.
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate growth ability and carcass value
of ram-lambs of Charollais breed raised in intensive feeding at two levels of
nutrition.
Weaned Charollais lambs were divided into two groups (control and experimental) with 6 individuals in each. At the beginning of the study, the average age of ram-lambs in the control group was 77 days and their average live weight was 27.87 kg. The respective values for experimental group were 79 days and 29.83 kg. Feed ration for ram-lambs in the control group consisted of good quality hay, salt lick and free choice of water. The lambs received as well a daily allowance of 400 g per head and day of concentrate mixture. In the experimental group, the ram-lambs were on the same diet as those of the control group, receiving additional 800 gper head and day of concentrate mixture.
In the experimental group, total weight gain of ram-lambs was 15.53 kg during the study, while the average daily gain was 305 g. In the control group, the respective values were 11.83 kg and 232 g. Difference between the groups was thus significant. The highest dressing percentage in warm and could condition (49.24 % and 48.53 %) was found out within ram-lambs of the experimental group. Respective values for the ram-lamb of the control group were lower (45.35 % a 44.15 %). The difference between the groups was significant (P <0.05).
Key Words:
sheep, male-lambs, Charollais, fattening performance, carcass value