Effect of Age on Feed Utilization by Bengal Sheep

Twenty male native sheep of four different age groups (6 to 8, 12 to14, 18 to 20 and 24 to 28 months) were housed individually and fed on green grass (Setaria splendida) supplemented with a concentrate mixture @ 1.5% of live weight. The roughage DM intake in different age groups was similar, however, value on metabolic body weight basis decreased significantly (P<0.01) with the increase in age of sheep. No definite trend was found in nutrient digestibility among the different age groups of sheep. The total N intake (10.58, 12.32, 13.87 and 15.00 g/d, respectively) or urinary N excretion (2.93, 3.72. 4.91 and 5.17 g/d, respectively) increased (P<0.01) with the advancement of age of sheep from 6–8 to 24–28 months. The N balance (g/d) per sheep was similar among groups. The FCR was higher in younger groups than that of the other age groups (FCR, 14.04, 15.32, 19.90 and 18.00, respectively). In view of higher (8.73%) weight gain and feed efficiency in younger group (6–8 months), it was concluded that 6- 8 months old sheep may be used for lean mutton production.