Concentrate Feed Supplementation During Late Gestation and Lactation in Madras Red Sheep

A study was undertaken to assess birth weight, milk intake and growth performance of Madras Red sheep maintained on grazing alone (G-1) and supplemented graded levels of concentrate feed (10 and 20% of dry matter requirements) during late gestation (last 42 days) and lactation (up to 60 days) in G-2 and G-3 groups. Lambs were fed concentrate feed @ 10 and 20% of their DM requirements up to 120 days in G2 and G3 groups respectively. Body weight gains in ewes during late gestation were 1.39±0.24, 1.43±0.03 and 1.66±0.17 kg in G-1, G-2 and G-3 groups, respectively. Birth weight of lambs in G-2 (2.77kg) and G-3 (2.83kg) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than G-1 (2.60kg) group. Milk intake of lambs in G-2 and G-3 groups were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to G-1 group. It was inferred that supplementation of concentrate feed to adult sheep @ 20% of dry matter requirements during late gestation and lactation not only improves the body weight of ewes but also increases the birth weight and the milk intake and subsequent body weight of lambs.