Growth and Wool Production in Grazing And Stall Fed Marwari Weaner Lambs

Eighteen male Marwari lambs, of 3½ months age, were divided into three equal groups. Group-1 was fed a pelleted complete feed consisting of 45% barley, 45% ground moth (Phaseolus aconitifolius) bay, 2% mineral mixture, 1% common salt and 7% molasses. Group D lambs were fed a similar diet in which barley was completely replaced with jowar (Sorghum vulgare). Group III lambs were grazed on natural pasture for 8 b/day and supplemented additionally with 350 g concentrate/head/day. The initial body weights in the three groups were 18.0±0.56 kg, 17.8±0.78 kg and 16.9±0.72 kg and the growth rate (b value) for groups I, II and III were 71, 76 and 98 g/day respectively. There was no difference in the nutrient intakes, and digestibility greasy fleece production and fibre parameters of wool in the three groups. The intakes of DCP and TDN in the three groups were 47.1±3.2, 42.0±5.6 and 54.1±6.8 g and 429.8±32.1, 410.6±41.3 and 495.2±65.2 g respectively. Cheaper jo war grains can be fed to growing Iambs in place of harley without affecting their performance. Marwari Iambs performed better on grazing plus supplementation feeding than on moth hay based diet.