Effect of concentrate and urea molasses mineral block supplementation on the blood biochemistry of off season Mecheri lambs^#

A study was undertaken to assess the blood biochemical parameters of off season Mecheri male lambs, under concentrate and urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) supplementation. In the growth trial, 24 lambs in three groups of eight lambs each were reared under grazing for a period of 180 days; T₁ -Grazing alone, T₂-Grazing + concentrate supplementation, T₃-Grazing + UMMB supplementation. Blood samples were collected at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of experiment. Serum protein increased (P < 0.05) in supplemented groups whereas, serum albumin increased significantly (P < 0.05) only in concentrate supplemented group (T₂). Serum calcium (P < 0.01) and phosphorus (P < 0.05) values were higher in supplemented groups Concentrate supplemented group had higher (P < 0.05) serum cholesterol than unsupplemented group. UMMB supplemented group had significantly (P < 0.01) higher BUN values than the unsupplemented group. It was concluded that blood biochemical parameters of off season Mecheri lambs were influenced by supplementation.