Authors : Sayed-Majid Hosseini , Sayed-Mostafa Akbary , Naser Maheri-Sis and Afshar Mirzaei Aghsaghali
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 3 experimental treatment including different metabolizable energy levels (T1 = 2.34, T2 = 2.47 and T3 = 2.6 Mcal kg 1 DM) on performance and carcass characteristics of Iranian native sheep (Bahmaei). At the beginning of the experimental period the body weight of lambs on average was 26�1.7 kg and 90 days of age. Forty-eight Bahmaei male lambs were randomly distributed into 3 dietary treatments with 4 replicates based on completely randomized design. Total experimental period was 90 days. Average Daily Gain (ADG), Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), live weights at slaughter, cold carcass weights and body fat weight (abdominal fat + tallow) were recorded during experimental period and after slaughtering. Metabolizable energy levels did influence the all of above mentioned parameters. The ADG in treatment 3 (T3) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of treatment 1 and 2 (T1 and T2). The ADFI in T1 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of T2 and T3. Carcasses from the T2 and T3 diet lambs were similar and higher than that T1 diet. Live weight at slaughter and cold carcasses weight in T3 was significantly higher than that of T1 (p<0.05) while, T2 was similar to T1 and T3. The body fat weight were significantly (p<0.05) higher for carcasses from T3 diet lambs compared with those from T1 and T2. This study indicated that ADG, FCR, live weights at slaughter, cold carcass weights and body fat weight (abdominal fat + tallow) were altered by different energy levels and under intensive feeding, the Bahmaei male lambs were produced desirable carcass and ADG using T3 diet.
Sayed-Majid Hosseini , Sayed-Mostafa Akbary , Naser Maheri-Sis and Afshar Mirzaei Aghsaghali , 2008. Effect of Different Energy Levels of Diet on Feed Efficiency, Growth Rate and Carcass Characteristics of Fattening Bahmaei Lambs. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 1551-1554.