Department of Animal Nutrition, Rajasthan Agriculture University, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner334001, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
Twentyfour weaned male Magra lambs (4 m; 10-16 kg) were divided into 4 equal groups and fed untreated protein (T1), protected protein (T2), protected protein supplemented with urea (T3) and untreated protein supplemented with urea (T4) to study their growth at the market age of 10 m (stage-I) and the adult age of 16 tn (stage-Il). Feed consumption and palatability increased significantly (P < 0.05) in T2 as compared to other treatments at Stage-I. The average body weight of Iambs in T3 was significantly higher than those observed in other treatment groups at stage-II. Height and girth measurements were significantly more in T3 than other treatment groups at both the stages. The growth rate was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in T3 than other treatments at both stages. Feed efficiency regarding body weight and wool production were also higher for T3 at both the stages of growth. The results indicated that feeding of formaldehyde treated protein alongwith urea supplementation to provide one third N was beneficial for growth and general performance of lambs.
