Study of starters for early weaned lambs of dairy breeds

• Published in: Zhivotnovŭdni nauki Vol. 47; pp. 84 - 95
• Main Authors: Simeonov, M., Institute of Forage Crops, Pavlikeni (Bulgaria), Todorov, N., Thracian University, Stara Zagora (Bulgaria), Krachunov, I., Institute of Forage Crops, Pleven (Bulgaria), Ribarski, S., Thracian University, Stara Zagora (Bulgaria)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Bulgarian
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: AGNEAU; ALIMENT COMPOSE POUR ANIMAUX; BREBIS; COMPOUND FEEDS; CONCENTRADOS DE PROTEINA; CONCENTRE DE PROTEINE; CONSOMMATION ALIMENTAIRE (ANIMAUX); CONSUMO DE PIENSOS; CORDERO; DESTETE; EWES; FEED CONSUMPTION; GAIN DE POIDS; GANANCIA DE PESO; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_15291; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_15998; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_16124; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_1796; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_2746; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_4163; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_6250; http://www.fao.org/aos/agrovoc#c_8350; LAMBS; MILK YIELD; OVEJA; PIENSOS COMPUESTOS; PROTEIN CONCENTRATES; RENDEMENT LAITIER; RENDIMIENTO LECHERO; SEVRAGE; WEANING; WEIGHT GAIN
• ISSN: 0514-7441

The objective of the study was to compare the effects of starter mixture for early weaned lambs sold on the Bulgarian market with whole maze grain plus pelleted protein concentrate PPC. Experiment has carried out for 53 day, with two groups of 23 lambs of Pleven Black head breed, weaned at 26 days age, and weaning live weight 10.5 kg. Groups are equalized by lambing date, live weight at birth and at weaning beginning of the experiment, sex and type of birth of lambs. Weaning was done gradually, and the last 7 days the lambs were deprived of half of there mother milk. Both groups of lambs have received a pea hay and concentrated feed. In the first group concentrated feed consisted of equal parts of whole maize grain and PPC. The second group was feeding a bulk starter mixture. The average daily gain in lambs fed grain and PPC is 297 g, and that fed starter mixture 211 g/day - P0.05. The intake of grain and the PPC was significantly higher than the starter mixture, which is the main reason for the different intensity of growth. The value of feedstuffs needed to produce 1 kg of live weight is 23% and 1 kg of carcass by 31% lower in lambs fed grain and PPC in comparison with starter mixture. No significant differences in the expenses of feed units for growth - FUG, crude protein - CP, protein truly digestible in small intestine PDI per 1 kg of gain exist between the two groups. Early weaning dive possibilities to milking 30 - 40 kg more milk per ewe, compare to traditional weaning at 70- 75 days. The stress of weaning was less when lambs are feed by PPC and grain. Crucial for early weaning is quantity of dry feed intake. This experiment proved that the combination of tested pelleted protein concentrate and whole maize grain is very suitable for early weaning and intensive fattening of lambs.