Effect of Unconventional Creep Feed on Growth and Economics in Early Weaned Nellore Ram Lambs

Eighteen early weaned Nellore ram lambs of about 2months age were randomly divided into three groups of six each based on their body weight and assigned to three treatment rations. The animals were fed with sole conventional creep mixture (R-I), creep mixture + berseem hay (R-II) and unconventional (sorghum straw based) creep mixture (70C:30R) (R-III) during the first month and sorghum straw based complete ration (50:50) to all the three treatment groups for remaining four months experimental period. The weight gain (kg) and average daily gain (g) were non significantly different among the lambs fed different creep rations. The FCR was significantly (P<0.01) higher by 9.17 and 19.98 per cent in ram lambs fed R-I and R-II rations, respectively in comparison to lambs fed R-III ration (unconventional creep). The cost (Rs.)/kg live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) lower by 14.60 and 16.56 per cent in lambs fed R-I and R-III rations, respectively in comparison to those fed R-II ration. The DCP intake (g/d or g/kg w^0.75) was significantly (P<0.05) higher by 11.91, 18.75 and 13.90 and 15.14 per cent in ram lambs fed R-I ration in comparison to those fed R-II and R-III rations, respectively. TDN (g/d) and ME (MJ/d) intake in early weaned ram lambs fed R-I, R-II and R-III rations were comparable among the creep rations. It is concluded that, the unconventional creep mixture feeding had no effect on growth and feed efficiency in early weaned Nellore ram lambs.